Vietnamese Folklore: A Precious Heritage to Preserve

Overview of Vietnamese Folklore

Vietnamese folklore is a priceless treasure trove, reflecting the history, soul, and intellect of the nation. It encompasses a rich variety of genres, including legends, fairy tales, proverbs, folk songs, folk stories, folk music, folk dance, and folk performing arts. Each genre carries its unique values, contributing to the vibrant cultural landscape of Vietnam.

Legends: Mythological Historical Tales

Legends recount historical events, embellished with fantastical and mythological elements, reflecting the aspirations and dreams of the people. Stories about the origins of villages, rivers, and heroes all contain valuable lessons about courage, integrity, and patriotism.

Example: The Legend of Son Tinh and Thuy Tinh

The legend of Son Tinh and Thuy Tinh is one of the most famous, explaining the annual flooding in the Red River Delta and demonstrating the power of nature and humanity’s desire to conquer it.

Fairy Tales: Dreams and Life Lessons

Fairy tales are stories about human life, often with imaginary and magical elements, carrying high educational value. Through fairy tales, people learn lessons about morality, compassion, justice, etc.

Example: Tam and Cam, Thach Sanh

Fairy tales like Tam and Cam, Thach Sanh have become an integral part of the spiritual life of the Vietnamese people, teaching about good and evil, justice, and the triumph of righteousness.

Proverbs and Folk Songs: The Subtlety of Language

Proverbs and folk songs are short, concise sayings that express the life experiences and philosophies of the people. They are often used in daily communication, enriching the Vietnamese language.

Example: “Ăn quả nhớ kẻ trồng cây” (He who eats the fruit should remember the one who planted the tree), “Một cây làm chẳng nên non/ Ba cây chụm lại nên hòn núi cao” (One tree doesn’t make a forest/Three trees together make a mountain high)

These proverbs and folk songs have become profound moral lessons, passed down through generations.

Preservation and Promotion of Folklore

Preserving and promoting folklore is the responsibility of every Vietnamese citizen. We need to actively learn and pass on to future generations the precious values of folklore. Organizing cultural and artistic activities, folklore classes, etc., will help folklore continue to develop and endure.