Vietnamese Folklore: Origins and Values

Origins and Formation

Vietnamese folklore is an invaluable treasure trove accumulated over thousands of years, reflecting the spiritual, material, and philosophical life of the Vietnamese people. It’s not merely stories, songs, and dances, but a whole system of values, beliefs, customs, and traditions passed down through generations. From legends about the origins of the nation like Lac Long Quan and Au Co, to fairy tales about good and evil, tender and profound folk songs, and concise and insightful proverbs, all contribute to the diverse and rich tapestry of Vietnamese folklore.

Main Categories

Legends

Legends often tell about historical figures and real events, embellished with fantastical and mythological elements. These stories not only explain the origins of things and phenomena, but also express people’s aspirations and dreams of a better life. Examples include the legend of Son Tinh and Thuy Tinh, or the legend about the formation of the Red River.

Fairy Tales

Fairy tales are stories about imaginary characters, often with supernatural and magical elements. They are highly educational, teaching people about morality, kindness, and justice. Positive characters usually triumph over evil, and goodness is always emphasized. Examples include Tam Cam, Thach Sanh, or So Dua.

Folk Songs and Proverbs

Folk songs and proverbs are concise and insightful folk art creations reflecting the life experiences, emotions, and thoughts of the people. Folk songs are often lyrical, expressing love for one’s homeland, family affection, and romantic love. Proverbs are philosophical, summarizing valuable life experiences. For example: “A father’s love is like Mount Thai Son,” “Remember those who planted the tree when you eat the fruit,” or “Failure is the mother of success.”

The Value of Folklore

Vietnamese folklore holds immense value historically, culturally, and socially:

• Preserving and promoting national cultural identity: Folklore is an indispensable part of Vietnamese cultural identity, helping us better understand Vietnamese history, traditions, and people.
• Moral and lifestyle education: Many fairy tales, folk songs, and proverbs are highly educational, teaching people about morality, lifestyles, and love.
• Source of creative inspiration: Folklore is an endless source of inspiration for artists, writers, and musicians to create unique works of art.
• Attracting tourists: Folklore is one of the attractions drawing tourists to Vietnam.

Preserving and promoting folklore is the responsibility of every Vietnamese citizen. We need to actively learn and pass on these precious values to future generations.