Vietnamese Folklore: Enduring Identity and Values

A Treasure Trove of Mystical Fairy Tales

Vietnamese fairy tales constitute a vast repository, reflecting the dreams and aspirations of the people for a better life. From stories about the origins of different regions to tales of love, courage, and intelligence, they carry profound lessons on morality and lifestyle. Familiar characters like Tam and Cam, Thach Sanh, and the legend of Hoan Kiem Lake have become an integral part of the childhood memories of generations of Vietnamese people.

Proverbs and Folk Songs: The Voice of the Nation

Proverbs and folk songs are concise and succinct poems and sayings that express the spirit, emotions, and life experiences of the Vietnamese people. Folk songs about love, family, and the country’s nature have become valuable lessons about human relationships and morality. Proverbs, on the other hand, are life lessons accumulated over generations, reflecting the nation’s philosophy of life.

Traditional Festivals: The Essence of Culture

Traditional festivals are distinctive cultural activities, demonstrating the close bond between people and nature and the community. From spring festivals and rain-praying festivals to festivals commemorating national heroes, each festival is imbued with the cultural identity of different regions. Each festival has unique rituals, games, and cuisine, creating a diverse and rich cultural landscape.

Intangible Cultural Heritage: Precious Heritage to Preserve

Intangible cultural heritage in Vietnam is extremely diverse and rich, including traditional art forms such as water puppetry, quan ho singing, and ca tru. These are invaluable cultural assets that need to be preserved and promoted for future generations. Preserving intangible cultural heritage is not only about protecting the nation’s cultural identity but also contributing to enriching the world’s cultural heritage.

Vietnamese folklore is an indispensable part of Vietnamese cultural identity. Studying, preserving, and promoting these cultural values is the responsibility of every Vietnamese citizen, to preserve and develop this precious heritage for future generations.