Vietnamese Folklore: Origins and Vitality

Overview of Vietnamese Folklore

Vietnamese folklore is a vast treasure trove reflecting the history, soul, and intellect of the nation over thousands of years. It encompasses diverse forms, from captivating fairy tales and legends to profound folk songs and proverbs, vibrant festivals, and unique forms of folk art. This is not only a precious intangible cultural heritage but also an endless source of inspiration for art, literature, and modern life.

Legends and Fairy Tales: Stories of Origins

Legends often tell of historical events and figures, embellished with fantastical elements, creating a unique appeal. For example, the legend of Son Tinh and Thuy Tinh explains the phenomenon of floods, reflecting the Vietnamese people’s desire to conquer nature. Fairy tales focus on imaginary characters and intricate situations, carrying high educational value and helping to build children’s character. Stories like Tam Cam and Thach Sanh are prime examples.

Folk Songs and Proverbs: The Voice of the Soul

Folk songs (Ca dao) are short, simple poems expressing the feelings, worldview, and aspirations of the working people. The content of folk songs is diverse, ranging from love, family affection to sentiments about homeland and country. Proverbs (Tục ngữ) are concise, meaningful sayings summarizing life experiences and reflecting folk wisdom. We can find in proverbs lessons on morality, behavior, and agricultural production.

Festivals: Special Cultural Events

Festivals are an integral part of Vietnamese folklore. Each festival is often associated with a legend, a historical event, or a deity. Through festivals, people express their gratitude to their ancestors and pray for good harvests and favorable weather. Famous festivals such as the Gióng Festival, Lim Festival, and Buffalo Fighting Festival attract numerous domestic and international tourists.

Folk Art: Continuous Creativity

Vietnamese folk art is incredibly rich and diverse, expressed through various forms such as Dong Ho folk paintings, Hang Trong paintings, Bat Trang ceramics, and embroidery. Each art form has its own unique characteristics, reflecting the spiritual life and aesthetics of the people.

Preservation and Promotion of Folklore

Preserving and promoting folklore is the responsibility of every Vietnamese citizen. We need proactive measures to preserve and pass on these precious cultural values to future generations. Incorporating folklore into schools and organizing promotional activities are essential.