Exploring the Beauty of Vietnamese Folklore

Origins and Significance

Vietnamese folklore is a priceless treasure, preserving the spiritual values, morality, and life experiences of the nation over thousands of years of history. From fairy tales, legends, proverbs, folk songs, to folk art forms such as water puppetry, Quan Ho singing, and Don Ca Tai Tu, all reflect a vivid picture of the spiritual, social, and natural life of the Vietnamese people.

Legends often tell about the origins of objects, natural phenomena, or historical figures and national heroes. Examples include the legends of Son Tinh and Thuy Tinh, or the legend of Hoan Kiem Lake. Fairy tales are educational and morally instructive, often featuring magical elements and clear-cut good and evil characters. Fairy tales like Tam Cam and Thach Sanh have become an integral part of the childhood of many generations of Vietnamese people.

Diversity and Richness

Vietnamese folklore is not only diverse in its forms but also rich in content and presentation. Each region has its own unique features, creating diversity and appeal. For example, the folklore of the Red River Delta differs from that of the Central Highlands or coastal regions. This difference is reflected in folk songs, proverbs, festivals, costumes, and cuisine.

Folk songs and proverbs:

Folk songs are short poems, often lyrical, expressing people’s feelings and thoughts about love, homeland, family, etc. Proverbs are short, concise sayings that summarize life experiences and the philosophy of life of the people.

Traditional festivals:

Traditional festivals are community cultural activities, often associated with beliefs, religions, and history. Festivals not only have religious significance but are also opportunities for people to meet, interact, and demonstrate community spirit.

Role and Significance in the Modern Era

In the context of globalization, preserving and promoting the values of Vietnamese folklore is extremely important. Folklore is not only a precious part of the nation’s cultural heritage but also an endless source of inspiration for artistic creation, tourism, and education. Studying, preserving, and promoting the value of folklore helps preserve the nation’s cultural identity, educate the younger generation about good traditions, and contribute to building a civilized society rich in cultural identity.

Preserving folklore requires the concerted efforts of the entire community, from government agencies and researchers to artists and individuals. Organizing activities to promote and introduce folklore to the public, especially young people, is essential.