Exploring the Beauty of Vietnamese Folklore

The Richness of Vietnamese Folklore

Vietnamese folklore is a priceless treasure, preserving the spiritual values, ethics, and philosophies of the Vietnamese people through generations. From fairy tales and mysterious legends to folk songs and proverbs imbued with human affection, all reflect a vivid picture of the life, soul, and intellect of the Vietnamese people.

Legends and Fairy Tales: Origins and Meanings

Legends often tell of historical events, heroic figures, and mysterious natural phenomena, explaining the origin and existence of things and events. Examples include the legend of Son Tinh and Thuy Tinh, or the legend of Hoan Kiem Lake. Fairy tales, with familiar characters such as fairies, brave young men, and wicked witches, reflect the dreams, aspirations, and moral lessons of people. These stories not only entertain but also educate and shape the character of the younger generation.

Folk Songs, Proverbs, and Folk Music: The Face of the National Soul

Folk songs (Ca dao) are short lyrical poems expressing the feelings, thoughts, and perspectives of the people. From love between couples to family and national feelings, folk songs are expressed deeply and sincerely. Proverbs (Tục ngữ) are short, concise sayings that summarize life experiences and philosophies of the folk. We can learn a lot from familiar proverbs such as “Ăn quả nhớ kẻ trồng cây” (Remember the one who planted the tree when you eat the fruit), “Lá lành đùm lá rách” (The healthy leaves protect the damaged ones).

Folk music (Dân ca), with its melodious melodies and heartfelt lyrics, reflects the life, customs and traditions of each region, carrying a strong local cultural identity.

Preserving and Developing Folklore

In the present era, preserving and developing folklore is extremely important. We need to have proactive measures to preserve and promote these precious cultural values to the younger generation, while combining them with modern trends to create new and more attractive folklore products. Organizing festivals, folk art performances, or integrating folklore into education are practical solutions to achieve this goal.

The Importance of Folklore in Modern Society

Folklore is not only a historical heritage but also an endless source of inspiration for art and creativity. It contributes to building national cultural identity and contributes to socio-economic development. Understanding and appreciating folklore gives us a deeper understanding of history, people, and the country.