Vietnamese Folklore: A Precious Heritage

Overview of Vietnamese Folklore

Vietnamese folklore is a rich and diverse treasure trove, reflecting the history, soul, and intellect of the Vietnamese people through generations. It encompasses various forms of folk art such as: legends, fairy tales, proverbs, folk songs, traditional music, water puppetry, folk games and many other forms of cultural expression. This richness can be seen throughout the different regions of the country, each region possessing its own unique characteristics.

Legends and Fairy Tales: Stories of History and Life

Legends often tell of historical events, historical figures, or natural phenomena explained by magical stories. These stories not only explain the origins of objects and phenomena but also educate listeners about morality and patriotism. Fairy tales, on the other hand, focus on the imaginary world, magic, with lessons about morality, kindness, and justice. The Legend of Son Tinh and Thuy Tinh, The Legend of An Duong Vuong and Mi Chau – Trong Thuy are prime examples of Vietnamese legends. Tam and Cam, The Coconut Head are familiar fairy tales to everyone.

Proverbs and Folk Songs: A Treasury of Wisdom and National Sentiment

Proverbs are short, concise sayings that encapsulate the life experiences of the people. They often have an instructive nature, guiding people’s behavior in life. Folk songs are lyrical poems that express the feelings, thoughts, and aspirations of the people. “One tree doesn’t make a forest/ Three trees together make a mountain high” is a proverb that illustrates the power of unity. “Pity the fate of the silkworm/ How long can it eat before it has to spin its silk and die?” illustrates the hardship of the working class.

Other Forms of Folklore

In addition to the above forms, Vietnamese folklore includes many other rich forms such as: traditional musical instruments (dan bau, dan nguyet, bamboo flute…), water puppetry, folk games (jump rope, o quan…), folk architecture (ruong houses, village communal houses…), folk cuisine… Each form carries unique cultural values, contributing to the diverse and vibrant picture of Vietnamese folklore.

Preservation and Promotion of Folklore

The preservation and promotion of folklore is an important task for the whole society. We need practical measures to protect, preserve, and pass on this precious heritage to future generations. This requires the joint efforts of the entire community, from education in schools to organizing cultural and artistic activities to promote and introduce the values of folklore to the wider public.