Exploring the Beauty of Vietnamese Folklore

Origins and Significance

Vietnamese folklore is a priceless treasure trove, preserving the spiritual values, ethics, and philosophies of the Vietnamese people throughout thousands of years of history. From fairy tales, legends, proverbs, and folk songs to rituals and customs, all reflect a vivid picture of the spiritual life, society, and ideology of the Vietnamese people.

Legends and Fairy Tales: Life Lessons

Vietnamese legends are often associated with history, geography, and historical and mythological figures. Stories like An Dương Vương and Mị Châu – Trọng Thủy, The Legend of Hoan Kiem Lake, or Son Tinh – Thủy Tinh not only explain the origins of natural phenomena and geographical locations but also carry profound lessons about patriotism, sacrifice, loyalty, and the struggle between good and evil.

Fairy tales, with familiar characters like Tấm Cám and Thạch Sanh, reflect the yearning for justice, the dream of a better life, and the triumph of good. These stories have been passed down through generations, contributing to the education of young people about morality and lifestyle.

Folk Songs and Proverbs: Concise Life Philosophies

Folk songs (Ca dao) are short poems, rich in imagery and emotion, reflecting love for the homeland, family affection, and love between couples. These simple folk songs contain profound philosophies about life.

Proverbs (Tục ngữ) are short, concise sayings that summarize the life experiences of the people. Proverbs not only demonstrate keen observation of nature and society but also convey valuable lessons about ethics, behavior, and ways of life.

Folk Arts: An Exquisite Combination

Vietnamese folk art is rich and diverse, ranging from Đông Hồ paintings, Hàng Trống paintings, Bát Tràng ceramics to performing arts such as water puppetry, Quan họ singing, and Ca trù. Each artwork demonstrates the skill, talent, and rich imagination of folk artists.

Preservation and Development of Folklore

Preserving and developing folklore is the responsibility of every Vietnamese citizen. Passing on these precious cultural values to future generations will help preserve the national cultural identity and enrich the country’s literary and artistic treasure trove.