Exploring the Beauty of Vietnamese Folklore

Legends and Fairy Tales: The Source of Creativity

Vietnamese folklore is a priceless treasure, passed down through thousands of years of history. Legends and fairy tales, stories recounting origins, history, heroes, and miracles, play a vital role in shaping the perceptions and values of the Vietnamese people. From the story of Son Tinh and Thuy Tinh, depicting the struggle between humans and nature, to the story of Saint Giong, a symbol of the nation’s indomitable spirit, each story carries a profound message.

Folk Songs and Proverbs: Life Philosophies Entwined with Daily Life

Folk songs (Ca dao), short songs rich in imagery, express the emotions, dreams, and aspirations of the working people. Songs about love, about the homeland, about daily life, have become an indispensable part of the spiritual life of the Vietnamese. Proverbs (Tục ngữ), short, concise sayings, encapsulate the life experiences and philosophies of the people. They are valuable lessons about morality, lifestyle, and behavior in society.

Examples of folk songs and proverbs:

Folk song: “Across the bridge, the wind blows, the scarf flies away,
The wind blows the scarf away, my heart is troubled.”

Proverbs: “When eating fruit, remember the one who planted the tree.”

Folk Arts: A Sophisticated Combination of Craftsmanship and Culture

Vietnamese folk art is expressed in many rich forms, from Dong Ho paintings, Hang Trong paintings, ceramics, embroidery, to folk musical instruments, water puppetry… Each work is imbued with the imprint of traditional culture, reflecting the life, beliefs, and aesthetics of the people.

Traditional Festivals: The Connection Between People and Community

Traditional festivals are occasions for the community to come together, demonstrating a spirit of solidarity and unity. From the Hung King Temple Festival, commemorating the Hung Kings, to village festivals, harvest festivals, each festival has its own meaning, reflecting the spiritual life and culture of each region.

Preservation and Development of Folklore

Preserving and developing folklore is the responsibility of every Vietnamese citizen. We need efforts to preserve and promote these traditional cultural values to future generations, contributing to enriching the national cultural identity.