Exploring the Beauty of Vietnamese Folklore

Legends and Stories

Vietnamese folklore is a priceless treasure trove, preserving mysterious and captivating legends and stories. From the tale of Son Tinh and Thuy Tinh, the story of An Duong Vuong and Mi Chau Trong Thuy, to stories about gods and national heroes, each story carries a profound meaning, reflecting the lives, spirits, and aspirations of the Vietnamese people in the past. These stories are not only entertaining but also educational, teaching lessons about morality, courage, and wisdom.

Folk Songs, Proverbs, and Folk Music

Folk songs, proverbs, and folk music are distinctive forms of Vietnamese folklore, realistically reflecting the lives, emotions, and philosophies of the people. Folk songs, with their simple and pure verses, express love for the homeland, family affection, and romantic love. Proverbs, with their concise and succinct sentences, contain life experiences and valuable lessons about morality. Folk music, with its melodious and profound melodies, expresses the thoughts, feelings, customs, and traditions of each region.

Some examples:

Folk song: “A father’s love is like Mount Thai Son, A mother’s love is like the flowing spring water.”
Proverb: “When you eat the fruit, remember the one who planted the tree.”
Folk music: Ho Quang Nam, Ly Nguoi O…

Festivals and Customs

Traditional festivals are an indispensable part of Vietnamese folklore. Each festival has its own meaning, associated with history, beliefs, and community life. From the bustling and lively spring festivals to festivals commemorating national heroes, all demonstrate the richness and diversity of Vietnamese culture. Traditional customs and rituals also contribute to the unique beauty of folklore.

Folk Arts

Vietnamese folk art is incredibly rich and diverse, encompassing various forms such as Dong Ho paintings, Hang Trong paintings, ceramics, embroidery, wood carving, etc. Each art form has its own unique features, showcasing the skill and talent of the artisans. These artworks are not only exquisite handicrafts but also artistic creations reflecting the lives, beliefs, and aesthetic concepts of the people.

Preservation and Development of Folklore

Preserving and developing folklore is the responsibility of every Vietnamese citizen. Maintaining and promoting traditional cultural values not only helps younger generations understand their national origins better but also contributes to enriching Vietnamese cultural identity on the international stage. We need to actively participate in activities to preserve and promote folklore, contributing to bringing Vietnamese folklore closer to international friends.