Exploring the Beauty of Vietnamese Folklore

Legends and Myths

Vietnamese folklore is incredibly rich and diverse, passed down through generations. Legends and myths are a significant part, reflecting the vibrant imagination of the Vietnamese people and their beliefs about the universe, humanity, and society. Stories of Son Tinh and Thuy Tinh, or the legend of Hoan Kiem Lake, are not merely entertaining tales but carry profound educational meaning, showcasing the nation’s aspirations to conquer nature, defend the country, and express patriotism.

Folk Songs, Proverbs, and Traditional Music

Folk songs, proverbs, and traditional music are distinctive genres of Vietnamese folklore, reflecting the spiritual life, emotions, and philosophies of the Vietnamese people. Folk songs, with their gentle lullabies, romantic love stories, and sorrowful ballads, have deeply resonated with people. Proverbs, with their concise and insightful phrases, are rich in philosophy and contain valuable life experiences from folklore. Traditional music, with its melodious and profound tunes, expresses the soul and emotions of the Vietnamese people.

Famous Folk Songs:

“My body is like a stalk of rice…”

“Father’s love is like Mount Thai Son…”

“Though anyone goes north or south…”

Festivals and Beliefs

Traditional festivals are a unique cultural aspect of Vietnam, closely linked to the beliefs and customs of each region. From village festivals to major festivals like Tet (Lunar New Year), Hung Kings’ Temple Festival, each festival has its own significance, reflecting spiritual life and community culture. Folk games, water puppetry, lion and dragon dances create a lively and exciting atmosphere.

Folk Art

Vietnamese folk art is also very diverse and rich, with many forms such as Dong Ho paintings, Hang Trong paintings, ceramics, traditional embroidery, wood carving, etc. Each artwork showcases the talent and skill of the artisans, bearing a strong national cultural identity.

Preservation and Promotion of Folklore

Preserving and promoting folklore is the responsibility of every Vietnamese citizen. Maintaining and developing these intangible cultural heritages not only helps preserve the nation’s cultural identity but also contributes to enriching the cultural treasury of humanity.