Vietnamese Folklore: A Precious Heritage to Preserve

Overview of Vietnamese Folklore

Vietnamese folklore is a priceless treasure, passed down through thousands of years of history. It is the crystallization of the intellect, life experiences, and soul of the Vietnamese people. It encompasses a rich variety of folk art forms, including legends, fairy tales, proverbs, folk songs, festivals, games, and more, all reflecting the lives, thoughts, and emotions of the Vietnamese people.

Legends and Fairy Tales: Origins and Significance

Legends often tell of historical figures and real events, embellished with magical and mystical elements. Examples include the legends of Son Tinh and Thuy Tinh (Mountain God and Water God), or An Duong Vuong and Mi Chau – Trong Thuy. Fairy tales, on the other hand, focus on fictional stories, often carrying educational messages and reflecting human dreams and aspirations. Fairy tales like Tam Cam and Thach Sanh, not only entertain but also contain profound lessons about morality, kindness, and justice.

Proverbs, Folk Songs, and Folk Poetry: A Reflection of the Vietnamese Soul

Proverbs are short, concise sayings summarizing the life experiences of the people. Proverbs such as “Ăn quả nhớ kẻ trồng cây” (Remember the one who planted the tree when you eat the fruit) and “Lá lành đùm lá rách” (The healthy leaves protect the damaged ones) reflect the philosophy of life and moral values of the Vietnamese people. Folk songs and folk poetry express the deep emotions, thoughts, and feelings of people through beautiful and moving melodies. Folk songs about love, family, or lamentations all evoke profound emotions.

Preserving and Promoting Folklore

In today’s era, with the rapid development of technology and cultural exchange, preserving and promoting folklore is crucial. We need specific policies and measures to protect these precious intangible cultural heritages. Organizing cultural events, traditional festivals, introducing folklore into schools, and widely disseminating it through mass media will help younger generations understand and love their nation’s folklore more.

Conclusion

Vietnamese folklore is an integral part of the nation’s cultural identity. Preserving and promoting folklore is not only the responsibility of researchers but also of every Vietnamese citizen. Let’s join hands to preserve and promote these precious cultural values so that future generations can inherit and be proud of their origins.