Vietnamese Folklore: Enduring Identity and Values

Overview of Vietnamese Folklore

Vietnamese folklore is a rich and diverse treasure trove, passed down through generations. It reflects the history, society, thoughts, and feelings of the Vietnamese people, from one generation to the next. Folk tales, songs, dances, and games are all vivid evidence of the richness and uniqueness of this culture. Let’s explore the remarkable values of Vietnamese folklore.

Legends and Fairy Tales: Origins and Lessons

Legends:

Legends are often associated with historical figures and real events, embellished with fantasy and mythology. Examples include the legend of Son Tinh and Thuy Tinh, and the legend of the Dragon and Fairy children. They not only explain the origins and formation of the country and nation but also impart lessons about courage, intelligence, and resilience.

Fairy Tales:

Fairy tales are highly fictional and imaginative, often revolving around good and evil characters, magic, and fairies. Fairy tales like Tam Cam and Thach Sanh teach people lessons about morality, justice, and the reward of kindness.

Folk Songs and Proverbs: Folk Wisdom and Ingenuity

Folk songs are folk lyric poems expressing the feelings and thoughts of working people. Folk songs are diverse in themes: love, family, and homeland. Proverbs are short, concise sayings summarizing the life experiences of the people. Proverbs reflect philosophies of life, views on people, and society.

Folk Arts: Refinement and Skill

Vietnamese folk art is expressed through many forms: Dong Ho paintings, Hang Trong paintings, ceramics, embroidery… Each art form has strong cultural characteristics of different regions, reflecting the lives and souls of the people.

The Role of Folklore in Modern Society

Folklore is not only a precious heritage of the nation but also plays an important role in educating young generations, preserving cultural identity, and contributing to tourism development… Preserving and promoting folklore is the responsibility of every Vietnamese citizen.