Exploring the Beauty of Vietnamese Folklore

Legends and Fairy Tales: Origins and Meanings

Vietnamese folklore is a priceless treasure trove, preserving stories, songs, proverbs, and customs passed down through generations. Legends and fairy tales, stories about the origins of the country, heroes, and moral lessons, always hold an important place in the spiritual life of the Vietnamese people. These stories not only entertain but also educate, conveying cultural values, morality, and philosophies of life.

For example: The legend of the Dragon and Fairy children explains the origin of the Vietnamese people, affirming the noble origin of the nation. The fairy tale Tam and Cam teaches us lessons about kindness, perseverance, and the eventual triumph of justice.

Folk Songs, Proverbs, and Traditional Music: The Voice of the People

Folk songs, proverbs, and traditional music are forms of folklore that authentically reflect the lives, thoughts, and feelings of the Vietnamese people. Folk songs with sweet, poignant melodies about love, family, or lamentations. Proverbs, with short, concise sentences, summarize the life experiences of the people. Traditional music, with its melodious and heroic melodies, reflects the cultural identity of each region.

For example: The proverb “Ăn quả nhớ kẻ trồng cây” (He who eats the fruit should remember the one who planted the tree) teaches us gratitude. The folk song “Thuyền về có nhớ bến chăng? Bến thì một dạ khăng khăng đợi thuyền” (Does the boat remember the shore when it returns? The shore waits for the boat with one heart) expresses unwavering love.

Customs and Traditions: A Unique Cultural Identity

Customs and traditions are practices, rituals, and festivals maintained through generations, reflecting the beliefs, worldviews, and social life of the Vietnamese people. Tet Nguyen Dan (Lunar New Year), the Hung Kings Temple Festival, or harvest festivals all have profound meanings, demonstrating the close bond between people and nature, and with ancestors.

For example: Tet Nguyen Dan is an occasion for families to reunite, remember their ancestors, and pray for a prosperous new year. The Hung Kings Temple Festival is an occasion to commemorate the Hung Kings, the founders of the nation.

Preservation and Promotion of Folklore

Preserving and promoting folklore is the responsibility of every Vietnamese citizen. We need to actively learn and pass on these precious cultural values to future generations. Organizing cultural and artistic activities, publishing books, and producing films about folklore will help folklore reach a wider audience.