Exploring the Beauty of Vietnamese Folklore

Legends and Fairy Tales: The Source of National Strength

Vietnamese folklore is a priceless treasure trove, preserving stories, legends, proverbs, folk songs, and traditional festivals throughout its long history. Fairy tales such as Tam Cam, Thach Sanh, and So Dua are not only entertaining stories but also carry profound lessons about morality, kindness, and justice. They reflect the worldview, dreams, and aspirations of the Vietnamese people throughout the ages.

Legends of national heroes like Saint Giong, Son Tinh – Thuy Tinh, or the origins of rivers and mountains, not only explain the origins of nature but also evoke national pride and the indomitable spirit of the Vietnamese people.

Proverbs and Folk Songs: Wisdom and Emotion

Proverbs are short, concise sayings that encapsulate the life experiences of our ancestors. They reflect philosophies of life, concepts of morality, society, and humanity. For example, “Where there’s a will, there’s a way” or “He who plants the tree enjoys the fruit” are valuable lessons about perseverance and gratitude.

Folk songs (Ca dao) are lyrical songs that express emotions, thoughts, love for the homeland, love between couples, and family affection. Simple, rustic yet profound, these folk songs showcase the beauty of the Vietnamese soul.

Traditional Festivals: The Vibrancy of Culture

Traditional festivals are vibrant cultural events, showcasing the cultural identity of each region. From bustling spring festivals to warm harvest festivals, each festival has its unique meaning, intertwined with the daily lives of the people. The dances, songs, and folk games in these festivals are vivid evidence of the richness and diversity of Vietnamese culture.

Some Notable Festivals:

• Hung Kings Temple Festival
• Huong Pagoda Festival
• Go Dong Da Festival

Preservation and Promotion of Folklore

Preserving and promoting folklore is the responsibility of every Vietnamese citizen. We need to join hands to protect these precious traditional cultural values, teaching them to future generations so that folklore will forever exist and flourish.

Researching, collecting, and disseminating folklore through various forms such as books, films, and the internet will help many people understand and appreciate the beauty of Vietnamese folklore.