Exploring the Beauty of Vietnamese Folklore

Legends and Folktales – The Roots of National Spirit

Vietnamese folklore is a priceless treasure trove, preserving stories, legends, folktales, proverbs, folk songs, and traditional games that reflect the lives, souls, and intellect of the Vietnamese people through generations. Legends of national heroes like Saint Giong, Son Tinh – Thuy Tinh, or magical folktales like Tam Cam, not only entertain but also carry profound educational meaning, conveying lessons about courage, justice, and morality.

Legends and Historical Significance

Legends are often associated with historical and geographical events, explaining the origin of objects and natural phenomena. For example, the legend of Hoan Kiem Lake tells the story of Le Loi’s victory over the Ming invaders, affirming the indomitable spirit of the nation. These legends are not only fascinating stories but also evidence of the glorious history of the country.

Folktales and Life Lessons

Folktales often revolve around the lives of ordinary people, with imaginative, magical situations but always containing profound life lessons. The story of Tam Cam, for instance, reflects the struggle between good and evil, between justice and injustice. Through this, folktales teach people about compassion, perseverance, and faith in righteousness.

Proverbs and Folk Songs – Mirrors of the Soul

Proverbs are short, concise sayings that summarize the life experiences of the people. We can easily find proverbs like “Ăn quả nhớ kẻ trồng cây” (Remember the planter when you eat the fruit), “Một cây làm chẳng nên non, ba cây chụm lại nên hòn núi cao” (One tree doesn’t make a forest, three trees together make a mountain), expressing moral values and lessons about unity and mutual support.

Folk songs are lyrical songs that express people’s feelings and thoughts. From love between couples, family affection to love for the homeland, folk songs are expressed in a profound and sincere way. Folk song verses like “Thương thay thân phận con tằm” (Pity the silkworm’s fate), “Công cha như núi Thái Sơn” (Father’s merit is like Mount Thai Son) have become immortal sayings, passed down through generations.

Traditional Games – Childhood Joys

Traditional games are not only entertainment but also activities that contribute to educating and training the physical and intellectual abilities of children. Games like O An Quan (five-in-a-row), blind man’s buff, tug-of-war… do not require modern tools, but still bring joy and excitement to players. They reflect the dexterity, quick-wittedness, and team spirit of the Vietnamese people.

Preserving and Promoting 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, so that folklore will forever exist with time.