Vietnamese Folklore: A Timeless Legacy

Legends and Fairy Tales: The Roots of Culture

Vietnamese folklore is a priceless treasure trove, preserving stories, legends, proverbs, folk songs, and festivals spanning throughout history. Fairy tales like Tam Cam and Thach Sanh are not just entertaining stories but also reflect beliefs about good and evil, justice, and dreams of a better life. We find profound moral lessons and philosophies of life passed down through generations.

Proverbs and Folk Songs: Life’s Philosophy in Words

Proverbs and folk songs are vivid evidence of the intelligence and subtlety of the Vietnamese people. Short, concise sayings contain a wealth of life experiences, lessons about love, family, and society. From sweet folk songs about love to profound proverbs about morality, all contribute to the unique cultural landscape of the nation.

Some notable examples:

• Proverbs: “Eat the fruit, remember the one who planted the tree”, “One tree doesn’t make a forest, but three trees make a mountain.”
• Folk songs: “My body is like a thorny rambutan/White inside, black outside”, “Sunrise awakens, birds sing to the sky”

These proverbs and folk songs are not just common sayings, but valuable lessons about morality and how to behave in life.

Traditional Festivals: Community Connections

Traditional festivals are an integral part of Vietnamese folklore. From major festivals like Tet (Lunar New Year) and Gio Ong festival to smaller, more local ones, each festival has its own meaning, reflecting beliefs, customs, and traditions of each region. Festivals are not only opportunities for people to play and relax but also to commemorate heroes, deities, and to strengthen community bonds.

Intangible Cultural Heritage: Priceless Values Needing Preservation

Vietnamese folklore is not only an extremely valuable intangible cultural heritage but also an endless source of inspiration for art, literature, and music. Preserving and promoting these cultural values is the responsibility of every Vietnamese citizen to maintain national identity and pass it on to future generations.

Conclusion

Vietnamese folklore is a rich and diverse system, reflecting a long-standing and sophisticated civilization. Understanding and preserving folklore helps us better understand history, our origins, and maintain and promote the good values of our nation, contributing to building a civilized and progressive society.