Exploring the Beauty of Vietnamese Folklore

Legends and Fairy Tales: The Roots of Culture

Vietnamese folklore is a priceless treasure trove, preserving captivating stories, legends, and fairy tales passed down through generations. These stories are not merely entertainment; they reflect the worldview, philosophy of life, and moral values of the Vietnamese people. From legends about the origins of rivers and mountains to fairy tales about good people being rewarded and evil punished, all carry profound messages about life.

For example: Fairy tales like Tam Cam, Thach Sanh, or the legend of Ho Guom are clear evidence of the value of folklore. They demonstrate that goodness is always rewarded, evil is always punished, and justice always prevails.

Proverbs and Folk Songs: The Wisdom of the People

Proverbs and folk songs are valuable life lessons, distilled from the life experiences of the people. Short and concise folk songs contain profound emotions, reflecting love for one’s homeland, family affection, and romantic love. Proverbs are short, imagery-rich sayings that summarize life and production experiences.

For example: “A father’s love is like Mount Thai Son”, “Whoever goes north or south, remembers the ancestor worship day on the tenth of the third lunar month” are folk songs that express deep gratitude towards parents and ancestors. Proverbs like “Eat the fruit, remember the one who planted the tree”, “One tree doesn’t make a forest, but three trees together make a mountain” teach lessons about unity and mutual support.

Traditional Festivals: The Vibrancy of Culture

Traditional festivals are an indispensable part of Vietnamese folklore. Each festival has its own meaning, linked to the history, beliefs, and customs of each region. These festivals are not only opportunities for people to play and relax but also chances to show reverence and commemorate gods and national heroes.

For example: The Hung Kings Temple Festival, the Sky Lantern Festival, the Gio Ong Festival, the Nghinh Ong Festival… are all typical traditional festivals attracting many tourists each year.

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. Through activities such as organizing folk art performances, storytelling contests, or simply sharing proverbs and folk songs with others… all contribute to the widespread dissemination of folklore.