Exploring the Beauty of Vietnamese Folklore

Legends and Folktales

Vietnamese folklore is a priceless treasure, preserving captivating legends and folktales passed down through generations. From the legend of Son Tinh and Thuy Tinh, explaining the phenomenon of floods, to the tale of Hoan Kiem Lake, recounting the bravery of Le Loi, each story carries a profound message about morality, patriotism, and the indomitable spirit of the nation. These stories are not merely entertainment but valuable lessons about history, geography, and culture.

Folk Songs, Proverbs, and Traditional Music

Folk songs, proverbs, and traditional music are distinctive forms of folklore reflecting the lives, emotions, and thoughts of the Vietnamese people. Folk songs, with their sweet and heartfelt melodies, express love for the homeland, love between couples, and family affection. Proverbs, with their concise and succinct phrases, encapsulate the life experiences and philosophies of our ancestors. Traditional music, with its melodious and lyrical tunes, embodies the cultural identity of different regions.

Lessons from Proverbs and Folk Songs

Many folk songs and proverbs have become invaluable lessons on morality and lifestyle. For example, the proverb “Ăn quả nhớ kẻ trồng cây” (Remember the one who planted the tree when you eat the fruit) teaches gratitude, or the folk song “Công cha như núi Thái Sơn” (Father’s merit is like Mount Thái Sơn) reminds us of the sacred love between father and child.

Festivals and Customs

Festivals are an indispensable part of the spiritual and cultural life of the Vietnamese people. From major festivals like Tet Nguyen Dan (Lunar New Year), the Hung Kings Temple Festival, to smaller local festivals, each festival holds its unique meaning, reflecting the beliefs and customs of the people. Traditional customs such as ancestor worship, celebrating Tet Nguyen Dan… demonstrate the connection between people, the community, and their origins.

Preservation and Promotion of Folklore

The preservation and promotion of folklore is the responsibility of every Vietnamese citizen. We need to actively learn, explore, and pass on these precious cultural values to future generations. Through activities such as organizing festivals, performing folk arts, and teaching in schools… we contribute to preserving and developing Vietnamese folklore.

The diversity and richness of Vietnamese folklore are an endless source of inspiration for art, creativity, and tourism. Exploring and learning about folklore not only helps us understand more about Vietnamese history and people but also makes us love our homeland even more.