Vietnamese Folklore: Enduring Identity and Values

Overview of Vietnamese Folklore

Vietnamese folklore is a priceless treasure trove, preserving the spiritual, moral, and aesthetic values of the nation through generations. It encompasses a diverse and rich array of folk art forms, reflecting the lives, thoughts, and feelings of the Vietnamese people from ancient times to the present day. From fairy tales and mythological legends to folk songs, proverbs, riddles, and folk games… all contribute to a vibrant and colorful picture of Vietnamese folk culture.

Legends and Fairy Tales: Origins and Significance

Legends:

Legends are often linked to history, telling stories of historical figures and real events embellished with magical and mythological elements. These stories not only explain the origins of natural objects and phenomena but also convey lessons about courage, righteousness, patriotism… Examples include the legends of Son Tinh and Thuy Tinh, or legends about national heroes.

Fairy Tales:

Fairy tales are entirely fictional, usually revolving around the lives of imaginary characters, reflecting people’s dreams and aspirations for happiness and justice. Through fairy tales, people learn lessons about morality, lifestyles, and love. Characters like Tam and Cam, or Thach Sanh have become familiar and close to many generations of Vietnamese people.

Folk Songs, Proverbs, and Other Folk Art Forms

Folk songs (Ca dao) are folk lyrical poems expressing the feelings and thoughts of working people. Folk songs authentically reflect life, love, homeland, and country… Proverbs (Tục ngữ) are short, concise sayings summarizing the life experiences of the people. Proverbs often have an educational nature, guiding people on how to behave in life.

In addition, folklore includes many other art forms such as: traditional music, water puppetry, folk paintings, traditional architecture… Each form has its own unique features, contributing to the diverse beauty of Vietnamese culture.

The Value of Folklore in the Modern Era

In the context of international integration, preserving and promoting the value of folklore is extremely important. Folklore is not only a national heritage but also an endless source of inspiration for contemporary art. Studying, teaching, and disseminating folklore helps educate young generations about patriotism and national pride, helping them better understand the history and culture of their country.

In conclusion, Vietnamese folklore is a precious treasure trove that needs to be preserved and promoted to contribute to building a civilized and prosperous society.