Exploring the Beauty of Vietnamese Folklore

Legends and Fairy Tales: Origins and Significance

Vietnamese folklore is a rich and diverse treasure trove. From mysterious legends to colorful fairy tales, it reflects the history, society, and soul of the Vietnamese people through generations. These stories are not merely entertainment but carry profound lessons on morality, compassion, and perseverance.

Legends often tell of historical figures, momentous events, or miraculous natural phenomena. For example, the legend of Saint Giong tells of the patriotism and bravery of the Vietnamese people against foreign invaders. The legend of Son Tinh and Thuy Tinh reflects the desire to conquer nature and the aspiration to build and protect the country.

Fairy tales focus on imaginary characters, extraordinary situations, and often have happy endings. Fairy tales like Tam Cam and Thach Sanh are not only entertaining but also teach children lessons about kindness, justice, and the triumph of good.

Proverbs, Folk Songs, and Traditional Music: The Essence of the National Soul

Proverbs, folk songs, and traditional music are concise and succinct forms of folklore that contain profound philosophies about life, people, and society. Proverbs are short, pithy sayings that reflect life experiences and lessons learned from practice. For example: “Ăn quả nhớ kẻ trồng cây” (Remember the person who planted the tree when you eat the fruit), “Một con ngựa đau cả tàu bỏ cỏ” (One sick horse makes the whole cart stop grazing).

Folk songs (Ca dao) are lyrical poems, often expressing family affection, love, friendship, or personal sentiments. These folk songs are imbued with tender, gentle, and profound emotions that have resonated with generations of Vietnamese people.

Traditional music (Dan ca) are traditional songs, often sung during festivals, Tet (Lunar New Year), or in community activities. Traditional music reflects the lives, customs, and beliefs of different regions. The diversity of traditional music demonstrates the richness of Vietnamese culture.

Preserving and Developing Folklore

Preserving and developing folklore is the responsibility of every Vietnamese citizen. We need to actively learn, research, and pass on the precious values of our traditional culture to future generations. Organizing festivals and art programs showcasing folklore will help promote the image of Vietnam and its people to international friends.