Vietnamese Folklore: A Precious Heritage to Preserve

Overview of Vietnamese Folklore

Vietnamese folklore is a priceless treasure, reflecting the history, soul, and intellect of the nation. It has been passed down through generations through stories, songs, dances, games, and festivals. From fairy tales about good triumphing over evil to folk songs imbued with love for the homeland, everything contributes to a vibrant and diverse picture of folklore.

Main Categories in Vietnamese Folklore

Legends:

Legends often tell about the origins of natural objects, phenomena, or historical figures. These stories not only explain origins but also express the people’s aspirations and dreams of a better life. Examples include the legend of Con Rong Chau Tien (Dragon Child, Fairy Child), the legend of Son Tinh Thuy Tinh (Mountain Spirit and Water Spirit).

Fairy Tales:

Fairy tales are imaginary stories, often with magical elements, clear good and evil characters, and high educational value. Through fairy tales, people pass on moral lessons and lifestyles to future generations. Examples include Tam Cam, Thach Sanh, and So Dua.

Proverbs and Folk Songs:

Proverbs and folk songs are concise and evocative forms of folk literature. Proverbs are short, succinct sayings that reflect the life experiences and philosophies of the people. Folk songs are more diverse, expressing people’s feelings and thoughts about love, homeland, and country.

Folk Performing Arts:

Folk performing arts include water puppetry, folk dances, quan ho singing, cheo (traditional Vietnamese opera), and tuong (classical Vietnamese opera). These are unique art forms that reflect the spiritual life of the people, contributing to the richness of Vietnamese folklore.

The Role and Importance of Folklore

Folklore plays a crucial role in preserving and promoting the national cultural identity. It is a bridge between generations, helping descendants better understand the history and traditions of the nation. Furthermore, folklore is an endless source of inspiration for artistic creation, contributing to enriching people’s spiritual lives.

Preservation and Promotion of Folklore

The preservation and promotion of folklore is the responsibility of every Vietnamese citizen. We need to actively learn and pass on the precious values of folklore to future generations. The government also needs to have specific policies to protect and develop folklore, contributing to building a civilized society with a rich national identity.