Exploring the Beauty of Vietnamese Folklore

Mysterious Legends

Vietnamese folklore is a priceless treasure trove, preserving unique stories, legends, fairy tales, proverbs, folk songs, and customs that have been passed down through thousands of years of history. Mysterious legends about the origin of the country, deities, and national heroes have contributed to the unique cultural identity of the Vietnamese people. Stories like Son Tinh – Thuy Tinh, the legend of Betel and Areca nut, or legends about deities such as Ngọc Hoàng (Jade Emperor) and Phật Bà Quan Âm (Goddess of Mercy)… are all stories told through generations, becoming an integral part of the spiritual life of the Vietnamese.

Fairytales Rich in Humanity

Vietnamese fairy tales are not merely entertaining stories but also carry profound lessons about morality, compassion, and justice. The image of the gentle Cinderella-like Tấm, the courageous Thạch Sanh, or the clever Khoai are always praised and become an inspiration for generations of young people. These stories have helped shape the character and values of the Vietnamese people.

Proverbs and Folk Songs Strengthening Family Bonds

Proverbs are short, concise sayings that summarize the life experiences of the people. We often encounter proverbs such as “Ăn quả nhớ kẻ trồng cây” (He who eats the fruit should remember the one who planted the tree), “Một cây làm chẳng nên non, ba cây chụm lại nên hòn núi cao” (One tree doesn’t make a forest, three trees together make a mountain),… reflecting profound philosophies of life and lessons about unity and mutual support. Folk songs (Ca dao), with their smooth six-eight poetic lines, express family affection, love, friendship, and the deep emotions of people. Folk songs also realistically reflect the daily lives of the Vietnamese people.

Unique Customs and Traditions

Vietnamese customs and traditions are very diverse and rich, reflected in traditional festivals, wedding and funeral ceremonies,… Tet Nguyen Dan (Lunar New Year) is the most important festival of the year, showing the togetherness of the family and the aspiration for a peaceful and happy new year. Other festivals such as the Gióng Festival, Lim Festival, Huong Pagoda Festival… also attract a large number of people and contribute to preserving and promoting traditional cultural values.

Preserving and Promoting Folklore

Preserving and promoting folklore is the responsibility of every Vietnamese citizen. We need to actively learn, explore, and pass on to future generations the precious values of national culture. Organizing cultural and artistic activities, storytelling sessions, or traditional handicraft classes will help spread and preserve folklore effectively.