Exploring the Beauty of Vietnamese Folklore

Legends and Folktales

Vietnamese folklore is a rich and diverse treasure trove, passed down through generations. Legends and folktales play a crucial role, reflecting the worldview, dreams, and aspirations of the Vietnamese people. From stories of Son Tinh and Thuy Tinh (Mountain God and Water God), Lang Lieu, to legends about national heroes and deities, all bear the strong imprint of history and culture. These narratives are not only entertaining but also educational, conveying valuable lessons about morality, courage, intelligence, and patriotism.

Folk Songs, Proverbs, and Traditional Music

Folk songs, proverbs, and traditional music are distinctive forms of folk art, reflecting the spiritual life, emotions, and worldview of the people. Folk songs express love for the homeland, love between couples, family affection, etc. Proverbs are short, concise sayings, summarizing the life experiences of the people. Traditional music, with its melodious and profound melodies, expresses the thoughts and feelings of people in their daily lives and work. Each folk song, each proverb contains a profound philosophy of life, worthy of our reflection and learning.

Examples:

Folk song: “Even if anyone travels far and wide / Remember the ancestor worship day, the third of March.”
Proverb: “He who eats the fruit should remember the one who planted the tree.”
Traditional music: Hat Xoan, Hat Then, Hat Ví Giặm…

Traditional Festivals

Festivals are an indispensable part of Vietnamese folklore. Each festival has its own meaning, linked to the beliefs and customs of each region. From the Hung King Temple Festival, showing gratitude to ancestors, to the Giang festival, demonstrating the patriotism and bravery of the nation. These festivals are not only occasions for fun and entertainment but also opportunities for people to express their respect and honor traditional cultural values.

Folk Art

Vietnamese folk art is incredibly diverse and rich, including forms such as: folk paintings (Dong Ho paintings, Hang Trong paintings…), sculpture, pottery, weaving… Each artwork is imbued with traditional cultural characteristics, showing the talent and skill of the artisans. These products not only have aesthetic value but are also vivid evidence of the development of Vietnamese folklore.

Preserving and Promoting Folklore

Preserving and promoting folklore is the responsibility of every Vietnamese citizen. We need to join hands to preserve and develop traditional cultural values so that future generations can access and inherit them.