Vietnamese Folklore: A Precious Heritage to Preserve

Overview of Vietnamese Folklore

Vietnamese folklore is a priceless treasure trove, reflecting the history, society, and soul of the Vietnamese people through generations. From mythological fairy tales to folk songs, proverbs, and traditional festivals, all contribute to a diverse and rich cultural landscape. This is not only a precious intangible cultural heritage but also an endless source of inspiration for artistic creation and education.

Legends and Fairy Tales: Origins and Meanings

Legends

Legends often tell about historical figures and events, fictionalized, exaggerated, and mythologized. We can mention the legend of Son Tinh and Thuy Tinh, the legends of the Hung Kings, or the legends about the formation of the country… These stories not only explain the origins of natural objects and phenomena but also carry profound lessons about morality, courage, and wisdom.

Fairy Tales

Fairy tales focus on fictional, extraordinary stories, often featuring supernatural characters and magic. Through fairy tales, the Vietnamese people have passed down moral values, love, kindness, and justice… Characters like Tam and Cam, Thach Sanh, have become familiar images in the minds of the Vietnamese people.

Folk Songs and Proverbs: The Wisdom of the People

Folk songs are short, lyrical poems that express the feelings, thoughts, and worldview of the people. Folk songs reflect a rich emotional life, from love between couples, family affection to love for the homeland. Proverbs are short, concise sayings that summarize the life experiences of the people. Proverbs contain valuable lessons about being a person, working, and interacting in life.

Traditional Festivals: The Harmony Between Humans and Nature

Traditional festivals are a distinctive cultural feature of Vietnam. Festivals are often associated with beliefs, religions, and harvests, showing respect for gods, ancestors, and wishes for a prosperous and happy life. Festivals are not only opportunities for fun and entertainment but also opportunities for community solidarity, preserving and promoting the cultural traditions of the nation.

Preservation and Promotion of Folklore

In the context of globalization, preserving and promoting folklore is an important task. We need appropriate policies to protect, promote, and teach folklore to young generations. Incorporating folklore into schools, organizing cultural and artistic activities, and using information technology to store and promote are necessary measures to preserve this precious heritage for generations to come.