Vietnamese Folklore: Enduring Identity and Values

Overview of Vietnamese Folklore

Vietnamese folklore is a priceless treasure trove, preserving the spiritual values, ethics, and philosophies of life of the Vietnamese people throughout thousands of years of history. It encompasses many rich forms such as legends, fairy tales, proverbs, folk songs, traditional musical instruments, water puppetry, and folk architecture… Each form reflects a unique aspect of social life, the soul, and the intellect of the Vietnamese people.

Legends: Origins and History

Legends often tell about the origins of objects, natural phenomena, people, and place names… They have a historical and mythical character, contributing to a panoramic picture of the nation’s history and culture. For example, the legend of Son Tinh and Thuy Tinh explains the phenomenon of floods, or the legend of the Dragon and Fairy explains the origin of the Vietnamese people.

Fairy Tales: Education and Entertainment

Fairy tales are folk tales that often have magical and extraordinary elements, reflecting people’s dreams and aspirations for a better life. They have an educational role, building character for children, while also providing joy and entertainment for all ages. Typical characters like Tam and Cam, or Thach Sanh, have become familiar symbols in Vietnamese culture.

Proverbs and Folk Songs: Philosophy of Life and Emotions

Proverbs are short, concise sayings that summarize life experiences and the philosophy of life of the people. They reflect lessons about morality, lifestyle, and production experience… Folk songs express people’s feelings, thoughts, and aspirations, often associated with images of nature and working life. Both proverbs and folk songs demonstrate the subtlety and depth in the language and thinking of the Vietnamese people.

Values and Significance of Folklore

Vietnamese folklore is not only a precious intangible cultural heritage but also an endless source of inspiration for art, creativity, and research. It contributes to preserving and promoting national cultural identity, and educating future generations about good traditions. The preservation and development of folklore is the responsibility of every Vietnamese citizen.

Preservation and Promotion of Folklore

To preserve and promote folklore, there needs to be a concerted effort from the entire society, from education in schools to organizing cultural and artistic activities to introduce and promote the values of folklore to the public at home and abroad. Research, compilation, and publication of folklore works also play an important role in preserving and promoting this cultural heritage.