Exploring the Beauty of Vietnamese Folklore

Legends and Fairy Tales: Origins and Meanings

Vietnamese folklore is a priceless treasure trove, preserving captivating legends and fairy tales that reflect the worldview, philosophy of life, and dreams of the Vietnamese people in the past. From stories about the origins of rivers and mountains to tales of heroes and mythical figures, all carry profound lessons about morality, courage, and wisdom. The story of An Dương Vương and Mị Châu – Trọng Thủy is a prime example, reflecting the fall of a dynasty and the pain of national loss. The story of Sơn Tinh and Thủy Tinh, on the other hand, depicts the struggle between humans and nature, the ambition to conquer and control nature.

Proverbs and Folk Songs: The Wisdom of the People

Proverbs and folk songs are the essence of folk wisdom, distilled from the life experiences of the Vietnamese people over thousands of years. Short and concise proverbs contain profound lessons about life and morality. For example, “With diligence, even iron can be ground into a needle” or “One tree cannot make a forest, but three trees together make a mountain” both reflect the spirit of diligence, perseverance, and the strength of unity. Folk songs, with their sweet and lyrical melodies, reflect family affection, love, and community spirit… Traditional folk song genres like Quan Họ Bắc Ninh, Ví Giặm Nghệ Tĩnh… are all evidence of the richness and diversity of Vietnamese folklore.

Folk Arts: Sophistication and Creativity

Vietnamese folk art is also incredibly rich and diverse, ranging from Đông Hồ paintings and Hàng Trống paintings to water puppetry and Đờn Ca Tài Tử… Each artwork possesses its own unique soul, showcasing the skill, finesse, and creativity of the artisans. Đông Hồ paintings, with their familiar images of rural life, and water puppetry, with its graceful and gentle movements… are all unique cultural features that attract domestic and international tourists.

Preserving and Promoting Folklore

Preserving and promoting folklore is the responsibility of every Vietnamese citizen. We need to actively learn and teach future generations these precious cultural values. Organizing cultural events, traditional festivals, and art programs… will help revive the values of folklore, helping Vietnamese folklore to thrive and shine.

Conclusion

Vietnamese folklore is an invaluable treasure trove, reflecting the history, culture, and soul of the Vietnamese people. Preserving and promoting folklore is not only necessary to maintain national identity but also a way for us to learn valuable lessons from the past and strive for a brighter future.