Exploring the Beauty of Vietnamese Folklore

A Precious Heritage

Vietnamese folklore is a priceless treasure, preserving the spiritual, moral, and artistic values of our nation through thousands of years of history. From mysterious legends to sweet folk songs, profound folk melodies, and vibrant festivals, all reflect a diverse and rich culture.

Legends: Mysterious Stories

Vietnamese legends are an endless source of inspiration for art and literature. Stories about Son Tinh and Thuy Tinh, the legend of Hoan Kiem Lake, or legends about gods and national heroes have become an integral part of the Vietnamese soul. These stories are not merely entertainment but also carry profound lessons about morality, courage, and the struggle between good and evil.

Famous Legends:

• The Legend of Son Tinh and Thuy Tinh
• The Legend of An Duong Vuong and Mi Chau – Trong Thuy
• The Legend of Hoan Kiem Lake

Folk Songs and Proverbs: The Wisdom of the People

Folk songs and proverbs are the essence of folk wisdom, reflecting keen observation and profound philosophies of life. Short, memorable folk songs, rich in imagery, have become an indispensable part of the Vietnamese spiritual and cultural life. Proverbs are concise, containing valuable life experiences accumulated over many generations.

Examples of folk songs and proverbs:

• “A father’s love is like Mount Thai Son/ A mother’s love is like water from a flowing spring”
• “When eating a fruit, remember the one who planted the tree”
• “Don’t let the big waves make you drop your oars”

Festivals: The Vibrancy of Culture

Traditional festivals are special cultural events, showcasing the beauty of Vietnamese culture and beliefs. From vibrant spring festivals to serene autumn festivals, each festival has its own unique features, bearing the strong imprint of each region. These festivals are not only occasions for fun and entertainment but also opportunities to commemorate and honor gods, heroes, and the traditional values of the nation.

Some famous festivals:

• Lunar New Year Festival (Tet)
• Hung Kings Temple Festival
• Hoa Lu Festival

Preservation and Development of Folklore

The preservation and development of folklore is an important task for every Vietnamese citizen. We need to actively learn, understand, and preserve these precious cultural values to pass them on to future generations. Integrating folklore into education and cultural and artistic activities will help make folklore more vibrant and accessible to everyone.