Exploring the Beauty of Vietnamese Folklore

The Diversity and Richness of Vietnamese Folklore

Vietnamese folklore is a priceless treasure trove, preserving the spiritual, moral, and aesthetic values of the nation through generations. From mysterious fairy tales to sweet folk songs, from concise proverbs full of wisdom to vibrant festivals, all reflect the life, soul, and rich imagination of the Vietnamese people.

Legends – Origins and History

Legends often tell of historical figures and real events embellished with magical and mythical elements. They explain the origins of objects, natural phenomena, or the customs and traditions of the community. For example, the legend of Son Tinh and Thuy Tinh explains the phenomenon of floods, or the legend of Lang Lieu explains the origin of Banh Chung and Banh Giay during Tet Nguyen Dan (Lunar New Year).

Fairy Tales – Dreams and Life Lessons

Fairy tales are fictional stories, often with magical and enchanting elements, where the protagonist always triumphs over evil. They are highly educational, conveying lessons about morality, kindness, justice, and the aspiration for a better life. Stories like Tam Cam, Thach Sanh, or the Legend of Hoan Kiem Lake are typical examples.

Folk Songs and Proverbs – Life’s Philosophy

Folk songs (Ca dao) are short lyrical poems, often expressing feelings, thoughts, love for the homeland, family affection, and romantic love. Proverbs (Tục ngữ) are short, concise sayings, summarizing life experiences, and lessons about morality and society. Both folk songs and proverbs are evidence of the intelligence and sophistication of the Vietnamese language.

Folk Beliefs – Faith and Spirituality

Folk beliefs (Tín ngưỡng dân gian) encompass many diverse forms of belief, reflecting concepts about the spiritual world, ancestor worship, deities, and supernatural phenomena. Traditional festivals and folk rituals are concrete manifestations of this belief system, contributing to the unique cultural identity of each region.

Preservation and Promotion of Folklore

The preservation and promotion of folklore is extremely important. We need proactive measures to preserve, teach, and promote these precious cultural values to future generations, ensuring that folklore is not lost and continues to contribute to societal development.