Exploring the Beauty of Vietnamese Folklore

Legends and Fairy Tales: Sources of Creativity

Vietnamese folklore is a priceless treasure trove, preserving magical legends and fairy tales that reflect the rich imagination and profound understanding of nature and humanity of our ancestors. These stories are not only entertaining but also carry profound educational meaning, passing on lessons about morality, kindness, justice, and the will to overcome challenges in life. From the legend of Son Tinh and Thuy Tinh, the story of Ho Guom (Returned Sword Lake) to fairy tales about Tam Cam, the old fisherman and the golden fish, each story contains profound philosophical meanings.

Folk Songs and Proverbs: The Essence of Folk Literature

Folk songs and proverbs are clear evidence of the sophistication and talent in the Vietnamese language. Short, image-rich folk songs express deep emotions, from love between couples, family affection to love for one’s homeland. Proverbs are short, concise sayings that summarize life experiences and the philosophy of life of the nation. We can find valuable life lessons in folk songs and proverbs, about people and society.

Some typical examples:

• Folk song: “Our boat sails with the wind and the moon/ Glide among high clouds and boundless sea”.
• Proverb: “When eating a fruit, remember the one who planted the tree”, “Diligence brings success”.

These folk songs and proverbs are not merely sayings but valuable lessons in morality.

Customs and Traditions: Cultural Identity

Customs and traditions are an indispensable part of Vietnamese folklore. From traditional festivals like Tet Nguyen Dan (Lunar New Year), Hung Temple Festival to wedding and funeral customs, each custom has its own meaning, reflecting the worldview and philosophy of life of the Vietnamese people. Preserving and promoting good customs and traditions is the responsibility of every Vietnamese citizen to preserve and develop the nation’s traditional culture.

Folk Arts: The Crystallization of Talent

Vietnamese folk art is extremely diverse and rich, from Dong Ho paintings, Hang Trong paintings, Bat Trang ceramics to folk musical instruments such as the dan bau, dan nguyet, bamboo flute… Each art form has its own beauty, showing the talent and creativity of Vietnamese artisans. Preserving and promoting folk art forms is crucial to preserving the nation’s cultural identity.

Conclusion

Vietnamese folklore is a precious treasure that needs to be preserved and developed. Understanding and appreciating folklore will help us better understand the history, people, and country of Vietnam. Let’s join hands to preserve and promote these traditional cultural values.