Vietnamese Folklore: Enduring Identity and Values

A Rich Treasury of Folk Literature

Vietnamese folklore is a priceless treasure, passed down through generations, reflecting the history, society, and soul of the Vietnamese people. From colorful fairy tales and mysterious legends to proverbs and folk songs imbued with life philosophies, all contribute to a diverse and rich cultural landscape.

Legends and Myths: Origins and History

Legends often tell of historical figures and real events embellished with fantastical elements, helping to explain the origins and history of different regions and ethnic groups. For example, the legends of Son Tinh – Thuy Tinh, and An Duong Vuong and Mi Chau – Trong Thuy, are all captivating stories with high educational value.

Myths focus on stories about gods and personified natural phenomena, reflecting the ancient Vietnamese worldview and understanding of life. These stories are often mysterious and fantastical, contributing to the formation of the Vietnamese belief system and religion.

Fairy Tales: Education and Entertainment

Fairy tales are folk stories about everyday life, family affection, love, featuring good and evil characters and magical elements. Fairy tales not only provide entertainment but also contain profound lessons about morality, lifestyle, the desire for justice and happiness.

Folk Songs and Proverbs: Life Philosophy and Life Experiences

Folk songs (Ca dao) are short lyrical poems, often with melodies, praising the beauty of nature, love for homeland, family affection, and romantic love. Folk songs reflect the thoughts, feelings, and aspirations of the working people.

Proverbs (Tục ngữ) are short, concise sayings that encapsulate the life experiences and philosophies of the people. Proverbs contain valuable lessons about morality, lifestyle, and experience in production and labor.

The Value of Folklore

Folklore is not only a precious intangible cultural heritage but also an endless source of inspiration for art, literature, cinema, etc. It contributes to educating traditions, morality, and lifestyles for generations, fostering national pride, and strengthening community bonds.

Preserving and promoting folklore is the responsibility of every Vietnamese citizen. Researching, collecting, introducing, and disseminating folklore to younger generations is essential to preserving the nation’s cultural identity.