Exploring the Beauty of Vietnamese Folklore

Legends and Tales: The Origins of Culture

Vietnamese folklore is a vast treasure trove reflecting the history, soul, and intellect of the nation. Legends and tales are stories passed down through generations, explaining the origins of natural objects and phenomena, as well as Vietnamese customs and traditions. From the story of Son Tinh and Thuy Tinh to the legend of Hoan Kiem Lake, each story carries a profound meaning, educating people about morality, courage, and wisdom.

Proverbs and Folk Songs: The Wisdom of the People

Proverbs and folk songs are short, concise sayings that reflect the wisdom and life experiences of the people. Folk songs are often lyrical, expressing love for the homeland, family affection, and romantic love. Proverbs, on the other hand, are philosophical, summarizing valuable lessons about life, people, and society. “Ăn quả nhớ kẻ trồng cây” (He who eats the fruit should remember the one who planted the tree) and “Một cây làm chẳng nên non, ba cây chụm lại nên hòn núi cao” (One tree doesn’t make a forest, three trees together make a mountain) are typical proverbs that reflect the Vietnamese spirit of unity and gratitude.

Folk Music and Festivals: The Sounds and Colors of Culture

Vietnamese folk music is diverse and rich, with many different genres such as hò, lí, vè, chèo… Each region has its own unique melodies, reflecting the cultural characteristics of each locality. Festivals are community cultural activities that take place regularly, with religious, spiritual, or entertainment purposes. Festivals are not only opportunities for people to play and relax but also opportunities to show their respect for their ancestors and pray for good luck and happiness.

Folk Arts: Skill and Creativity

Vietnamese folk art is expressed in many forms such as Dong Ho paintings, Bat Trang ceramics, embroidery… Each work is the result of the hard work, skill, and creativity of the artisans, bearing the strong imprint of traditional culture.

Preservation and Promotion of Folklore

The preservation and promotion of folklore is an important task for every Vietnamese citizen. We need to actively participate in cultural activities, teach the younger generation the good values of national culture, and contribute to preserving and developing Vietnamese folklore.