Exploring the Beauty of Vietnamese Folklore
Legends and Fairy Tales – The Roots of National Strength
Vietnamese folklore is a priceless treasure trove, preserving stories, legends, fairy tales, proverbs, folk songs, and more… reflecting the lives, thoughts, and feelings of the Vietnamese people across generations. These stories are not merely entertainment; they contain profound lessons on morality, compassion, resilience, and the wisdom of the nation.
Legends often tell of the origins of natural phenomena, important historical events, and national heroes. For example, the legend of Son Tinh and Thuy Tinh, the legend of the watermelon, etc. We see the power of nature, the courage of humanity, and the constant struggle between good and evil.
Fairy tales focus on imaginary, extraordinary stories with high educational value. The protagonists always triumph in the end, representing the dreams of justice, happiness, and the goodness of humanity. Stories like Tam Cam, Thach Sanh, etc., have become an integral part of the spiritual life of the Vietnamese people.
Proverbs, Folk Songs, and Traditional Music – The Heart and Soul of a Nation
Proverbs are concise and meaningful sayings summarizing life experiences and philosophies. We can find in proverbs lessons about labor, production, love, diligence, and perseverance… For example: “If you persevere, you will succeed”, “Remember the one who planted the tree when you eat the fruit”,…
Folk songs and traditional music express the emotions, thoughts, and aspirations of the people through melodious and profound songs and melodies. Folk songs about love, family, and homeland have become lessons about humanity, patriotism, and the close bond between people.
Preservation and Promotion of Folklore
In today’s age, with the rapid development of information technology, the preservation and promotion of folklore is a crucial task. We need practical measures to protect these precious cultural values and pass them on to future generations. Organizing traditional festivals, art programs, research activities, and teaching about folklore are effective ways to accomplish this task.
Conclusion: Vietnamese folklore is an indispensable part of the nation’s cultural identity. Studying and preserving these cultural values not only helps us understand more about our history and traditions but also provides us with valuable lessons about life, morality, and humanity.