Exploring the Beauty of Vietnamese Folklore

Origins and Significance

Vietnamese folklore is a priceless treasure, preserving the spiritual, moral, and intellectual values of the nation throughout thousands of years of history. From fairy tales and mysterious legends to concise proverbs and folk songs, all reflect the lives, thoughts, and feelings of the Vietnamese people. We can find in them the aspiration for a better life, patriotism, the spirit of unity, and respect for nature.

Legends and Fairy Tales: Life Lessons

Legends are often associated with history, explaining the origins of natural phenomena or famous historical figures. For example, the legend of Son Tinh and Thuy Tinh explains the frequent floods in the Red River Delta. Meanwhile, fairy tales focus on moral lessons, about kindness, courage, cleverness, and justice. Characters like Tam Cam and Thach Sanh have become cultural icons, passed down through generations.

Folk Songs and Proverbs: The Skill of Language

Folk songs (Ca dao), with their short and memorable verses, express deep feelings about love for the homeland, family, and lovers. Proverbs (Tục ngữ) are concise and meaningful sayings that summarize the life experiences of the people in many aspects of life, from production to social interaction. Both folk songs and proverbs are evidence of the subtlety and skill in the Vietnamese language.

Traditional Games: Simple Joys

Traditional games are an indispensable part of Vietnamese spiritual and cultural life. From simple games like O an quan (five-stone game), skipping rope, and tug-of-war to more complex games like swinging and cockfighting, all bring joy, entertainment, and exercise to people. They also reflect the creativity and skill of the people in creating recreational games.

Preservation and Promotion of Folklore

Preserving and promoting folklore is the responsibility of every Vietnamese citizen. We need to make efforts to pass on these precious cultural values to future generations, through organizing cultural activities, education, research, and promoting folklore to the community. The vibrant tapestry of Vietnamese folklore continues to inspire and enrich the lives of its people, offering a window into a rich and captivating history.