Vietnamese Folklore: A Precious Heritage to Preserve
Overview of Vietnamese Folklore
Vietnamese folklore is a priceless treasure, passed down through thousands of years of history. It encompasses countless stories, legends, proverbs, folk songs, customs, and folk arts… reflecting the life, thoughts, feelings, and philosophies of the Vietnamese people. From mythical fairy tales about Son Tinh and Thuy Tinh to sweet and profound folk songs about love and homeland, all contribute to a diverse and rich cultural picture.
Legends and Myths: Origins and Meanings
Legends and myths are an important part of folklore, explaining the origins of things, phenomena, and people. These stories are not only entertaining but also educational, conveying lessons about morality, kindness, and justice. For example, the legend of Con Rong Chau Tien explains the origin of the Vietnamese people, affirming the noble origin of the nation.
Notable Legends:
- Legend of Son Tinh and Thuy Tinh: depicts humanity’s ambition to conquer nature.
- Legend of Chu Dong Tu and Tien Dung: illustrates compassion and fidelity in love.
- Legend of Saint Giong: showcases patriotism and the fight against foreign invaders.
Proverbs and Folk Songs: The Subtlety of Language
Proverbs and folk songs are short and concise forms of folk literature, yet they contain profound lessons about life. Proverbs are usually short sayings, rich in life experience, reflecting folk philosophy. Folk songs are diverse in themes, from love, family, to homeland and country.
Examples of Proverbs and Folk Songs:
- Proverbs: “He who eats the fruit should remember the one who planted the tree”, “Diligence will bring success”.
- Folk songs: “Father’s love is like Mount Thai Son”, “My body is like a drifting bần fruit…”.
Folk Arts: Skill and Creativity
Vietnamese folk art is rich and diverse, from Dong Ho paintings, Hang Trong paintings to Bat Trang ceramics, embroidery, weaving… Each art form demonstrates the skill, creativity, and love of labor of the Vietnamese people. These products not only have aesthetic value but are also evidence of the development of folklore through generations.
Preservation and Promotion of Folklore
Preserving and promoting folklore is the responsibility of every Vietnamese citizen. We need to actively learn, disseminate, and preserve these precious traditional cultural values to pass on to future generations. Organizing cultural activities, traditional festivals, and education in schools… all contribute significantly to the preservation and promotion of folklore.