Exploring the Beauty of Vietnamese Folklore
A Precious Cultural Heritage
Vietnamese folklore is a priceless treasure trove, preserving stories, legends, proverbs, folk songs, myths, and various other forms of folk art. It reflects the history, soul, and philosophy of life of the Vietnamese people through generations. From fairy tales that teach morality to lyrical folk songs expressing love for the homeland and country, folklore always has a vibrant life and is an endless source of inspiration for art and creativity.
Legends and Myths: Origins and Creativity
Vietnamese legends and myths are magical and captivating stories that explain the origin of the universe, humans, and natural phenomena. The stories of Son Tinh and Thuy Tinh, the legend of Hoan Kiem Lake, or legends about national heroes are all evidence of the rich imagination and artistic creativity of ancient Vietnamese people. These stories not only entertain but also carry profound educational meanings, conveying lessons about courage, integrity, and patriotism.
Notable Stories:
- Legend of Son Tinh and Thuy Tinh: The story of the competition for Mi Nương between two gods, reflecting the struggle between humans and nature.
- Legend of Hoan Kiem Lake: The story of the magical sword and Le Loi, symbolizing the glorious victory of the nation.
- Legend of An Duong Vuong and Mi Chau Trong Thuy: The tragic story of betrayal and loss of the country, leaving profound lessons about loyalty and vigilance.
Proverbs and Folk Songs: Wisdom and Emotion
Proverbs and folk songs are linguistic treasures, demonstrating the subtlety of expression and the depth of the Vietnamese people’s philosophy of life. Proverbs are short, concise sayings that summarize life experiences, teaching people about morality and behavior. Folk songs are lyrical poems that express family affection, love between couples, and love for the homeland in a profound and sincere way.
Some examples:
- Proverbs: “He who eats the fruit should remember the one who planted the tree”, “Teeth and hair are the foundation of a person’s appearance”
- Folk songs: “My body is like a thorny jackfruit/ The inside is white, the outside is black”, “The wind blows across the bridge, the wheels turn fast”
Preserving and Developing Folklore
Preserving and developing folklore is the responsibility of every Vietnamese citizen. We need to actively learn, research, and pass on these precious cultural values to future generations. Organizing traditional festivals, folk art performances, and folklore education in schools are important measures to preserve and promote the value of Vietnamese folklore.