Exploring the Beauty of Vietnamese Folklore

Legends and Fairy Tales – Sources of Creativity

Vietnamese folklore is a priceless treasure, passed down through thousands of years of history. Legends and fairy tales, stories about heroes, miracles, and moral lessons, have helped shape the unique cultural identity of the nation. From the legend of Son Tinh and Thuy Tinh to familiar fairy tales like Tam Cam and Thach Sanh, each story carries a profound message about courage, justice, and the triumph of good over evil. These stories are not only entertaining but also educational, shaping the values of generations.

Proverbs and Folk Songs – Life Philosophies Woven into Daily Life

Proverbs and folk songs are concise and succinct forms of folk literature, yet they contain valuable lessons about life. Proverbs such as “Ăn quả nhớ kẻ trồng cây” (He who eats the fruit should remember the one who planted the tree) and “Lá lành đùm lá rách” (A sound leaf shelters a broken one) embody the principles of being a good person, love, and sharing. Folk songs, with their lyrical and melodious words, reflect family affection, love between couples, and the aspirations of the people. Proverbs and folk songs are the voice of the people, realistically reflecting their lives and emotions.

Folk Music – The Sounds of the Country

Vietnamese folk music, with its diverse melodies, from the slow and gentle hò (call-and-response singing) on the waterways to the lively lý (folk songs) of the mountains, creates a vibrant and multi-colored musical picture. Each region has its characteristic folk melodies, reflecting the customs, traditions, and lives of the people there. Folk music is not just melodious tunes but also an indispensable part of Vietnamese culture, contributing to the richness and diversity of the nation.

Folk Art – Skill and Refinement

Vietnamese folk art is expressed in many different forms, from Dong Ho paintings and Hang Trong paintings to embroidery, weaving, and ceramics. These artworks not only possess high aesthetic value but also demonstrate the skill, refinement, and creativity of the artisans. Each work is a story, a vivid picture of the life, customs, and traditions of the Vietnamese people.

Preservation and Promotion of Folklore

The preservation and promotion of folklore is an important task for the whole society. We need specific policies and measures to protect and preserve these precious cultural values, while also teaching them to younger generations, helping them understand and appreciate the nation’s cultural heritage. Only when we join hands to protect it, will folklore live forever.