Exploring the Beauty of Vietnamese Folklore
Legends – The Origin of the Nation
Vietnamese folklore is a priceless treasure trove, preserving stories, songs, proverbs, and customs passed down through generations. Legends, with their mysterious tales of the nation’s origins, gods, and heroes, reflect the spirit, aspirations, and rich imagination of the Vietnamese people. From the legend of Con Rong Chau Tien (Children of the Dragon and Fairy) to the stories of Son Tinh and Thuy Tinh (Mountain Spirit and Water Spirit), each story carries a profound meaning, reflecting the relationship between humans and nature, between good and evil.
Folk Songs and Proverbs – The Philosophy of Life of the Vietnamese
Folk songs and proverbs are the essence of folk wisdom, containing valuable lessons about life, love, and morality. The sweet and poignant folk songs express family affection, love between couples, and community spirit. Proverbs, with their concise and succinct phrases, encapsulate life experiences and the philosophy of life of the Vietnamese people through the ages.
Some examples:
Folk song: “A father’s love is like Mount Thai Son/ A mother’s love is like the ever-flowing spring.”
Proverb: “He who eats the fruit should remember the one who planted the tree.”
Customs and Traditions – The Essence of National Culture
Customs and traditions are cultural activities, festivals, and rituals maintained through generations, reflecting the spiritual and material life of the people. Tet Nguyen Dan (Lunar New Year), Tet Trung Thu (Mid-Autumn Festival), temple festivals… are all occasions for communities to gather, express their respect for their ancestors, and pray for good fortune and happiness. Each region has its own unique cultural features, creating a diverse and rich picture of Vietnamese folklore.
Folk Literature – The Crystallization of Wisdom
Folk literature includes many genres such as fairy tales, poetry, and humorous stories… Fairy tales often have a high educational value, teaching people lessons about morality, kindness, and justice. Folk poetry expresses the feelings, thoughts, and aspirations of the people, reflecting their daily lives and work. Humorous folk stories are entertaining and satirize negative phenomena in society.
Preserving and Promoting Folklore
Preserving and promoting folklore is the responsibility of every Vietnamese citizen. We need to actively participate in cultural activities, teach traditional cultural values to young generations, and contribute to preserving and developing the precious cultural heritage of our nation.