Vietnamese Folklore: A Comprehensive Overview

The Rich Diversity of Vietnamese Folklore

Vietnamese folklore is a rich and diverse treasure trove, passed down through generations. It encompasses various forms, reflecting the lives, thoughts, feelings, and vibrant imagination of the Vietnamese people. From colorful folktales to sweet folk songs and concise proverbs filled with philosophy, all contribute to a vivid and engaging picture of Vietnamese folk culture.

Legends and Mythology

Legends are often associated with historical and geographical events, explaining the origins of natural phenomena or people. Stories like Son Tinh – Thuy Tinh (The Mountain God and the Water God), the legend of Hoan Kiem Lake (Returned Sword Lake), or legends about national heroes all carry profound educational value, fostering patriotism and national pride. Mythology in Vietnam, although not as systematically organized as in some other cultures, still exists in many folk tales, depicting the worldview and concepts of the cosmos held by ancient Vietnamese people.

Folktales and Stories

Folktales are imaginary stories, often with magical elements, clear good and evil characters, carrying messages about righteousness, justice, and the triumph of good. Familiar folktales like Tam Cam (Tam and Cam) and Thach Sanh (Thach Sanh) have become an integral part of the childhood memories of many generations of Vietnamese people. Stories are more diverse, encompassing tales of everyday life, moral lessons, or humorous anecdotes.

Folk Songs, Proverbs, and Idioms

Folk songs (Ca dao) are lyrical folk poems expressing the feelings, thoughts, and philosophies of the people. Folk songs vividly reflect the rich emotional life of people, from romantic love to family affection and community bonds. Proverbs (Tục ngữ) are short, concise sayings containing life experiences and valuable lessons on ethics and society. Idioms (Thành ngữ) are fixed phrases, often used to create imagery and enhance the expressiveness of speech.

Preservation and Development of Folklore

In the modern context, preserving and developing folklore is crucial. The collection, research, compilation, and dissemination of folk literature works need to be strengthened. Furthermore, incorporating folklore into school curricula and organizing cultural and artistic activities to promote folklore should be emphasized. Only with the concerted efforts of the entire community can we preserve and promote the immense value of Vietnam’s rich folklore heritage.