Vietnamese Folklore: Richness and Diversity
Overview of Vietnamese Folklore
Vietnamese folklore is a rich and diverse treasure trove, passed down through generations. It reflects the history, society, thoughts, and emotions of the Vietnamese people. From colorful fairy tales to lyrical folk songs and concise proverbs, all contribute to a vibrant and engaging picture of folk culture.
Legends and Fairy Tales: Stories about Origins and History
Legends and fairy tales are two popular genres of folklore. Legends often tell of historical figures, real events, or fictionalized historical events, reflecting the people’s beliefs and ideas about history and national origins. Examples include the legends of Son Tinh and Thuy Tinh, or the legend of the Dragon and Fairy. Fairy tales, on the other hand, focus on imaginary stories, have a strong educational aspect, often have happy endings, and teach readers lessons about morality, kindness, and justice. Characters in fairy tales are often kind, brave, and intelligent individuals who overcome evil.
Notable Fairy Tales:
- Tam and Cam
- Thach Sanh
- So Dua
Proverbs, Folk Songs, and Folk Music: The Subtlety of Language and Music
Proverbs are short, concise sayings that summarize the life experiences of the people. They are often general in nature, reflecting philosophies of life and moral principles. Folk songs and folk music are genres of folk music that express people’s feelings and thoughts. Folk songs are often lyrical, expressing love for one’s homeland, love between couples, and family affection. Folk music is diverse in themes and styles, ranging from work songs to ritual songs, reflecting the rich spiritual and cultural life of the Vietnamese people.
Beliefs and Festivals: The Harmony between Humans and Nature
Beliefs and festivals are an integral part of Vietnamese folklore. Vietnamese people have diverse beliefs, including ancestor worship, the worship of deities, Buddhism, and other folk beliefs. Festivals are often associated with historical events, agricultural seasons, or to commemorate deities and national heroes. Festivals are not only occasions for fun and entertainment but also opportunities for people to show their gratitude to their ancestors and deities, and to together preserve and promote national cultural traditions.
Conclusion
Vietnamese folklore is an invaluable heritage that needs to be preserved and promoted. Studying and researching folklore not only helps us better understand our nation’s history and culture, but also helps us cultivate our character and nourish our souls.