Vietnamese Folklore: A Precious Heritage in Need of Preservation
Legends and Myths: The Origins of the Nation
Vietnamese folklore is a vast treasure trove, reflecting the history, soul, and intellect of the nation. From fairy tales and proverbs to traditional festivals, all contain profound spiritual values. Legends and myths, such as the story of Son Tinh and Thuy Tinh, or An Duong Vuong and Mi Chau Trong Thuy, not only explain the origins of the land and mountains but also demonstrate concepts of good and evil, courage, and human intelligence.
Proverbs and Folk Songs: The Philosophy of Life of the Vietnamese People
Proverbs and folk songs are short, concise sayings that express the life experiences and philosophies of the Vietnamese people. Folk songs like “A father’s love is like Mount Thai Son, a mother’s love is like the clear spring water” or “When you eat the fruit, remember the one who planted the tree” have become invaluable moral lessons, passed down from generation to generation.
Forms of Folk Art
Folk Music: A variety of folk instruments, with each region having its own unique melodies reflecting local cultural identity. Examples include Quan Ho folk songs from Bac Ninh, Ho khoan from the Mekong Delta, and Ca Tru.
Folk Dance: Water puppetry, lion and dragon dances, and the Xoè dance… are unique art forms that demonstrate the skill and sophistication of the Vietnamese people.
Visual Arts: Pottery, embroidery, and carving… are traditional crafts that showcase the talent and creativity of the people. These handcrafted products are not only everyday household items but also exquisite works of art with high aesthetic value.
Traditional Festivals: The Harmony Between Humans and Nature
Traditional festivals are an indispensable part of Vietnamese folklore. Tet Nguyen Dan (Lunar New Year), Mid-Autumn Festival, the Gióng Festival, and the Hung Kings’ Temple Festival… are occasions for people to gather, remember heroes, express gratitude to their ancestors, and pray for a good new year and bountiful harvests. Each festival has its own unique rituals, games, and specialties, creating a diverse and rich cultural picture.
Preserving Folklore: The Responsibility of Everyone
In today’s era, with the rapid development of technology and international integration, the preservation of folklore faces many challenges. To preserve and promote these precious values, every citizen needs to be more conscious in protecting and disseminating folklore to future generations. Teaching children about fairy tales, proverbs, participating in traditional festivals, learning about and appreciating folk art forms… are practical actions to contribute to the preservation and promotion of Vietnamese folklore.