Exploring the Beauty of Vietnamese Folklore
Legends and Fairy Tales: The Roots of National Strength
Vietnamese folklore is a priceless treasure trove, preserving stories, songs, proverbs, and customs passed down through generations. Legends and fairy tales, with their mythical characters and profound lessons on morality, courage, and wisdom, have contributed to shaping the cultural identity of the nation. Stories about Son Tinh and Thuy Tinh, or Tam and Thach Sanh, are not merely entertaining tales but also reflect the Vietnamese people’s past beliefs about nature, humanity, and society.
Folk Songs, Proverbs, and Traditional Music: The Voice of the People
Folk songs, proverbs, and traditional music are distinctive forms of Vietnamese folklore, expressing the spirit, intellect, and soul of the Vietnamese people. Concise and evocative folk songs contain profound emotions about love, homeland, and family. Proverbs, short and rich in imagery, carry deep philosophical meaning, summarizing the life experiences of our ancestors. Traditional music, with its melodious and lyrical melodies, expresses the joys, sorrows, and aspirations of the people.
Some notable examples:
- Legends: The story of An Duong Vuong and Mi Chau – Trong Thuy, the legend of Hoan Kiem Lake (the Returned Sword Lake).
- Fairy Tales: Tam and Cam, Thach Sanh, So Dua (The Coconut).
- Folk Songs: Expressing filial piety and gratitude towards parents.
- Proverbs: “He who plants a tree enjoys its shade,” “Where there’s a will, there’s a way.”
Customs and Traditions: Distinctive Cultural Identity
Customs and traditions are an integral part of Vietnamese folklore. Traditional festivals, such as Tet Nguyen Dan (Lunar New Year), Tet Trung Thu (Mid-Autumn Festival), or the Hung Kings Temple Festival, are not only holidays but also occasions for people to gather, commemorate heroes, and express gratitude to their ancestors and country. Wedding and funeral customs also reflect the Vietnamese people’s beliefs and moral values.
Preserving and Promoting Folklore
Preserving and promoting folklore is the responsibility of every Vietnamese citizen. Maintaining and passing on these precious cultural values to future generations is crucial. We need practical activities to protect, preserve, and promote folklore to everyone, contributing to enriching the nation’s cultural identity.
Folklore is not only a legacy of the past but also a source of inspiration for the present and future. Understanding folklore will help us better understand the history, people, and society of Vietnam, thereby contributing to building a strong and civilized country.