Vietnamese Folklore: A Precious Heritage to Preserve

Overview of Vietnamese Folklore

Vietnamese folklore is a rich and diverse treasure trove accumulated over thousands of years of history. It encompasses various traditional art forms such as legends, fairy tales, proverbs, folk songs, folk music, puppetry, folk games, and folk architecture. All these reflect the spiritual and material life, beliefs, faiths, and aspirations of the Vietnamese people from the past to the present. These stories, songs, and dances are not merely artistic works but also valuable lessons in morality, lifestyle, and love for one’s homeland.

Legends and Fairy Tales: Origins and Significance

Legends often tell about historical figures and events, embellished with magical elements, carrying an educational nature and explaining the origin of objects and phenomena. Examples include the legends of Son Tinh and Thuy Tinh (Mountain God and Water God), or legends about national heroes. Fairy tales focus on imaginary, extraordinary characters, often carrying an educational message, reflecting human dreams and aspirations. Good characters are always rewarded, and evil characters are punished, creating a clear moral value system.

Proverbs and Folk Songs: Cleverness in Language

Proverbs are short, concise sayings that summarize life experiences and reflect the beliefs and philosophies of the Vietnamese people. Folk songs are short, memorable lyrical poems, often used to express feelings and relationships between people and between people and nature. Both proverbs and folk songs demonstrate subtlety and cleverness in language, profoundly reflecting the Vietnamese people’s inner lives.

The Role of Folklore in Modern Life

In the context of globalization and modernization, folklore still plays an important role in preserving and promoting national cultural identity. It strengthens national unity and pride and educates young generations about the nation’s fine traditions. The study, preservation, and promotion of folklore are not only culturally significant but also have socio-economic implications, contributing to tourism development and promoting the country’s image.

Efforts to Preserve and Promote Folklore

Many activities are organized to preserve and promote folklore, such as traditional festivals, folk art performances, and folk song and proverb writing competitions. However, preserving and promoting folklore requires the joint efforts of the whole society, especially the attention of management agencies, researchers, and the active participation of the community.

Conclusion

Vietnamese folklore is an invaluable heritage that needs to be preserved and promoted. Preserving and promoting folklore is not only the responsibility of an individual or an organization but the responsibility of the entire community, to preserve and pass on to future generations a culture rich in national identity.