Exploring the Beauty of Vietnamese Folklore

Legends and Myths: The Roots of National Strength

Vietnamese folklore is a priceless treasure trove, preserving mysterious myths and legends that reflect the rich imagination and profound understanding of the Vietnamese people about nature, society, and humanity. Stories of Son Tinh and Thuy Tinh, or the legend of Hoan Kiem Lake, are not just entertaining tales but also lessons about courage, intelligence, and the spirit of fighting to protect one’s homeland. Legends are often associated with geographical locations, creating unique characteristics of each region.

Folk Songs and Proverbs: The Heart of the Nation

Folk songs and proverbs are invaluable lessons learned from the life experiences of generations. Short and concise folk songs express family affection, love, friendship, and profound philosophies about life. Proverbs, with their brevity and conciseness, offer advice and lessons from daily life. Both folk songs and proverbs contribute to the soul of the Vietnamese people, demonstrating subtlety and depth in perceiving life.

Examples of Authentic Folk Songs

For example: “A father’s love is like Mount Thai Son, a mother’s love is like the water flowing from a spring…” or “My body is like a thorny rambutan, white inside, black outside…” are folk songs that have resonated with the Vietnamese people for generations.

Festivals: Connecting Communities

Traditional festivals are an integral part of Vietnamese cultural life. From major festivals like Tet Nguyen Dan (Lunar New Year), the Hung Kings Temple Festival to smaller local festivals, each festival has its own meaning, linked to beliefs, history, and community life. Festivals are opportunities for people to gather, demonstrate solidarity, and preserve the nation’s cultural identity.

Folk Arts: Limitless Creativity

Vietnamese folk art is rich and diverse, expressed through various forms such as Dong Ho paintings, ceramics, embroidery, and carving. Each artwork bears the strong imprint of the artisan, reflecting skill, talent, and love for their homeland. Folk art is not only a product of labor but also evidence of the constant creativity of the Vietnamese people.

Preserving and Promoting Folklore

Preserving and promoting folklore is the responsibility of every Vietnamese citizen. We need to be more conscious of preserving, protecting, and promoting traditional cultural values, so that these precious heritages are passed down to future generations. Preserving culture is preserving national identity.