Vietnamese Folklore: A Precious Heritage

Overview of Vietnamese Folklore

Vietnamese folklore is a priceless treasure trove, reflecting the history, soul, and intellect of the nation through generations. It encompasses a rich variety of genres, including legends, fairy tales, proverbs, folk songs, mythology, folk music, folk dance, folk games, and folk architecture. Each genre carries its own unique values, contributing to the vibrant and distinctive cultural landscape of Vietnam.

Legends and Fairy Tales: Stories of Origins and History

Legends often tell of historical figures and real events embellished with fantastical and mysterious elements. Examples include the legend of Son Tinh and Thuy Tinh, the legend of Hoan Kiem Lake… Fairy tales, on the other hand, focus on imaginary stories with educational and moralizing aspects. These stories not only entertain but also convey valuable lessons about ethics, kindness, and justice.

Folk Songs and Proverbs: The Subtlety of Language and Philosophy of Life

Folk songs (Ca dao) are short lyrical poems that express the feelings and thoughts of working people. From love between couples and family affection to thoughts about life and nature, folk songs are expressed truthfully and profoundly. Proverbs (Tục ngữ) are concise sayings that reflect the life experiences and philosophy of the people. We can learn many valuable lessons from these short but meaningful proverbs.

Folk Music: The Singing Voice of the Homeland

Vietnamese folk music is incredibly rich with various genres such as Quan Ho folk songs of Bac Ninh, Hue court music, Hat Xam, and Don Ca Tai Tu… Each region has its unique characteristics in music, reflecting the culture and lifestyle of the people there. Folk music is not only a form of entertainment but also an indispensable part of the spiritual life of the Vietnamese people.

Preservation and Promotion of Folklore

Preserving and promoting the value of folklore is the responsibility of every Vietnamese citizen. We need to actively learn and pass on these precious values to future generations. Organizing cultural activities, traditional festivals, and education in schools all contribute significantly to the preservation and promotion of folklore.

Vietnamese folklore is an invaluable resource that needs to be preserved and promoted so that future generations can better understand their national origins.