Exploring the Beauty of Vietnamese Folklore

Vietnamese folklore is a priceless treasure trove, preserving stories, legends, proverbs, folk songs, and other forms of folk art spanning thousands of years of history. It reflects the intelligence, soul, and lives of the Vietnamese people throughout the ages, from mythological stories about the origin of the country to lessons about morality, love for family and community.

Legends and Fairy Tales: Origins and Power

Vietnamese legends and fairy tales often revolve around mythological characters, heroes, and exciting adventures. These stories are not only entertaining but also carry profound educational meanings, conveying moral values, courage, intelligence, and kindness. The story of Son Tinh and Thuy Tinh is a prime example, reflecting the aspiration to conquer nature and the indomitable spirit of the Vietnamese people. The story of Tam and Cam is a lesson about kindness, justice, and the punishment for evildoers.

Proverbs and Folk Songs: The Wisdom of the People

Proverbs and folk songs are short, concise sayings that express the life experiences, philosophy, and beliefs of the people. They have been passed down from generation to generation, becoming an indispensable part of Vietnamese culture. Proverbs often summarize experiences about nature, people, and society, while folk songs express the feelings, thoughts, and aspirations of people. For example: “Ăn quả nhớ kẻ trồng cây” (Remember the person who planted the tree when you eat the fruit) is a proverb that expresses gratitude, while “Thương em anh ước được làm cây đa, cây đề, che chở cho em suốt đời” (I wish I were a banyan tree, a banyan tree, to shelter you for life) is a folk song expressing passionate love.

Folk Art: Sophistication and Diversity

Vietnamese folk art is also extremely rich and diverse, from Dong Ho paintings, Hang Trong paintings, to Bat Trang ceramics, embroidery, weaving… Each art form has its own unique features, reflecting the skill, talent, and creativity of the people. These art products are not only beautiful works of art but also vivid evidence of the richness and diversity of Vietnamese folk culture.

Preservation and Promotion of Folklore

The preservation and promotion of folk culture is the responsibility of every Vietnamese citizen. We need to actively learn and pass on to future generations the precious values of folk culture. This not only helps preserve the national cultural identity but also contributes to enriching the cultural heritage of humanity.

In conclusion: Vietnamese folklore is an invaluable resource that needs to be preserved and promoted. Learning about and exploring folklore will help us understand more deeply the history, people, and country of Vietnam.