Exploring the Beauty of Vietnamese Folklore

Legends and Fairy Tales: A Source of Creativity

Vietnamese folklore is a priceless treasure trove, preserving stories, legends, proverbs, folk songs, and festivals that reflect the history, soul, and rich imagination of the Vietnamese people. Fairy tales like Tam Cam, Thach Sanh, or Son Tinh Thuy Tinh are not just entertainment but also contain profound lessons about morality, compassion, and the struggle between good and evil. Legends about the origins of regions, rivers, and mountains have contributed to a diverse and fascinating cultural landscape.

Proverbs and Folk Songs: Wisdom and Emotion

Proverbs and folk songs are valuable lessons about life experiences and philosophies of life accumulated over generations. These concise, succinct, and imagery-rich sayings contain profound folk wisdom. Folk songs express the emotions and feelings of the Vietnamese people, from romantic love and family affection to patriotism. “A father’s love is like Mount Thai Son, A mother’s love is like the clear spring…” is a clear example of this.

Traditional Festivals: Vibrancy and Color

Traditional festivals are distinctive cultural features, showcasing the veneration of nature, folk beliefs, and gratitude to ancestors. From the Hung Kings Temple Festival, the Gio Ong Festival, to harvest festivals in rural areas, each festival has its own unique color, creating a vibrant and diverse cultural picture. The dances, folk songs, and folk games in the festivals have enriched the spiritual life of the people.

Intangible Cultural Heritage: Preservation and Promotion

Vietnamese folklore has been recognized by UNESCO as many intangible cultural heritages, such as: Hue royal court music, Ca Tru, Hat Xam,… Preserving and promoting these heritages is the responsibility of every Vietnamese citizen to preserve the cultural identity of the nation.

Conclusion

Vietnamese folklore is a precious treasure that needs to be cherished and preserved. Exploring and discovering the beauty of folklore not only helps us better understand the history and people of Vietnam but also contributes to educating traditions, morals, and love for the homeland for future generations.