Vietnamese Folklore: A Journey of Discovery

Vietnamese folklore is a priceless treasure trove, preserving stories, legends, proverbs, folk songs, and other forms of folk art passed down through generations. It reflects the history, society, and soul of the Vietnamese people throughout various periods.

Legends and Myths: Origins of the Universe and Humanity

Vietnamese legends and myths often revolve around stories about the origins of the universe, humanity, and natural phenomena. These stories not only explain the world around us but also convey the moral values and philosophies of the Vietnamese people. For example, the legend of Son Tinh and Thuy Tinh explains the phenomenon of floods, while emphasizing the indomitable spirit of humanity in the face of nature.

Fairy Tales: Education and Entertainment

Vietnamese fairy tales often feature familiar characters such as Tam, Thach Sanh, or the magical Ông Bụt. These stories are not only entertaining but also educational, teaching children lessons about kindness, fairness, and the triumph of good over evil. The content is diverse, ranging from stories about love and family to adventurous tales.

Proverbs and Folk Songs: The Wisdom of the People

Proverbs are short, concise sayings that summarize the life experiences of the people. They often have an instructive nature, guiding people on how to behave in life. For example, “Ăn quả nhớ kẻ trồng cây” (Remember the one who planted the tree when you eat the fruit), “Lá lành đùm lá rách” (A healthy leaf shelters a broken one).

Folk songs (Ca dao) are lyrical folk poems that express people’s feelings and thoughts about love, homeland, and country. Vietnamese folk songs are rich in themes and forms, ranging from songs about love to songs about family affection, friendship, and patriotism.

Folk Art: Unceasing Creativity

Vietnamese folk art is expressed in many diverse forms, from Dong Ho paintings, Hang Trong paintings, Bat Trang ceramics, to traditional musical instruments such as the dan bau and dan nguyet. Each art form carries a strong unique cultural identity, reflecting the talent and creativity of the Vietnamese people.

Preserving and promoting folklore is the responsibility of every Vietnamese citizen. We need to strive to preserve these precious cultural values to pass on to future generations, contributing to enriching the cultural heritage of the nation.