Exploring the Beauty of Vietnamese Folk Culture

A Precious Legacy

Vietnamese folk culture is an invaluable treasure trove, preserving spiritual, moral, and artistic values passed down through generations. From mysterious fairy tales and sweet folk songs to vibrant festivals, it all reflects a diverse and rich culture.

Legends and Fairy Tales: The Source of Creativity

Vietnamese legends and fairy tales are more than just entertainment. They are lessons about morality, compassion, and the struggle between good and evil. Characters like Saint Giong, Son Tinh, and Thuy Tinh have become immortal symbols in the minds of the Vietnamese people. Each story carries a profound message, contributing to the formation of the character and values of the people.

Notable stories:

• The Legend of Saint Giong: Shows patriotism and courage.
• The Legend of Son Tinh and Thuy Tinh: Explains natural phenomena and humanity’s desire to conquer nature.
• The Tale of Tam and Cam: Reflects the struggle between good and evil, justice and injustice.

Folk Songs and Proverbs: The Cleverness of Words

Folk songs and proverbs are precious gems in the treasure trove of folk literature. They are concise and succinct, yet contain profound philosophies about life, love, and people. Folk songs express people’s feelings and thoughts through simple verses, while proverbs are life lessons accumulated over generations.

Examples of folk songs and proverbs:

• Folk song: “Across the bridge, gentle wind, floating clouds/ The hen clucks, leaf here, leaf there.”
• Proverb: “When eating the fruit, remember the one who planted the tree”, “One tree doesn’t make a forest/ Three trees together make a mountain high.”

Festivals: The Colors of Culture

Vietnamese festivals are diverse and rich, reflecting the beliefs and customs of each region. From boisterous spring festivals to solemn harvest festivals, each festival has its own meaning, creating vibrancy and a distinctive color for folk culture.

Some representative festivals:

• Tet Nguyen Dan (Lunar New Year): The most important festival of the year.
• Hung Kings Temple Festival: A festival commemorating the Hung Kings.
• Do Son Buffalo Fighting Festival: A unique traditional festival.

Preservation and Promotion of Folk Culture

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