Vietnamese Folklore: A Precious Heritage to Preserve

Understanding Vietnamese Folklore

Vietnamese folklore encompasses the entirety of spiritual and material creations developed and transmitted among the people, reflecting their lives, thoughts, and emotions. It includes a rich tapestry of forms such as: fairy tales, folk songs (ca dao), proverbs (tuc ngu), idioms, mythology, festivals, folk games, folk art (including folk paintings, folk music, water puppetry), and folk architecture.

Traditional Vietnamese Folklore Literature

Fairy Tales:

Vietnamese fairy tales are incredibly diverse, covering various themes such as: fighting against evil, love, filial piety, intelligence, and wit. These stories are not only entertaining but also carry profound educational value, transmitting valuable lessons to generations.

Folk Songs (Ca dao) and Proverbs (Tuc ngu):

Ca dao and tuc ngu represent invaluable treasures of Vietnamese folk literature. Ca dao expresses people’s emotions and thoughts, reflecting daily life and love for their homeland. Tuc ngu are concise and meaningful sayings that encapsulate the life experiences of the people.

The Value of Vietnamese Folklore

Vietnamese folklore holds immense significance for the spiritual lives of the Vietnamese people. It is an expression of national cultural identity, contributing to national unity and solidarity. Furthermore, it serves as an endless source of inspiration for artistic creation, tourism, and education.

Preserving and Promoting Vietnamese Folklore

To preserve and promote Vietnamese folklore, we need to:

• Research, collect, compile, and publish works of folk literature.
• Organize cultural and artistic activities to promote and introduce folklore to a wider audience.
• Educate younger generations about traditional folklore.
• Apply folklore to modern life.

Preserving folklore is not only the responsibility of researchers but also of every Vietnamese citizen. Let’s join hands to protect and promote the precious values of our folklore to enrich our national cultural identity. The vibrant traditions, rich storytelling, and enduring wisdom embedded within Vietnamese folklore deserve our continued attention and support.