Vietnamese Folklore: Enduring Identity and Values

Understanding Vietnamese Folklore

Vietnamese folklore encompasses the collective body of traditional beliefs, customs, stories, and practices passed down through generations. It reflects the material and spiritual lives of the Vietnamese people, serving as a priceless treasure trove of cultural heritage and a cornerstone of national identity.

Key Components of Vietnamese Folklore

Legends:

Legends narrate historical events or figures, often embellished with fantastical elements. They aim to explain the origins of things, phenomena, or to celebrate national heroes. Examples include the Legend of Son Tinh and Thuy Tinh (the Mountain God and the Water God), and the Legend of Hoan Kiem Lake (the Returned Sword Lake).

Fairy Tales:

Fairy tales are fictional stories often involving magic, adventure, and moral lessons. They reflect the hopes and dreams of the people and often teach valuable life lessons. Examples include Tam and Cam, Thach Sanh, and So Dua (The Coconut).

Folk Songs and Proverbs:

Folk songs (Ca dao) are lyrical poems expressing emotions and philosophies of life. Proverbs (Tục ngữ) are concise sayings encapsulating wisdom and experience. Both offer insightful glimpses into the rich spiritual life of the Vietnamese people.

Folk Beliefs:

Folk beliefs encompass a system of rituals, practices, and spiritual convictions. These reflect the relationship between humans, nature, society, and the spiritual realm. Examples include the worship of the Mother Goddess (Mẫu), village tutelary deities (Thành Hoàng), and various traditional festivals.

The Value of Vietnamese Folklore

Vietnamese folklore holds immense value in several aspects: Preserving and promoting national cultural identity; Educating about traditions, ethics, and lifestyles; Inspiring creativity in the arts; Contributing to the development of tourism.

Preservation and Promotion of Vietnamese Folklore

Preserving and promoting Vietnamese folklore requires collective efforts from the community, government, and social organizations. This includes researching, collecting, compiling, and disseminating folklore works; Organizing cultural events and traditional festivals; and incorporating folklore education into schools and communities.

Vietnamese folklore is an integral part of Vietnam’s cultural identity. Its preservation and promotion is the responsibility of every citizen to ensure its legacy for future generations.