Exploring the Beauty of Vietnamese Folklore

Legends and Fairy Tales: Sources of Creativity

Vietnamese folklore is a priceless treasure trove, preserving stories, legends, fairy tales, proverbs, folk songs, and festivals spanning many generations. Fairy tales such as Tấm Cám, Thạch Sanh, and Sọ Dừa are not just entertaining stories but also carry profound lessons about morality, kindness, and justice. They reflect the worldview and philosophy of the Vietnamese people and are an integral part of the personality development of each individual.

Proverbs and Folk Songs: Life Philosophy Entwined with Life

Proverbs and folk songs are concise and succinct forms of folk literature, yet they contain profound philosophies about life, love, nature, and people. Proverbs like “Ăn quả nhớ kẻ trồng cây” (He who eats the fruit should remember the one who planted the tree) and “Lá lành đùm lá rách” (A sound leaf shelters a broken one) demonstrate the spirit of mutual assistance and solidarity of the Vietnamese people. Folk songs express deep and sincere emotions, from romantic love to family and national affection.

Traditional Festivals: The Connection Between People and Nature

Traditional festivals are distinctive cultural activities that show the close bond between people and nature, beliefs, and history. Each festival has its own unique rituals, games, and cuisine, creating a diverse and rich cultural landscape. From the Hung Kings Temple Festival and the Gióng Festival to village festivals, all contribute to the unique cultural identity of Vietnam.

Intangible Cultural Heritage: The Living Museum of the Nation

Vietnamese folklore is also expressed through various forms of intangible cultural heritage such as folk music, water puppetry, Hat Xam (a type of Vietnamese singing), pottery making, and weaving. These heritages are not only unique works of art but also vivid evidence of the creativity and talent of the Vietnamese people through generations. Preserving and promoting the value of intangible cultural heritage is the responsibility of every Vietnamese citizen to preserve the nation’s cultural identity.

Conclusion

Vietnamese folklore is an extremely valuable treasure trove, reflecting the depth of culture, history, and the soul of the Vietnamese people. Researching, preserving, and promoting the value of folklore is not only the responsibility of researchers but also the responsibility of each individual in preserving and developing national identity.