Vietnamese Folklore: A Precious Heritage

Overview of Vietnamese Folklore

Vietnamese folklore is a rich and diverse treasure trove, accumulated over thousands of years of history. It is the crystallization of the intellect, life experiences, and soul of the Vietnamese people. Folklore encompasses many different forms, from legends, fairy tales, proverbs, folk songs, to folk art forms such as water puppetry, Cheo opera, and Quan Ho singing…

Legends and Fairy Tales: Stories about Origins and History

Legends often tell about historical figures, historical events, or natural phenomena, explaining the origins of place names and customs. These stories are educational, arousing national pride and patriotism. Examples include the legend of the Dragon and Fairy, the legend of Son Tinh and Thuy Tinh… Fairy tales, on the other hand, are often entertaining and educational, expressing people’s dreams and aspirations for a better life. The main characters in fairy tales are often poor and oppressed, but ultimately overcome evil and achieve happiness.

Lessons from Fairy Tales

Tam and Cam teaches us lessons about kindness, endurance, and justice. The Coconut Fairy expresses the dream of happiness and overcoming life’s challenges. Each story carries a profound message, conveying valuable lessons for life.

Proverbs and Folk Songs: The Wisdom and Emotions of the Vietnamese People

Proverbs are short, concise sayings that summarize life experiences. They reflect philosophies of life, concepts of morality, and society… For example: “Eat the fruit, remember the person who planted the tree”, “One sick horse spoils the whole pasture”. Folk songs are lyrical poems that express people’s emotions and thoughts. Folk songs express love for homeland, country, love between couples, family affection…

Folk Art: The Creativity and Talent of the Vietnamese People

Vietnamese folk art is rich and diverse, including forms such as water puppetry, Cheo opera, Quan Ho singing, and Don Ca Tai Tu… Each art form has its own beauty, reflecting the culture and spirit of the Vietnamese people.

Preservation and Promotion of Folklore

The preservation and promotion of folklore is an important task for every Vietnamese citizen. We need to join hands to protect, preserve, and pass on these precious cultural values to future generations.