Vietnamese Folklore: Enduring Identity and Values

Overview of Vietnamese Folklore

Vietnamese folklore is a priceless treasure trove, reflecting the history, soul, and intellect of the Vietnamese people over thousands of years. It encompasses a rich variety of forms, including legends, fairy tales, folk songs, proverbs, folk stories, traditional performing arts (such as water puppetry, chèo theatre, quan họ singing…), folk architecture (nhà rường houses, village communal houses…), and many other intangible cultural elements. All of these contribute to a unique and distinctive cultural landscape rich in national identity.

Legends and Fairy Tales: Stories of Origins and History

Legends often recount historical figures and events, embellished with fantastical and mythological elements. These stories not only explain the origins of natural phenomena but also convey moral lessons and aspirations for justice and righteousness. Examples include the legend of Sơn Tinh and Thủy Tinh, the legend of Hoan Kiem Lake (Sword Lake)… Fairy tales, on the other hand, focus on imaginary and extraordinary characters, aiming to educate, entertain, and reflect human aspirations. Stories like Tấm Cám and Thạch Sanh are prime examples of the captivating nature and profound humanity of Vietnamese fairy tales.

Folk Songs and Proverbs: Skillful Language and Philosophy of Life

Folk songs (Ca dao) are short poems, often musical, reflecting the emotions, thoughts, and aspirations of the people. Folk songs about love, homeland, and family always possess a vibrant life force, demonstrating sensitivity in emotion and expression. Proverbs (Tục ngữ) are short, concise sayings that encapsulate life experiences and the philosophy of life of the people. They often have an educational function, guiding people to live better lives. For example, “Ăn quả nhớ kẻ trồng cây” (Remember the planter when you eat the fruit), “Một cây làm chẳng nên non/ Ba cây chụm lại nên hòn núi cao” (One tree doesn’t make a mountain/ Three trees together make a high mountain),…

Intangible Cultural Heritage: Precious Legacy in Need of Preservation

In addition to the forms mentioned above, folklore also includes many other forms of intangible cultural heritage, such as traditional performing arts (chèo, tuồng, cải lương…), traditional festivals, and traditional handicrafts (ceramics, embroidery, weaving…). These legacies not only reflect the creativity of the Vietnamese people but are also an integral part of the community’s spiritual life.

Conclusion

Vietnamese folklore is an invaluable legacy that needs to be preserved and promoted. Studying and disseminating folklore not only helps us understand more about our history and national culture but also contributes to educating younger generations and building a civilized society rich in national identity.