Exploring the Beauty of Vietnamese Folklore

Legends and Myths: The Origins of Culture

Vietnamese folklore is a priceless treasure, passed down through thousands of years of history. Legends and myths not only explain the origins of natural objects and phenomena but also reflect the philosophy of life and social concepts of the Vietnamese people. From the legend of Son Tinh – Thuy Tinh, Lac Long Quan – Au Co to stories about national heroes, each story carries a profound meaning, educating people about courage, intelligence, and the spirit of unity.

Proverbs and Folk Songs: Life Philosophy in Every Word

Folk songs (Ca dao) are short, memorable lyrical poems reflecting the rich emotional life of the Vietnamese. From love, family affection to homeland sentiments, folk songs always touch the reader’s heart with their sincerity and depth. Proverbs (Tục ngữ) are short, concise sayings summarizing people’s life experiences, often carrying an instructive, admonitory nature. Proverbs like “Ăn quả nhớ kẻ trồng cây” (One who eats the fruit should remember the one who planted the tree) and “Một con ngựa đau cả tàu bỏ cỏ” (One sick horse makes the whole herd lose their grass) are not only lessons in ethics but also philosophies of life, guiding people towards good values.

Folk Music and Festivals: The Sounds and Colors of Culture

Folk music (Dân ca), with its sweet and soulful melodies, reflects the Vietnamese soul. From the leisurely singing on the rivers and canals to the cheerful songs in festivals, folk music is an indispensable part of the cultural and spiritual life of the people. Festivals (Lễ hội) are community cultural activities, often associated with beliefs, religions, or commemorations of important historical events. Each festival has its own unique features, reflecting the diversity and richness of Vietnamese culture.

Preservation and Development of Folklore

In the modern era, the preservation and development of folklore is an important task. We need effective measures to preserve and teach these precious cultural values to future generations. This not only helps preserve national identity but also contributes to enriching the treasure trove of human culture.

Activities to Preserve Folklore:

• Organizing folk singing and water puppetry classes
• Establishing folklore museums
• Organizing traditional festivals
• Creating and popularizing literary and artistic works based on folklore themes

The preservation and development of folklore is not only the responsibility of the authorities but also the responsibility of every Vietnamese citizen. Let’s join hands to preserve and promote these precious cultural values to make Vietnamese culture even more brilliant and enduring.