Exploring the Beauty of Vietnamese Folklore

Mysterious Legends

Vietnamese folklore is a priceless treasure trove, preserving fascinating and mysterious legends passed down through generations. From the legend of Son Tinh and Thuy Tinh, depicting a battle for a princess, to stories explaining the origins of flowers and plants, each tale holds profound lessons about nature, humanity, and society. These stories not only entertain but also educate, conveying the moral values and positive lifestyles of the Vietnamese people.

Example: The legend of the hundred-jointed bamboo explains the bamboo’s origin while emphasizing the spirit of unity and mutual support.

Proverbs and Folk Songs – The Essence of Folklore

Proverbs and folk songs are invaluable lessons drawn from the life experiences of the Vietnamese people. Sweet and soulful folk songs reflect family affection, love, and community spirit. Proverbs, concise and meaningful, contain life philosophies, agricultural experiences, and social insights…

Example: The folk song “A father’s love is like Mount Thai Son/ A mother’s love is like a spring’s flowing water” illustrates the immense contributions of parents.

Example: The proverb “When eating the fruit, remember the one who planted the tree” teaches gratitude towards those who came before.

Folk Music – The Sounds of Home

Vietnamese folk music is diverse and rich, with each region possessing unique melodies reflecting the cultural characteristics of the area. These melodious and profound folk tunes have become an indispensable part of the spiritual life of the Vietnamese people.

Example: Ho (call-and-response songs) from Quang Nam, Hue, and Southern Vietnam’s folk melodies… each region has its own distinct characteristics.

Festivals – The Colors of Culture

Festivals are community cultural events, often associated with beliefs, religions, or the commemoration of historical events. Festivals are not only occasions for recreation and entertainment but also opportunities to remember heroes, deities, and to preserve and promote national cultural traditions.

Example: Hung King Temple Festival, Cheo Giết (a traditional water puppet show) festival, Cau Ngu (fishing) festival… each festival holds its unique significance.

Conclusion

Vietnamese folklore is a precious treasure that needs to be preserved and promoted. Exploring and understanding folklore helps us learn more about our nation’s history and culture and allows us to cherish and maintain the beautiful traditional values of our ancestors.