Vietnamese Folklore: Origins and Values

Overview of Vietnamese Folklore

Vietnamese folklore is a rich and diverse treasure trove, passed down through thousands of years of history. It encompasses elements such as legends, fairy tales, proverbs, folk songs, traditional music, folk performing arts (such as water puppetry, Cheo, Cai Luong…), folk architecture, food, clothing, and much more. These elements reflect the worldview, philosophy, beliefs, and spiritual life of the Vietnamese people throughout different periods.

Legends and Fairy Tales: Stories about History and Life

Legends often tell about the origins of objects, natural phenomena, or historical figures, often carrying a mythical nature and explaining mysterious things. Examples include the legend of Son Tinh and Thuy Tinh, the legend of Hoan Kiem Lake… Fairy tales focus on imaginary stories, often with magical elements, clearly defined good and evil characters, and carry educational messages, promoting good over evil. These stories not only entertain but also help shape the personality and moral values of individuals.

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

Proverbs are short, concise sayings, summarizing life experiences and the principles of being a person. They reflect the keen observation and profound wisdom of the Vietnamese people about nature, society, and humanity. Folk songs express the emotions, thoughts, and dreams of the Vietnamese people through short poems and melodious tunes. Folk songs are often associated with daily life, love, family, and homeland…

The Value of Vietnamese Folklore

Folklore is not only a precious intangible cultural heritage of the nation but also has immense significance for modern life. It helps preserve national cultural identity, promotes community cohesion, is a source of inspiration for art and literature, and contributes to educating young generations about ethics, history, and cultural traditions.

Preservation and Promotion of Vietnamese Folklore

The preservation and promotion of folklore is the responsibility of the entire society. We need specific policies and activities to preserve, research, and disseminate these cultural values to future generations, contributing to enriching the nation’s cultural heritage.