Vietnamese Folklore: A Deep Dive into National Identity

The Rich Diversity of Vietnamese Folklore

Vietnamese folklore is a priceless treasure trove, reflecting the history, soul, and intellect of the nation. From mysterious legends and heartfelt folk songs to fun folk games, all contribute to a vibrant and unique cultural tapestry.

Legends and Mythology: Origins of the Land and People

Legends about the origins of the country, such as Sơn Tinh and Thủy Tinh, or stories of national heroes like Thánh Gióng and Lê Lợi, have become an integral part of the Vietnamese consciousness. These stories not only explain history but also convey moral values, indomitable spirit, and patriotism.

Mythology in Vietnam, with its diverse belief system, reflects the interaction between cultures and the constant creativity of the Vietnamese in interpreting the world around them. The imagery of gods, demons, and supernatural phenomena has been woven into exciting and captivating stories, contributing to a rich and diverse spiritual landscape.

Folk Songs, Proverbs, and Folk Tales: The Voice of the People

Folk songs (Ca dao), with their concise and evocative verses, profoundly express family affection, love, community spirit, and life philosophies. These folk songs are not merely poems but valuable lessons in morality and human conduct.

Proverbs (Tục ngữ), with their brevity and conciseness, contain life experiences, moral lessons, and philosophies of the Vietnamese people. Proverbs are commonly used in daily communication, enriching the language and culture.

Folk tales often possess humor and satire, reflecting social realities in a witty and insightful manner. This allows listeners to view life more lightly and learn valuable lessons.

Preserving and Promoting the Value of Folklore

In today’s era of rapid technological advancement and globalization, preserving and promoting the value of folklore is crucial. We need practical measures to teach folklore to younger generations, helping them understand and appreciate the traditional cultural values of the nation.

Researching, collecting, compiling, and disseminating works of folklore is an important task in preserving and promoting these cultural values. Organizing cultural and artistic activities and traditional festivals also helps to revitalize and spread the value of folklore to the community.