Vietnamese Folklore: Richness and Diversity

Overview of Vietnamese Folklore

Vietnamese folklore is an invaluable treasure trove, reflecting the history, soul, and intellect of the nation. It encompasses a rich variety of genres, including legends, fairy tales, proverbs, folk songs, folk music, festivals, and traditional performing arts. Each genre holds its own unique value, contributing to a vibrant and diverse tapestry of folklore.

Legends and Fairy Tales: Origins and Significance

Legends

Legends often tell of historical figures and events, often fictionalized, and usually carry an educational element, explaining the origins of natural objects and phenomena. For example, the legend of Son Tinh and Thuy Tinh explains floods; the legend of Con Rong Chau Tien explains the origin of the Vietnamese people.

Fairy Tales

Fairy tales often feature imaginary characters, typically incorporating magical and fantastical elements. They serve entertainment and educational purposes, reflecting people’s aspirations for justice and happiness. Fairy tales like Tam Cam and Thach Sanh have become familiar to generations of Vietnamese people.

Proverbs, Folk Songs, and Folk Music: The Subtlety of Language

Proverbs are short, concise sayings that encapsulate the life experiences of the people. They often carry informative and educational value, reflecting the philosophy of life of the Vietnamese. For example: “Ăn quả nhớ kẻ trồng cây” (Remember the one who planted the tree 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, but three trees together make a high mountain).

Folk songs (Ca dao) are lyrical folk poems, usually with a gentle and profound tone, expressing people’s feelings and thoughts. For example: “Qua cầu gió cuốn đi, Áo em bay theo gió, Gió đưa cành trúc la đà, Tiếng rơi rất nhẹ vào tâm hồn ta” (The wind swept across the bridge, your clothes flew with the wind, the wind blew the bamboo branches, the sound fell softly into my soul).

Folk music (Dân ca) are folk songs often sung during festivals and community activities, reflecting the optimistic and joyful spirit of the Vietnamese people.

Festivals: The Diversity of Regional Culture

Traditional festivals in Vietnam are incredibly rich and diverse, reflecting the beliefs, customs, and traditions of each region. Each festival has its own unique characteristics, demonstrating the creativity and intelligence of the people.

Examples: Huong Pagoda Festival (Hanoi), Hung Temple Festival (Phu Tho), Gong Chieng Festival (Central Highlands)…

Conclusion

Vietnamese folklore is a precious legacy of the nation, deserving preservation and promotion. Studying and introducing folklore not only helps us understand the history and culture of the nation better but also contributes to educating younger generations and promoting societal development.