Vietnamese Folklore: A Priceless Treasure to Preserve

Understanding Vietnamese Folklore

Vietnamese folklore encompasses the collective body of traditional beliefs, myths, tales, songs, and customs passed down through generations. It reflects the material and spiritual lives of the Vietnamese people, including legends, fairy tales, proverbs, folk songs, riddles, and traditional games. It’s an integral part of Vietnamese cultural identity, showcasing the intellect, soul, and sentiments of the people.

Legends and Fairy Tales: Origins and Significance

Legends often recount historical figures or events, embellished with fantastical elements, serving an educational purpose and explaining the origins of things. For example, the legend of Son Tinh and Thuy Tinh explains the phenomenon of floods. Fairy tales, on the other hand, focus on imaginary characters and extraordinary plots, conveying moral lessons about ethics, kindness, and justice. Stories like Tam Cam and Thach Sanh are not only entertaining but also impart profound life lessons.

Other Forms of Vietnamese Folklore

Beyond legends and fairy tales, Vietnamese folklore encompasses various forms, including: folk songs (ca dao) expressing emotions related to family, love, and nature; proverbs (tuc ngu) offering concise and insightful wisdom; riddles (cau do) testing wit and intelligence; and traditional games (tro choi dan gian) fostering social interaction. Each form holds unique value, reflecting a different facet of Vietnamese spiritual life.

The Role of Vietnamese Folklore

Vietnamese folklore plays a crucial role in:
Preserving and promoting national cultural identity: Folklore is an integral component of Vietnamese identity, representing the people’s intellect, soul, and sentiments.
Educating younger generations: Legends, fairy tales, proverbs, and folk songs provide valuable moral and ethical instruction, shaping the character of children.
Boosting tourism: Folklore is a valuable resource for tourism, attracting both domestic and international visitors.
Inspiring artistic creation: Folklore serves as an endless source of inspiration for artists to create unique works of art.

Preserving and Promoting Vietnamese Folklore

Preserving and promoting Vietnamese folklore is the responsibility of every citizen. We must actively learn, research, disseminate, and protect this intangible cultural heritage. Utilizing information technology to store and disseminate folklore is also an effective approach. Efforts to translate and share these stories with a global audience will help ensure their continued relevance and appreciation.