Vietnamese Folklore: A Timeless Legacy

A Rich and Diverse Heritage

Vietnamese folklore is a priceless treasure trove, reflecting the history, society, and soul of the Vietnamese people through generations. From mystical fairy tales to folk songs imbued with human affection, from concise proverbs containing folk wisdom to vibrant festivals showcasing diverse beliefs, all contribute to creating a rich and diverse picture of the nation’s folklore.

Legends and Fairy Tales: Origins and Lessons

Vietnamese legends and fairy tales are often associated with historical figures, famous landmarks, or mysterious natural phenomena. These stories not only explain the origins of objects and phenomena but also convey lessons about morality, kindness, justice, and courage. For example, the legend of Son Tinh – Thuy Tinh, or fairy tales about filial piety and compassion like Tam Cam, The Story of Hoan Kiem Lake, all contain profound messages for generations.

Famous Fairy Tales:

• Tam Cam: The story of good versus evil, justice, and compassion.
• Son Tinh Thuy Tinh: Explains the phenomenon of floods and the indomitable spirit of mankind.
• Thach Sanh: The story of a hero, and the triumph of righteousness.

Folk Songs and Proverbs: Wisdom and Sentiment

Folk songs and proverbs are excellent examples of the wisdom and affection of the Vietnamese people. Short and concise folk songs express love for one’s homeland, country, family affection, and love between couples… Proverbs are life lessons accumulated over many generations, having an educational and guiding nature in life.

Beliefs and Festivals: Connecting People and Nature

Vietnamese folk beliefs are diverse and rich, including ancestor worship, deity worship, Buddhism, Taoism… Traditional festivals are often associated with historical events, agricultural seasons, or folk beliefs, creating a vibrant and bustling atmosphere, showing community bonding and gratitude towards nature.

Preserving and Promoting Folklore

In the modern era, preserving and promoting folklore is extremely important. We need efforts to convey these precious cultural values to future generations, contributing to preserving national identity and enriching the country’s intangible cultural heritage.