Exploring the Beauty of Vietnamese Folklore

Legends and Fairy Tales: Sources of Creativity

Vietnamese folklore is a priceless treasure trove, preserving stories, legends, proverbs, folk songs, and traditional festivals that reflect the spiritual life, worldview, and people of our nation across generations. Fairy tales like Tấm Cám, Thạch Sanh, and Sọ Dừa are not just entertaining stories but also carry profound lessons about morality, justice, and the triumph of good over evil. Legends about the origins of the country and national heroes like Thánh Gióng, Lý Bí, and Trần Hưng Đạo… have helped to forge a spirit of patriotism and national pride.

Proverbs and Folk Songs: Wisdom and Emotion

Proverbs and folk songs are wonderful examples of the intellect and soul of the Vietnamese people. Short, concise proverbs contain life experiences and lessons about morality and social interaction. “Ăn quả nhớ kẻ trồng cây” (One who eats the fruit should remember the one who planted the tree), “Một con ngựa đau cả tàu bỏ cỏ” (One sick horse spoils the whole herd) are prime examples. Folk songs express the deep and diverse emotions of the Vietnamese people, from romantic love and family affection to love for their homeland. Their heartfelt and moving lyrics have resonated with people through generations.

Folk Music and Festivals: Music and Color

Vietnamese folk music, with its rich variety of genres, melodies, and regional styles, creates a diverse and captivating musical landscape. From the smooth Quan họ melodies of Bắc Ninh to the lyrical boat songs of the Mekong Delta, each region has its own unique characteristics. Traditional festivals are important cultural events that showcase the beliefs, customs, and traditions of the community. Festivals are often associated with spectacular cultural and artistic activities, creating a vibrant and lively atmosphere.

Preservation and Promotion of Folklore

Preserving and promoting folklore is the responsibility of every Vietnamese citizen. We need proactive measures to protect and pass on these precious cultural values to future generations. This can be done through research, collection, archiving, dissemination, and education. Organizing cultural and artistic events, competitions, television programs… will help revive and spread the value of folklore to a wide audience.

Conclusion

Vietnamese folklore is an indispensable part of the nation’s spiritual life. Understanding and appreciating these cultural values will help us gain a deeper understanding of the history, people, and country of Vietnam.