Exploring the Beauty of Vietnamese Folklore

Legends and Fairy Tales – A Source of Creativity

Vietnamese folklore is a priceless treasure, preserving stories, legends, fairy tales, proverbs, folk songs, and traditional games spanning thousands of years of history. These stories are not simply entertainment; they are valuable lessons about morality, lifestyle, and the philosophy of life of the Vietnamese people. Legends of Son Tinh and Thuy Tinh, or the story of Hoan Kiem Lake, are prime examples of the power of nature, human courage, and intelligence.

Fairy tales, with familiar characters like Tam and Cam, or Thach Sanh, offer lessons about justice, good and evil, and the triumph of righteousness. These stories have been passed down from generation to generation, through the stories of grandparents and parents, contributing to the shaping of the personality and values of each Vietnamese person.

Proverbs and Folk Songs – Concise Life Philosophies

Proverbs and folk songs are the essence of folk wisdom, reflecting the keen observation and profound philosophy of life of the Vietnamese people. Short and concise proverbs contain valuable life lessons about life, work, and people. For example, “One tree doesn’t make a forest/ Three trees together make a mountain,” or “Eat the fruit, remember the one who planted the tree,” are profound teachings about unity and gratitude.

Folk songs have a lyrical tone, expressing family affection, love, and patriotism. These folk songs are full of poetry, preserving beautiful images of Vietnamese villages: fields of ripe rice, gentle rivers, ancient communal houses…

Traditional Games – Childhood Joys

Traditional games like O Quan, tug-of-war, skipping rope, and playing marbles… are not just simple entertainment games but also activities that demonstrate dexterity, agility, unity, and teamwork. These games contribute to creating a childhood full of laughter and beautiful memories for many generations of Vietnamese people.

Preservation and Promotion of Folklore

Preserving and promoting folklore is the responsibility of every Vietnamese citizen. We need to join hands to preserve these precious cultural values and pass them on to future generations. Organizing cultural activities, teaching children, or using folklore in modern cultural products are ways to contribute to preserving and promoting folklore effectively.

Vietnamese folklore is an integral part of the national cultural identity, an endless source of inspiration for art, literature, and tourism. Let’s explore, cherish, and preserve these precious values!