Exploring the Beauty of Vietnamese Folklore

Mysterious Legends

Vietnamese folklore is a priceless treasure trove, preserving captivating and mysterious legends. From stories about the origins of rivers and mountains to legends about gods and national heroes, all reflect the rich imagination and indomitable spirit of the Vietnamese people. The legend of Son Tinh and Thuy Tinh is a prime example, illustrating the dream of conquering nature and the aspiration to live peacefully with nature.

Folk Songs and Proverbs: The Heartbeat of a Nation

Folk songs and proverbs are the essence of Vietnamese folk literature, passed down from generation to generation. The sweet and poignant folk songs express love for the homeland, family affection, and romantic love. “A father’s love is like Mount Thai Son/ A mother’s love is like the ever-flowing spring” is a typical folk song, expressing deep gratitude for the nurturing love of parents. Proverbs are concise and meaningful sayings, summarizing life experiences and moral lessons. “Diligence will overcome any obstacle” affirms the perseverance and determination of people.

Folk Music: The Sounds of Home

Vietnamese folk music is diverse and rich, with each region having its own unique melodies, reflecting the cultural identity of the locality. From the Then singing of the Northwest to the Ví Dặm singing of Nghe An, each folk song tells a story, expressing the thoughts and feelings of the people. Folk music is an indispensable part of Vietnamese culture, contributing to the unique beauty of the country.

Festivals: A Kaleidoscope of Culture

Traditional festivals are a distinctive cultural feature of Vietnam. Each festival has its own meaning, linked to the beliefs, history, and lives of the community. Tet Nguyen Dan (Lunar New Year) is the biggest festival of the year, a time for families to gather and welcome a new year with good luck and happiness. The Hung Kings Temple Festival commemorates the Hung Kings, expressing gratitude and remembrance of the nation’s origins.

Preserving and Promoting Folklore

Preserving and promoting folklore is the responsibility of every Vietnamese citizen. We need to strive to preserve and pass on these precious cultural values to future generations. Organizing cultural and artistic activities, folk singing classes, storytelling sessions, etc., will help folklore remain vibrant and thrive.