Vietnamese Folklore: A Comprehensive Overview

Diversity and Richness

Vietnamese folklore is a rich and diverse treasure trove, reflecting the history, society, and soul of the Vietnamese people through generations. From fairy tales and mystical legends to concise proverbs and folk songs, all contribute to a unique and distinctive cultural landscape.

Legends and Fairy Tales: Origins and Meanings

Legends often tell stories of historical figures and real events embellished with mythological and mystical elements. These stories not only explain the origins of objects and phenomena but also convey moral lessons and affirm the good values of humanity. Examples include the legend of Son Tinh and Thuy Tinh, or the legend of Hoan Kiem Lake (Returned Sword Lake).

Fairy tales, on the other hand, focus on imaginary and extraordinary stories, with protagonists often being poor and weak but ultimately triumphing through intelligence and courage. Fairy tales often carry educational messages, guiding people towards goodness, beauty, and justice.

Some Notable Examples:

• Legends: The Legend of the Dragon and Fairy, The Legend of Hoan Kiem Lake
• Fairy Tales: Tam and Cam, Thach Sanh, The Starfruit Tree

Folk Songs and Proverbs: The Subtlety of Language

Folk songs are folk lyrical poems that express the feelings, thoughts, and aspirations of working people. Folk songs authentically reflect life, love for the homeland, family affections, and romantic love in a profound and emotional way.

Proverbs are short, concise sayings that summarize life experiences and lessons on morality and society. Proverbs are often general, with deep implications, helping people draw life lessons.

Folk Music: Music of the Soul

Vietnamese folk music is incredibly diverse, with many different genres depending on the region. Each region has its own unique folk melodies, reflecting the distinct cultural features of that area. Folk music is not just entertainment but also an integral part of the spiritual and cultural life of the people.

Preservation and Promotion of Folk Culture

Preserving and promoting folk culture is an important task for every Vietnamese citizen. We need to take proactive steps to preserve and promote these precious cultural values for future generations.

The research, collection, preservation, and dissemination of folklore need to be strengthened through activities such as organizing festivals, exhibitions, and staging fairy tales and legends.