Exploring the Beauty of Vietnamese Folklore

Legends and Stories

Vietnamese folklore is a priceless treasure trove, preserving stories, legends, proverbs, folk songs, and festivals that reflect the lives, souls, and intellect of the Vietnamese people through generations. Legends often have an educational purpose, explaining the origins of natural phenomena or celebrating heroes and historical figures. For example, the legend of Son Tinh and Thuy Tinh explains the phenomenon of floods, reflecting humanity’s dream of conquering nature. Stories of gods and national heroes like Saint Giong or My Chau – Trong Thuy are not only captivating but also carry profound meanings about patriotism, indomitable spirit, and lessons about morality and life.

Proverbs, Folk Songs, and Folk Music

Proverbs, folk songs, and folk music are forms of folklore reflecting the spirit, emotions, and philosophies of the Vietnamese people. Proverbs are concise and meaningful, containing life experiences and lessons about morality and society. Folk songs and music are diverse in genre, melody, and content, ranging from love stories to family and national sentiments. These folk songs have been passed down through generations, becoming an integral part of people’s spiritual lives.

Some notable examples:

• Proverbs: “Ăn quả nhớ kẻ trồng cây” (One who eats the fruit should remember the one who planted the tree), “Chớ thấy sóng cả mà ngã tay chèo” (Don’t give up when facing difficulties)
• Folk songs: Many folk songs express longing for loved ones, family, or homeland.

Festivals and Customs

Festivals are an integral part of Vietnamese folklore. From large festivals like Tet (Lunar New Year) and Hung Kings Temple Festival to smaller local festivals, each festival has its own meaning, reflecting the beliefs and customs of different regions. Through these festivals, people express their gratitude to their ancestors, pray for good harvests, and maintain traditional cultural values.

Preservation and Promotion of Folklore

Preserving and promoting folklore is the responsibility of every Vietnamese citizen. Researching, collecting, recording, and teaching folklore values are essential to preserving national cultural identity. Organizing cultural and artistic activities, and using media to promote folklore to the public also significantly contribute to preserving and promoting these precious values.