Vietnamese Folklore: A Precious Traditional Treasure

Vietnamese folklore is a priceless treasure, preserving the spiritual, moral, and aesthetic values of the nation through generations. From mysterious legends to sweet folk songs, each element contributes to a multi-colored and rich cultural picture.

Legends: Origins and the Power of Belief

Legends are an indispensable part of folklore, carrying stories about origins, history, and heroic figures. These stories not only explain natural phenomena but also convey moral lessons and encourage national spirit. For example, the legend of Son Tinh – Thuy Tinh explains the phenomenon of floods, while also reflecting humanity’s aspiration to conquer nature.

Famous Legends:

• The Legend of Con Rong Chau Tien (Descendants of the Dragon and Fairy): Explains the origin of the Vietnamese people.
• The Legend of Saint Giong: A heroic figure who fought against invaders to save the country.
• The Legend of An Duong Vuong and Mi Chau – Trong Thuy: A tragic story about the loss of the country.

Proverbs and Folk Poetry: The Wisdom of the People

Proverbs and folk poetry are short, concise verses and sayings that reflect the life experiences, philosophy of life, and emotions of the people. They are passed down through generations, becoming an indispensable part of the spiritual life of the Vietnamese people.

Notable Examples:

• Folk Poetry (Ca dao): Songs about love, homeland, and country.
• Proverbs (Tuc ngu): Short, concise sayings containing profound life lessons.

Folk Songs: The Music of the Soul

Vietnamese folk songs are rich and diverse, with many different melodies depending on the region. Each melody has its own beauty, reflecting the life, emotions, and soul of the people.

Customs and Traditions: Distinctive Cultural Identity

Customs and traditions are habits and rituals maintained from generation to generation, reflecting the spiritual and cultural life of the community. Traditional festivals, wedding and funeral ceremonies… are all distinctive cultural features, showing community cohesion.

Conclusion: Vietnamese folklore is a precious heritage that needs to be preserved and promoted. Studying, understanding, and promoting folklore not only helps us better understand our history and national culture but also contributes to educating young generations with patriotism and national pride.