Exploring the Beauty of Vietnamese Folklore

The Diversity and Richness of Vietnamese Folklore

Vietnamese folklore is an invaluable treasure trove, reflecting the history, life, and soul of the Vietnamese people through generations. From mysterious legends and sweet folk songs to melodious folk music, all contribute to a diverse and rich cultural picture. This diversity is clearly reflected in the geographical and cultural differences between the regions of the country.

Legends: Stories about Origins and History

Legends are stories about the origins of objects, phenomena, people, or important historical events. They are often magical and mythological, reflecting the rich imagination of the people. Famous legends such as An Dương Vương and Mị Châu Trọng Thủy, and Sơn Tinh Thủy Tinh have become an indispensable part of the spiritual life of the Vietnamese people.

Proverbs and Folk Songs: Life Lessons

Proverbs are short, concise, and meaningful sayings that summarize the life experiences of the people. They are often educational, guiding people on how to behave in life. For example: “Ăn quả nhớ kẻ trồng cây” (He who eats the fruit should remember the one who planted the tree), “Một cây làm chẳng nên non, ba cây chụm lại nên hòn núi cao” (One tree does not make a forest, three trees together make a mountain). Folk songs (Ca dao) are lyrical poems that express the feelings and thoughts of people, especially love for their homeland, family, and relationships. Folk songs are usually gentle, profound, and easy to resonate with people.

Folk Music: Traditional Music of Vietnam

Vietnamese folk music is diverse in themes, from sweet lullabies to passionate love songs, songs about farming, war, or songs reflecting social life. Each region has its own distinct folk music styles, creating the richness and diversity of traditional music.

Festivals: Special Cultural Events

Festivals are periodic cultural activities that express the beliefs, religions, and spiritual cultural life of the people. Traditional festivals are often associated with history and folk beliefs, with the meaning of praying for a bumper harvest and national peace. Famous festivals such as Hung Temple Festival, Buffalo Fighting Festival, and Hoa Ban Festival attract a large number of domestic and international tourists.

Preserving and Promoting the Value of Folklore

Preserving and promoting the value of folklore is an important task for every Vietnamese citizen. We need to actively learn, research, teach, and promote these cultural values to future generations, so that folklore will forever exist with time.