Vietnamese Folklore: A Precious Heritage

Vietnamese folklore is a priceless treasure trove, preserving the spiritual values, morality, and knowledge of the nation through generations. From enchanting fairy tales to melodious folk songs, each element reflects a unique aspect of Vietnamese society and soul.

Fairy Tales: The Source of the Spirit

Fairy tales are an indispensable part of folklore, containing lessons about morality, kindness, and the triumph of good over evil. Characters like Tam Cam, Thach Sanh, or Ly Thong have become familiar to everyone, becoming symbols of the nation’s aspirations and dreams. These stories not only entertain but also educate the younger generation about traditional values.

Folk Songs and Proverbs: The Face of the Soul

Folk songs and proverbs are concise and succinct genres of folklore, realistically reflecting the lives and emotions of the Vietnamese people. Folk songs often have lyrical melodies, expressing love for the homeland, family affection, and romantic love. Proverbs, on the other hand, are short sayings containing life experiences and the philosophy of life of the nation.

Some typical examples:

Folk song: “A father’s love is like Mount Thai Son, A mother’s love is like the water from a spring.”

Proverb: “He who eats the fruit should remember the one who planted the tree.”

Traditional Festivals: A Gathering of Culture

Traditional festivals are community cultural activities, showing the connection between people and nature. Each festival is usually associated with a story, a legend, or an important historical event. These festivals are not only opportunities for entertainment but also occasions to honor traditional cultural values.

Folk Art: Endless Creativity

Folk art includes many fields such as folk paintings, traditional musical instruments, puppetry, embroidery… Each art form bears a strong cultural imprint, showing the skill and creativity of the Vietnamese people. These art products not only have aesthetic value but are also vivid evidence of the richness and diversity of Vietnamese folklore.

Preservation and Promotion of Folklore

The preservation and promotion of folklore is the responsibility of every Vietnamese citizen. We need practical measures to preserve these precious values for future generations, while promoting folklore to international friends.