Exploring the Beauty of Vietnamese Folk Culture

Legends and Myths

Vietnamese folk culture is a vast treasure trove, containing captivating legends and myths that reflect the rich imagination and worldview of the Vietnamese people in the past. From stories about the origins of animals and deities to legends about the origins of the country, each story carries a profound meaning, educating people about morality, kindness, and perseverance. The legend of An Dương Vương and Mị Châu – Trọng Thủy is a prime example, serving as a cautionary tale about trust and betrayal. The legend of Sơn Tinh – Thủy Tinh, on the other hand, depicts the struggle between humans and nature.

Proverbs, Folk Songs, and Folk Dances

Proverbs, folk songs, and folk dances are distinctive forms of folk art, reflecting the spiritual life, emotions, and philosophies of the people. Proverbs are concise and succinct, summarizing life experiences passed down through generations. Folk songs, with their smooth six-eight poetic lines, express love for the homeland, family affection, and romantic love. Folk dances are diverse in style and melody; each region has its own unique songs, reflecting the cultural characteristics of each locality. For example, Quan Họ folk songs of Bắc Ninh, Ví Giặm of Nghệ Tĩnh… all have their own unique features, captivating listeners.

Festivals and Customs

Festivals and customs are an integral part of Vietnamese folk culture. From major festivals like Tết Nguyên Đán (Lunar New Year) and the Hung Kings Temple Festival to smaller local festivals, each festival has its own meaning, demonstrating reverence for ancestors, praying for bountiful harvests, and wishing for national peace and prosperity. Customs such as ancestor worship, Tet celebrations, and wedding traditions… reflect the worldview and moral values of the Vietnamese people.

Folk Arts

Vietnamese folk art is rich and diverse with many forms such as Đông Hồ paintings, Bát Tràng ceramics, embroidery, and weaving… Each handcrafted product bears the unique mark of the artisan, demonstrating skill, creativity, and love for their craft. These products not only have aesthetic value but are also cultural treasures, preserving the traditional values of the nation.

Preservation and Promotion of Folk Culture

The preservation and promotion of folk culture is the responsibility of every Vietnamese citizen. We need to work together to preserve traditional cultural values and pass them on to future generations so that Vietnamese folk culture will always endure through time.