Vietnamese Folklore: A Precious Heritage to Preserve

Overview of Vietnamese Folklore

Vietnamese folklore is an invaluable treasure trove, preserving the spiritual values, ethics, and philosophies of the Vietnamese people throughout thousands of years of history. It is expressed in a variety of forms such as legends, fairy tales, folk songs, proverbs, folk stories, festivals, folk games, folk music, folk dance, and folk architecture… Each form has its own unique characteristics, reflecting the lives, thoughts, and emotions of the Vietnamese people.

Legends and Fairy Tales: Origins and Significance

Legends often tell of historical figures and events, either real or fictional, with an educational purpose and explanation of the origins of objects and natural phenomena. Examples include the legends of Son Tinh and Thuy Tinh, or the legend of the Dragon and Fairy children… Fairy tales focus on imaginary, extraordinary stories, often with magical elements, aiming to teach moral lessons, kindness, and fairness. These stories not only entertain but also help people understand the world around them and cultivate their character.

Folk Songs and Proverbs: A Mirror to the Soul of the Nation

Folk songs (Ca dao) are short, memorable folk poems expressing the emotions and views of the Vietnamese people. The content of folk songs is diverse, ranging from love between couples and family affection to love for the homeland and country. Proverbs (Tục ngữ) are concise sayings summarizing life experiences and philosophies of the people. Proverbs contain valuable lessons about life, work, people, and society.

Preservation and Promotion of Folklore Values

In today’s era, with the rapid development of technology and globalization, the preservation and promotion of folklore values ​​has become more important than ever. We need specific policies and measures to protect, preserve, and pass on these precious heritages to future generations. Organizing traditional festivals, teaching folklore in schools, and using folklore in artistic activities… are effective ways to spread and promote the values of Vietnamese folklore.

Conclusion

Vietnamese folklore is an indispensable part of the national cultural identity. Preserving and promoting its value is not only the responsibility of individuals but also of the entire society. Only when we join hands to protect and promote these precious values can we preserve and develop the cultural identity of Vietnam.