Exploring the Beauty of Vietnamese Folklore

Legends and Myths

Vietnamese folklore is incredibly rich and diverse, passed down through generations. Legends and myths such as The Legend of Betel and Areca Nut, The Story of Saint Giong, Son Tinh and Thuy Tinh not only entertain but also carry profound lessons about morality, courage, and the intellect of the nation. We can see the amazing creativity of our ancestors in creating captivating stories, explaining natural phenomena, and expressing humanity’s aspiration for goodness.

Folk Songs, Proverbs, and Traditional Music

Folk songs, proverbs, and traditional music are invaluable treasures reflecting the lives, thoughts, and emotions of the Vietnamese people. Sweet and profound folk songs express love for homeland, country, family, and lovers. Proverbs are concise and meaningful, summarizing the life experiences of our ancestors through generations. Traditional music, with its melodious tunes and heartfelt lyrics, has become an integral part of the spiritual life of the Vietnamese people. For example: “A father’s love is like Mount Thai Son, a mother’s love is like the flowing water of a spring” is a famous proverb expressing the immense contributions of parents.

Festivals and Customs

Traditional festivals are unique cultural activities, reflecting the beliefs, customs, and traditions of different regions. From the Hung Kings Temple Festival, the Giong Festival to various regional festivals, each festival has its own unique color, demonstrating the diversity and richness of Vietnamese culture. Customs and traditions such as Tet Nguyen Dan (Lunar New Year), the 15th day of the first lunar month, Vu Lan Festival… have become characteristic cultural features of the nation, preserved and promoted through generations.

Influence of Folklore

Folklore is not only a precious cultural heritage but also an endless source of inspiration for art, literature, and cinema. Many literary works and films have drawn inspiration from legends, folk songs, and proverbs to create unique works of art, contributing to the preservation and promotion of the value of folklore. Preserving and promoting folklore is the responsibility of every Vietnamese citizen, so that future generations can understand and appreciate the beautiful cultural values of the nation.

Conclusion

Vietnamese folklore is an invaluable treasure that needs to be preserved and promoted. Learning about and exploring folklore will help us better understand the history, people, and country of Vietnam.