Exploring the Beauty of Vietnamese Folklore

Legends and Fairy Tales: A Source of Creativity

Vietnamese folklore is a priceless treasure trove, preserving stories, legends, fairy tales, proverbs, folk songs, and traditional music spanning thousands of years of history. These stories are not merely entertainment but reflect the thinking, philosophy of life, and worldview of the Vietnamese people of the past. Legends of Son Tinh and Thuy Tinh, or the story of Hoan Kiem Lake, are clear evidence of the strength and rich imagination of the Vietnamese people. We see the interplay of historical, mythological, and realistic elements in each story, creating a diverse and captivating cultural picture.

Proverbs and Folk Songs: Concise Life Philosophies

Proverbs are short, concise sayings that encapsulate the life experiences of the people. Each proverb contains a profound lesson about morality, lifestyle, or production experience. For example, “Ăn quả nhớ kẻ trồng cây” (One who eats the fruit should remember the one who planted the tree) or “Có công mài sắt có ngày nên kim” (Diligence overcomes difficulties) are familiar proverbs, passed down from generation to generation. Folk songs (Ca dao) are more lyrical, expressing the feelings, thoughts, and aspirations of people. Folk songs about love, homeland, and family affection all demonstrate the beauty of the Vietnamese soul.

Traditional Music (Dan Ca): The Music of the People’s Hearts

Traditional music (Dan Ca) is an indispensable part of folklore. Each region has its unique traditional melodies, reflecting the cultural characteristics of that locality. The melodious and profound melodies carry the echoes of nature, life, and people. Traditional music is not only music but also a means of conveying stories and traditional cultural values.

Folk Art: Skill and Talent

Vietnamese folk art is rich with various forms such as Dong Ho paintings, Hang Trong paintings, embroidery, wood carving, ceramics… Each folk art product bears the mark of human hands, demonstrating the skill, talent, and soul of the artisan. We can see the finesse in every line, color, creating unique and exquisite works of art.

Preservation and Development of Folklore

Preserving and developing folklore is the responsibility of every Vietnamese citizen. We need specific measures to preserve and promote these traditional cultural values to the younger generation, so that folklore will endure through time.