Exploring the Beauty of Vietnamese Folklore

Tradition and Origin

Vietnamese folklore is a priceless treasure, preserving the spiritual values, ethics, and philosophy of life of the Vietnamese people throughout thousands of years of history. From colorful fairy tales to folk songs and proverbs imbued with human affection, all reflect the life, thoughts, and feelings of the Vietnamese people. The diversity of geography and climate has created the richness and diversity of folklore in each region, creating a colorful cultural picture.

Fairy Tales: Dreams and Life Lessons

Fairy tales are an indispensable part of folklore. Stories like Tam Cam, Thach Sanh, So Dua… not only entertain but also contain profound lessons about morality, kindness, justice, and the triumph of good over evil. The characters, storylines, and happy endings always stimulate the imagination and curiosity of the listener, especially children. Through this, generations are passed down good moral values.

Proverbs and Folk Songs: The Voice of the Nation

Proverbs and folk songs are short, concise poems and sayings, imbued with the philosophy and life experiences of the people. They are passed down through generations, reflecting different aspects of life, from love, family, and homeland to labor, production, and society. Proverbs and folk songs not only enrich the Vietnamese language but are also an endless source of inspiration for art and creativity.

Some examples:

“A father’s love is like Mount Thai Son,
A mother’s love is like the flowing spring water.”

“When eating the fruit, remember the person who planted the tree.”

Traditional Festivals: The Vibrancy of Culture

Traditional festivals are special cultural activities that reflect the beliefs, customs, and traditions of the Vietnamese people. From village festivals to large national festivals, each festival has its own meaning, showing community bonding, gratitude to ancestors, and wishes for a good new year. The dances, songs, and folk games in the festivals create a lively, joyful, and colorful atmosphere.

Preservation and Development of Folklore

In the present day, the preservation and development of folklore is extremely important. We need to take proactive measures to preserve these precious values and pass them on to future generations. Incorporating folklore into education, organizing cultural and artistic activities, and using information technology to promote folklore are necessary approaches.