Vietnamese Folklore: Origins and Enduring Values

Overview of Vietnamese Folklore

Vietnamese folklore is a precious treasure trove, reflecting the history, society, soul, and intellect of the Vietnamese people through generations. It encompasses many rich forms of folk art such as legends, fairy tales, folk songs, proverbs, riddles, folk games, festivals, and folk architecture. Each form carries unique cultural values, contributing to the unique cultural identity of Vietnam.

Legends and Fairy Tales: Stories of Origins and Morality

Legends often tell about historical events and historical figures, mythologized to explain the origins of objects and natural phenomena. For example, the legend of the Dragon and Fairy explains the origin of the Vietnamese people, or the legend of Saint Giong extols patriotism and bravery. Fairy tales, on the other hand, focus on fictional stories, often educational, reflecting people’s aspirations and dreams, such as Tam Cam and So Dua.

Folk Songs and Proverbs: The Voice of the Soul and Folk Wisdom

Folk songs are short poems, often lyrical, reflecting feelings, social relationships, and nature. Folk songs demonstrate the subtlety and depth of Vietnamese emotions. Proverbs are short, concise sayings that summarize life experiences and moral principles. Proverbs are a treasure trove of folk wisdom, guiding people’s behavior in life.

Festivals and Folk Architecture: A Harmonious Combination of Material and Spiritual Culture

Traditional festivals are an indispensable part of Vietnamese folklore. Each festival has its own meaning, reflecting the beliefs and customs of each region. Folk architecture, from ancient houses to pagodas and temples, demonstrates the skill and finesse of the Vietnamese people in using natural materials to create unique architectural works with strong cultural imprints.

Preserving and Promoting the Value of Folklore

Preserving and promoting the value of folklore is an important task for every Vietnamese citizen. We need to actively learn, research, and teach these precious cultural values to younger generations. Organizing cultural activities, traditional festivals, and integrating folklore into education will contribute to making folklore increasingly known and appreciated.