Introduction to Vietnamese folk culture
Vietnamese folk culture is a massive and diverse treasure of stories, legends, folk songs, proverbs and customs passed down orally from generation to generation. Folk tales are not only a means of entertainment but also reflect the moral values, beliefs and ideas of Vietnamese people through historical periods.
Vietnamese legends and folk tales are closely linked to the daily life, customs, beliefs and religion of the people. From stories of national origin to legends of love, courage and loyalty, Vietnamese folklore contains many valuable lessons about life, personality and cultural traditions. These stories not only contribute to creating national cultural identity but also serve as a bridge between the past and present.
Legends about ethnic origin
Legends about the origin of the Vietnamese people are stories that explain the birth of people and Vietnamese ancestors. These stories not only affirm pride in national blood but also contain cultural values and beliefs of the ancients.
1. Legend of Lac Long Quan and Au Co
The legend of Lac Long Quan and Au Co is the most famous story about the origin of the Vietnamese people. According to legend, Lac Long Quan – the king of the sea and Au Co – the fairy of the mountains and forests gave birth to 100 children. After that, 50 children followed their father to the coastal region, while 50 followed their mother to the mountainous region, creating the Bach Viet lineage. This story not only explains the appearance of the Vietnamese people but also affirms the connection between people and nature, between the sea and the mountains and forests in the Vietnamese mind.
2. Legend of Son Tinh – Thuy Tinh
The legend of Son Tinh – Thuy Tinh tells about the struggle between two gods representing mountains and water to win over My Nuong, daughter of King Hung. In the groom-picking contest, Son Tinh – the mountain god defeated Thuy Tinh – the water god, making Thuy Tinh angry and every year he offered water to fight Son Tinh but could not win. This legend not only explains the flood phenomenon in the Red River Delta but also demonstrates the strength and indomitable spirit of the Vietnamese people in the face of natural disasters.
Folk tales about morality and kindness
Folk tales not only reflect beliefs and doctrines but also convey lessons about morality, kindness, and love between people. Stories often revolve around simple but compassionate characters who always know how to help others and receive worthy rewards.
1. Tam Cam
The story of Tam Cam is a famous fairy tale about the life of the gentle Miss Tam, who endured unfair treatment from her stepmother and younger sister Cam, but thanks to the kindness and help of the powerful. God, she finally regained happiness. Tam Cam is not only a story about class discrimination but also a symbol of the spirit of striving, patience and kindness that will bring good results.
2. The story of the hundred-knot bamboo tree
The story of the hundred-knot bamboo tree tells of a gentle farmer who was deceived by his greedy boss. Thanks to the Buddha’s help, he was able to obtain a hundred-knot bamboo tree, thereby teaching the boss a lesson about greed and fairness. The story is educational, emphasizing honesty, compassion and punishment for the greedy and cruel.
Legendary stories about history and national heroes
In Vietnamese folk culture, legends about national heroes and historical events play an important role in arousing patriotism, national pride and loyalty to the country. These stories often tell about characters who have made great contributions to protecting the country or asserting the power and sovereignty of the nation.
1. Legend of Saint Giong
The legend of Thanh Giong tells about a boy from Phu Dong village. When he was born, he did not speak, did not laugh, and did not grow up, but when the country was in danger and the An invaders, the boy suddenly grew up and became a giant. Pull up bamboo to fight the enemy and protect the country. After completing his mission, Thanh Giong rode his horse and flew back to heaven. The story of Saint Giong not only shows patriotism but is also a symbol of the spirit of solidarity and extraordinary strength of the Vietnamese people.
2. Legend of An Duong Vuong and My Chau – Trong Thuy
The legend of An Duong Vuong and My Chau – Trong Thuy is the story of the collapse of the Au Lac state due to betrayal and deception. King An Duong Vuong, who built the fortified Co Loa citadel with the help of the god Kim Quy, lost his country because of his mistaken trust in his son-in-law Trong Thuy, who tricked him into taking the secret of the magic crossbow. The story emphasizes the lesson of being vigilant against enemies and the importance of loyalty to the country.
The role of folk culture in modern life
Folklore, through stories and legends, is not only memories of the past but also plays an important role in shaping and developing modern culture. The moral values, patriotism, and compassion that folk tales convey are still valid in today’s life.
In an increasingly modern and developed social context, folk culture helps connect the young generation with tradition, arouse national pride and preserve the core cultural values of the Vietnamese people. At the same time, folk tales are also transmitted in many modern forms such as movies, storybooks, and plays, helping to maintain their vitality and relevance to the times.
Traditional cultural heritage endures
Vietnamese folk culture with its stories and legends is not only a precious cultural heritage but also an endless source of inspiration for generations. From stories about courage and love to lessons about honesty, loyalty and patriotism, folk culture has contributed to building and developing national identity.
Preserving and promoting folk culture not only helps preserve traditions but also plays an important role in developing the culture, spirit and ethics of Vietnamese people in the new era. Folk tales are not only stories of the past but also a source of spiritual strength for the future.