Recently, the Social Sciences Publishing House released a new title: "The Issue of Death in Vietnamese Folk Literature" (Vấn đề cái chết trong văn học dân gian người Việt). The author is Dr. Dang Quoc Minh Duong, a lecturer at the Faculty of Social Sciences and Humanities, Van Hien University.
Spanning 376 pages (16x24 cm format), this work is a meticulous and comprehensive study of the imagery, meanings, and cultural-humanistic values of death within the oral traditions of the Vietnamese people.
Exploring the "Landscape of Life and Death" through Six Chapters
Rather than viewing death as a fearsome end, Dr. Dang Quoc Minh Duong guides readers through various cultural layers to understand how ancient Vietnamese people philosophized the act of passing:
• Chapters 1 & 2: Provide a theoretical overview and survey the manifestation of death across genres—from the sacredness found in myths and legends to the witty, rustic perspectives in folk songs and jokes.
• Chapters 3 & 4: Delve into reality by explaining the perceived causes of death and the folklore surrounding "after-death affairs" (funeral rites), where filial piety intersects with unique spiritual beliefs.
• Chapters 5 & 6: Open up infinite dimensions regarding immortality (the soul, rebirth, and leaving a legacy) and related peripheral issues, helping readers realize that in the Vietnamese consciousness, death is not a full stop but a continuation.
Core Values and Practical Significance
The highlight of this book lies in its interdisciplinary and cross-cultural approach. The author moves the concept of "death" out of the realm of taboo, examining it through a humanistic lens. In a modern context, this work serves as a bridge, helping us face impermanence with a calmer and more compassionate mindset.
"To live with kindness, to die with serenity"—this is the profound message our ancestors embedded in folklore, now scientifically and soulfully decoded by Dr. Dang Quoc Minh Duong.
This book is an invaluable resource for researchers and students of culture and literature, as well as a profound choice for any reader wishing to explore the identity and aesthetic sensibilities of the Vietnamese soul.
We are honored to introduce this book to our readers.
Written by MinhLDK