Legends are a mirror of the culture that creates them, a revealing lens through which to observe society, religion, history, and traditions. This volume explores Vietnamese legends from 1321 to today--tales of gods, spirits, ghosts, giants, extraordinary individuals, heroes, common people, and animals. It explains the mores, thought processes, and religions that formed the genesis of Vietnamese legends, traces the development of legends through time and space, and highlights the historical and social differences between northern and southern legends. Over time, this work shows, Vietnamese legends have evolved from a 14th century means of government propaganda to become a form of news, entertainment, and thought for the masses.

**Winner of Creative Child Magazine 2015 Book of the Year Award** **Winner of Moonbeam Children's Book Awards 2015 Gold Medal** This colorfully illustrated multicultural children's book presents Vietnamese fairy tales and other folk stories--providing insight into a rich literary culture. Vietnamese Children's Favorite Stories is a charming collection of fifteen tales as told by prominent storyteller Tran Thi Minh Phuoc. In it, Tran--Minnesota's first Vietnamese librarian and an active member of the Vietnamese-American community--recounts cherished folktales such as "The Story of Tam and Cam" (the Vietnamese version of Cinderella), "The Jade Rabbit," and "The Legend of the Mai Flower." They make perfect new additions for story time or bedtime reading. With beautiful illustrations by veteran artists Nguyen Thi Hop and Nguyen Dong, children and adults alike will be enchanted by Tran's English retellings. Stories in which integrity, hard work and a kind heart triumph over deception, laziness, and greed--as gods, peasants, kings and fools spring to life in legends of bravery and beauty, and fables about nature. The Children's Favorite Stories series was created to share the folktales and legends most beloved by children in the East with young readers of all backgrounds in the West. Vietnamese Children's Favorite Stories will keep Vietnam's folktales alive for them and the legions of young readers who enjoy multicultural children's books and stories set in faraway lands. Other multicultural children's books in this series include: Asian Children's Favorite Stories, Indian Children's Favorite Stories, Indonesian Children's Favorite Stories, Japanese Children's Favorite Stories, Singapore Children's Favorite Stories, Filipino Favorite Children's Stories, Favorite Children's Stories from China & Tibet, Chinese Children's Favorite Stories, Korean Children's Favorite Stories, Balinese Children's Favorite Stories..

A collection of traditional Vietnamese legends about the spirits and fairies ranging about the skies over Vietnam and the mortals under their influence exemplifies the universal fascination with the stars.

"A Taste of Earth is the retelling of twelve traditional stories. It provides an introduction to the rich mythology of Vietnamese culture.

The Dragon Prince is a collection of 15 stories and legends from Vietnam retold by Zen master poet and peace activist Thich Nhat Hanh. As in many of his teachings, Nhat Hanh emphasizes themes of cooperation and reconciliation, while providing a rich introduction to the mythical elements of Vietnamese culture. The stories range from creation myths to tales of wars and food and custom myths, all aiming at the notion of "mindfulness," of become aware of what is happening in the moment. Imaginary characters weave through the lives of actual persons and events, blending fiction and non-fiction, magic and fantasy, into the profound realization of the interconnectedness of all beings. The tales highlight the importance of "true seeing" and focuses on transcendence rather than anguish. Above all The Dragon Prince simply contains well-told stories with clear and lyrical writing, once again giving testament to Thich Nhat Hanh's immense skill as a writer. This book is a must for every collection. From the afterword by translator Mobi Warren: "The heroes and heroines of these stories celebrate closeness to the Earth, the importance of assuming personal responsibility for one's conduct, and the possibility of resolving conflict through understanding rather than violence". B/W Illustrations throughout.

Vietnamese folk tales retold for a modern audience. In poetry and literature the Vietnamese call themselves the "children of the dragon." Their oral tradition is a strong one and this volume includes three of the familiar teaching tales told by the elders. Readers will learn how the tiger got his stripes, why there are monsoons, and the story of the Moon Festival.

Legends are a mirror of the culture that creates them, a revealing lens through which to observe society, religion, history, and traditions. This volume explores Vietnamese legends from 1321 to today--tales of gods, spirits, ghosts, giants, extraordinary individuals, heroes, common people, and animals. It explains the mores, thought processes, and religions that formed the genesis of Vietnamese legends, traces the development of legends through time and space, and highlights the historical and social differences between northern and southern legends. Over time, this work shows, Vietnamese legends have evolved from a 14th century means of government propaganda to become a form of news, entertainment, and thought for the masses.

Urbanization and Religion in Ancient Central Mexico examines the ways in which urbanization and religion intersected in pre-Columbian central Mexico. It provides a materially informed history of religion and an archaeology of cities that considers religion as a generative force in societal change.

Children will get an inside look at Vietnam's vibrant culture, while learning through fun, hands-on games, songs, and activities! This multicultural children's book is perfect for story time at home or in a classroom, and is one children will come back to time and again. Young readers are introduced to many different aspects of Vietnamese culture, including: A brief look at the nation's history, from its mythological beginnings to its famous kings and heroes Tours of picturesque Halong Bay, the teeming streets of Hanoi and Saigon, the sand dunes of Mui Ne, the Dragon Bridge in Da Nang, the imperial palace in Hue, and many more colorful places! Try your hand at making authentic Vietnamese dishes including a Banh Mi sandwich, Fresh Spring Rolls and Moon Cakes to accompany the Mid-Autumn Festival celebration Relive popular folktales and legends like "The Legend of the Areca Nut and the Betel Leaves" and "The Legend of Trong Com" Learn the beloved folk song "The Rice Drum" and the lively dance that accompanies it Experience the sights and sounds of the Tet New Year's celebration as well as other colorful festivals like the Feast of the Wandering Souls, the Mooncake Festival, the Kitchen God Festival, and the Hoi An Lantern Festival Learn to speak a few words of Vietnamese, including greetings and the proper way to say goodbye Make a beaded dragonfly; learn about Vietnamese manners and superstitions; celebrate birthdays, weddings, and important events; and taste the local fruits and delicious street food dishes! Award-winning author Phuoc Thi Minh Tran is a Vietnamese librarian and storyteller who opens windows onto a culture she knows intimately in this lavishly-illustrated book. The charming full-color illustrations and photographs bring Vietnam's history and culture vividly to life.