EINLEITUNG
Themenwahl und Forschungsgegenstand
Fairy tales play a crucial role in the folklore genre, serving as an essential part of the spiritual lives of workers since ancient times Passed down through the words of mothers and grandmothers, these tales preserve human values to this day The use of metaphorical symbols is a prominent feature of folk literature, allowing us to gain a deeper understanding of folk cultures through their meanings Numerical symbolism is particularly significant in fairy tales, with the appearance of numbers being intentional and indicative of specific concepts To grasp their significance, we must explore the beliefs and philosophical ideas from ancient times, making this topic both new and intriguing for me.
Forschungsfrage
Die vorliegende Arbeit geht der folgenden Forschungsfrage nach: Welche Zahlen kommen am họufigsten in deutschen und vietnamesischen Mọrchen vor? Und welche Bedeutung haben sie?
Zielsetzung
In meiner Forschung mửchte ich folgende Ziele erreichen:
• Erstens die wird Definition von „Mọrchen“ und „Zahlensymbol“ erwọhnt
Das genaue Erfassen der grundlegenden Argumentationen hilft mir, einen objektiven ĩberblick ỹber das Forschungsthema zu erhalten
• Zweitens erstelle ich Statistiken über die Zahlensymbolik in deutschen und vietnamesischen Mọrchen und analysiere deren Bedeutung
• Drittens vergleiche ich die Ähnlichkeiten und Unterschiede der Zahlensymbolik in deutschen und vietnamesischen Mọrchen
Forschungsmethode
During the research process, I employed both qualitative and quantitative methods to gain an overview of the issue In the theoretical section, I presented relevant foundational concepts, including the definition and characteristics of numbers, as well as the origins of numerical symbolism in both German and Vietnamese cultures In the practical section, I examined the frequency of numerical symbolism and explained the symbolic meanings of numbers in German and Vietnamese narratives, ultimately conducting a comparative analysis.
Aufbau der Forschungsarbeit
Meine Forschungsarbeit besteht aus vier folgenden Teilen:
Kapitel 1: Eine Einführung in das Forschungsthema „Zahlensymbolik in deutschen und vietnamesischen Mọrchen“
Kapitel 2: Theoretische Grundlagen in Bezug auf das Forschungsproblem
Kapitel 3: Analyse der Zahlensymbolik in deutschen und vietnamesischen Mọrchen Kapitel 4: Fazit und Ausblick
THEORETISCHE GRUNDLAGEN
Zum Begriff „Mọrchen“
2.1.1 Definition und Herkunft des Mọrchens
Wenn wir ỹber Mọrchen sprechen, meinen wir damit normalerweise die im
Folktales are a timeless literary genre featuring characters such as heroes, witches, fairies, and princesses Originating in various cultures, these stories carry rich historical significance Understanding the definition of folktales is essential to appreciate their cultural impact and storytelling traditions.
Based on fairy tale research, many scholars suggest that the term "fairy tale" derives from the word "maere," meaning "message, news, or narration" (cf Lüthi 1971: 1) This origin reflects its initial meaning, where brief pieces of information were shared among people At that time, fairy tales were not recognized as a literary genre for children but were more commonly found in adult conversations.
Bis zum 1812, als die Brỹder Grimm Volksmọrchen gesammelt und aufgezeichnet haben, wurde der theoretische Begriff „Mọrchen“ deutlicher Bis heute ist das „Grimms Mọrchen“ ein Standardwerk der deutschen Mọrchen im
Fairy tales, as defined by Herder and the Brothers Grimm, are imaginative narratives crafted with poetic creativity, particularly from the realm of magic These enchanting stories are not bound by the realities of everyday life and can be enjoyed by all, regardless of their believability.
Magic is an essential element in fairy tales, where fairies wielding wands can grant any wish, while wicked witches using spells and poison instill fear Giants, dwarfs, and talking animals also populate these fantastical stories, existing solely in the realm of imagination rather than the real world.
Fairy tales are among the oldest forms of poetry in human history, appearing in ancient cultures such as the Egyptians, Indians, and Greeks, as well as in biblical texts Originally intended for adults rather than children, these stories reflect a deep yearning for happiness and the pursuit of unattainable desires.
The researcher Khunova (2009: 4) highlights that fairy tales reflect both wishes and fears, emerging from various cultures worldwide Each country possesses its own unique fairy tales shaped by cultural influences Notably, the "Children's and Household Tales" collected by the Brothers Grimm is regarded as a cultural heritage not just in Germany but globally Similarly, in Vietnam, the anthology "Kho tàng truyện cổ tớch Việt Nam," compiled by Nguyễn Đổng Chi, is also highly esteemed.
Fairy tales originate from the beliefs and imaginations of ancient peoples, embodying remnants of a faith that reaches back to the earliest times, as noted by Szonn (1993: 26) These stories reflect the hope that good ultimately triumphs over evil, exemplified by the hunter saving Little Red Riding Hood from the wolf In the realm of fairy tales, virtuous characters find happiness, the downtrodden receive help, and wrongdoers face punishment or elimination Traditionally, adults shared these fantastical tales, believing in a better world Over generations, it has been recognized that fairy tales hold educational significance for children, imparting essential humanistic lessons Later, authors created versions of these tales that are appealing to children worldwide Researcher Lopareva has also pointed out the numerous definitions of fairy tales, highlighting the lack of a clear consensus among scholars due to their varied perspectives.
Einstellungen versuchten, ihre eigene Definition zu geben“ (Lopareva 2016: 6)
In Vietnam, numerous researchers focus on folklore genres, particularly the fairy tale genre According to author Chu Xuân Diên, fairy tales can be defined in various ways, but they are generally understood as a product of the rich imagination of people He states, "Fairy tales reflect the people's perspective on reality, express moral concepts, social justice ideals, and dreams for a better life than the current one" (Chu Xuân Diên 1983: 204).
Mọrchens geschrieben hat, hat er beurteilt, dass Mọrchen in der primitiven
During this period, humans lived in dependence on nature while harboring a desire to conquer it They shared magical stories rooted in their divine beliefs to explain social phenomena The society of that time experienced class divisions and conflicts, leading to tales that reflected daily life and expressed the people's yearning for justice.
Lờ Chớ Quế (1999: 107) ist der gleichen Meinung, schlieòt er in dem Buch
Văn học dân gian Việt Nam, đặc biệt là truyện cổ tích, là một thể loại tự sự nghệ thuật, được xây dựng dựa trên những cốt truyện đặc sắc Truyện cổ tích không chỉ đơn thuần là những câu chuyện, mà còn là sản phẩm của sự hư cấu nghệ thuật với các yếu tố kỳ diệu Thể loại này đã hình thành và phát triển qua lịch sử, phản ánh những giá trị văn hóa và tâm hồn của người Việt.
Die Definition „Mọrchen“ von dem Nguyễn Đổng Chi erwọhnte auch, dass
Mọrchen, như một tác phẩm nghệ thuật của dân gian, có những đặc trưng nghệ thuật riêng biệt, khác với truyện ngụ ngôn, hài hước, thần thoại, truyện tôn giáo và truyện thời sự Với tính chất truyền miệng, nó mang hình thức kể chuyện thay vì mô tả, và không giống như tiểu thuyết Tuy nhiên, nó hấp dẫn không kém tiểu thuyết, đóng vai trò quan trọng trong việc giải trí cho công chúng, đồng thời đáp ứng nhu cầu thẩm mỹ, giáo dục và đấu tranh xã hội.
Folklore genres, including folktales, were originally passed down orally from one person to another Each storyteller added unique details to their version of the tale The professor highlighted the functions of these folktale genres, emphasizing their role in entertainment and artistic expression.
Wahrnehmung, Funktion der Moralbildung und Ausdruck des Wunsches, für das Recht in der Gesellschaft zu kọmpfen
Based on the studies mentioned, I believe that the explanations for the definition of "fairy tale" are not contradictory but rather complementary, helping to answer the question, "What does a fairy tale mean?" In short, fairy tales are short narratives that have been passed down orally through generations until they were collected and recorded by authors Each story often draws on available motifs and combines magical elements to enhance its appeal In addition to entertaining audiences, fairy tales express aspirations, hopes, and positive beliefs for a good life Today, fairy tales are classified as children's literature and are particularly popular among children due to their dreamlike fantasy worlds and meaningful lessons.
Fairy tales are prevalent in nearly all cultures around the world The history of their origin and development across different countries reflects the artistic identities of various cultures It can be said that fairy tales emerged in societies marked by class divisions, which led to conflicts over interests and status.
After grasping the fundamental concept of fairy tales, we need to determine how to identify whether a story qualifies as a fairy tale In other words, we must clarify the characteristics that define a fairy tale This analysis is based on the research findings of Dr Simone Heine in her essay "German Literature."
Zum Begriff „Zahlensymbolik“
2.2.1 Definition und Herkunft der Zahlensymbolik
In this research topic, I explore numerical symbols from a literary perspective There are various types of symbolism in literature, and numerical symbolism is one aspect of it Therefore, it is essential to first understand what a symbol is A symbol is defined as a "linguistic reference to a concrete concept."
Ding, Phọnomen oder auch eine Tọtigkeit [ ], die mit einem ỹber die lexikalische Bedeutung hinausweisen den Sinn verknüpft ist“ (vgl Günter, Joachim 2012: 181)
Beyond their lexical meanings, objects, phenomena, or concepts can possess additional symbolic values These symbolic meanings are closely tied to the sensory forms of things or their original significance For instance, the red rose symbolizes passionate love, a meaning shared across both Western and Eastern cultures This association stems from the character of the goddess of love in renowned Greek and Roman mythology While one might wonder why yellow or white roses do not carry the same connotation, it is important to note that red, representing fire and the sun, embodies passion and intensity, making the red rose the quintessential symbol of love.
Cultural symbolism refers to the characteristic of being comprehensible only to those who understand its meaning or can associate potential meanings based on their cultural background This concept underscores the importance of cultural context in interpreting symbols and meanings.
Symbols play a crucial role in shaping the creativity and imagination of recipients, heavily influenced by their cultural backgrounds Cultural symbols can be categorized into material and immaterial forms, with material symbols manifesting in architecture, painting, and literature, while immaterial symbols are found in language, customs, beliefs, religion, and philosophy From a literary perspective, recognizing and interpreting these symbols is essential for understanding and analyzing literary works, as they can be embedded in every detail of a text, reflecting the author's intentions.
Numerical symbolism refers to the assignment of meanings to individual numbers or combinations of numbers, endowing them with a symbolic function that transcends their mathematical purpose This symbolism is recognized across various fields, including religion, liturgy, literature, customs, and superstition, and it also plays a significant role in the study of historical forms of music, architecture, medicine, and art.
Numerical symbolism originates from natural numbers, which have long been utilized by humans as a fundamental notation system Ancient Babylonians recorded planetary movements in numbers to predict eclipses and other astronomical phenomena, while the Egyptians used numerical systems to forecast the Nile's flooding (Stewart 2005) The Pythagorean theorem, named after the Greek scholar Pythagoras, reflects his belief that numbers form the foundation of the universe, operating in harmony Consequently, numbers transcend mere mathematical symbols, embodying spiritual significance As Pythagoras stated, "Number is the ruler of forms and ideas and the cause of gods and demons."
Seit dem Mittelalter haben die Menschen neben der quantitativen Funktion von Zahlen begonnen, auf die tiefgreifende Bedeutung von Zahlen zu achten, bemerkte Dr Groòmann:
In the study of early medieval writers, it becomes evident that numbers serve various functions that may seem distant from contemporary understanding Numbers are perceived as symbols embodying a deeper meaning, making numerical symbolism a vibrant reality in the Middle Ages Scholars actively sought these numerical references, emphasizing and interpreting them to clarify biblical passages and doctrinal connections This exploration often reveals a depth of thought that leaves modern individuals, who might dismiss such matters as mere curiosities, in genuine awe.
Wọhrend des Mittelalters wurde das rửmische Zahlensystem modifiziert (fast wie das
The Roman numeral system, widely used until the fall of the Roman Empire, reflects humanity's reliance on divine and religious speculations to explain natural phenomena Numbers are imbued with symbolic meaning, as people observe and interpret patterns in nature Đỗ Thị Nhung (2012: 16) emphasizes that numbers have existed for thousands of years, deeply embedded in the collective consciousness and daily lives of people, influencing thoughts, speech, beliefs, and significant decisions This illustrates the rich and dynamic life of numerology, shaped by cultural traditions and religious perspectives, which have integrated into human civilization over millennia.
2.2.2 Die Zahlensymbolik in deutschen und vietnamesischen Kultur
The concept of number symbolism has deeply influenced the collective consciousness of people worldwide, with each country's cultural heritage shaping these interpretations Numbers carry varied meanings across different cultures and religions, rooted in history, traditions, and philosophy Number symbolism remains a subject of ongoing research Based on an analysis of the website redenwelt.de and the research of Đỗ Thị Nhung, this article succinctly summarizes the symbolism of numbers 1 through 9 and 12, particularly in German and Vietnamese cultures, while also considering broader Western and Eastern cultural perspectives.
Zahlen Bedeutung in deutschen Kultur Bedeutung in vietnamesischen
1 Einmaligkeit, Einzigartigkeit Ein guter Start, ein Vorsprung
2 Kleinste Gemeinschaft oder Anzahl von Zeugen bei Rechtsfragen
Gleichgewicht, Gegensọtzlichkeit (Yin und Yang), die Paarung
4 Universalitọt oder Viereckigkeit Zahl des Menschen und seiner
Existenz, die Harmonie der Natur
5 Zahl des von Gott abhọngigen
Die fünf physischen Elemente, aus denen das Universum besteht: Metall, Holz, Wasser, Feuer und Erde
7 Vollstọndigkeit, Schlỹssel fỹr wahres Wissen
Die Zahl steht für die Verbindung von Himmel und Erde
8 Neuanfang oder Auferstehung Glück und Wohlstand
9 Zahl der Vollendung Stọrke und Autoritọt (des Himmels,
12 Zahl der von Gott anvertrauten
(vgl Redaktion redenwelt.de und Đỗ Thị Nhung 2012: 17)
Certain numbers hold significant spiritual symbolism in both German and Vietnamese cultures, with the most notable being 3, 7, and 9 Additionally, for Germans, the sacred number 12 is also of great importance.
Since ancient times, the number three has been regarded as a divine or sacred number Traditionally, the life cycle of a person or organism is seen to encompass three stages: childhood, adulthood, and old age, or growth, fertility, and decay Additionally, ancient Western beliefs held that each individual is composed of three parts: body, soul, and spirit.
In various ancient cultures, the trio of gods symbolizes the power of the Highest In Greek mythology, the powerful trio of Zeus, Poseidon, and Hades rules over the sky, sea, and the underworld, respectively Similarly, in Egyptian mythology, the revered trio consists of Isis, the goddess of love, magic, and motherhood; Osiris, the king of the afterlife; and Horus, the king of the pharaohs.
Most Germans are significantly influenced by Christianity, where the number three represents the Holy Trinity: the relationship between God the Father, God the Son, and the Holy Spirit Consequently, the number three has become an organizing structural element in various contexts.
Wir unterteilen unseren Kosmos in Lümmel - Erde - Meer und im Christentum in Himmel - Erde – Hửlle“ (Grom 2005)
In Buddhism, the number 3 holds profound significance, symbolizing the Trinity that embodies divine protection, assistance, and guidance It represents the three trainings of discipline, concentration, and morality The number 3 is intricately linked to various aspects of Buddhism, including the Three Jewels (the Buddha, the Sangha, and the Dharma), the practice of bowing three times before them, and the three realms of existence (the Desire Realm, the Form Realm, and the Formless Realm) Consequently, the number 3 has become a mystical and sacred figure in Vietnamese culture, influencing customs such as conducting three-day funerals, avoiding photographs of three people together, and the saying "Quá tam ba bận," which suggests that overcoming three challenges leads to success.
The number 7 holds significant meaning in Christianity and the Bible, appearing frequently enough to become a symbolic representation of the faith It is regarded as the ideal number that signifies completeness or perfection, both for the soul and the body The number 7 is derived from the sum of 3 and 4, where 3 symbolizes the divine and 4 represents order and rationality Additionally, God took seven days to create the universe, which is why we have a seven-day week.
ANALYSE DER ZAHLENSYMBOLIK IN DEUTSCHEN UND VIETNAMESISCHEN MÄRCHEN
Họufigkeit der Zahlensymbolik im Mọrchen
Ich habe die Họufigkeit der Zahlensymbolik in 39 deutschen und 37 vietnamesischen Mọrchen untersucht Die Ergebnisse sind in der folgenden
Nachdem ich Statistiken erstellte, bemerkte ich, dass die Zahlen 3, 7 und 12 họufig in deutschen Mọrchen vorkommen Im Gegenteil zu den vietnamesischen Mọrchen kommen die Zahlen 3, 9 und 100 am họufigsten vor
In Mọrchen, the number three frequently appears in the forms of three siblings, three objects, or three challenges Notably, in the tale of "The Three Brothers," the youngest brother, despite being underestimated, proves to be the most talented, ultimately surpassing his siblings and inheriting their father's house Similarly, in "The Golden Goose," the youngest brother, Dummling, initially faces significant hardships but ends up the happiest, inheriting the kingdom after the king's death and living joyfully with his wife In "The Three Feathers," the youngest brother, also referred to as Dummling, successfully passes all the king's trials, highlighting the theme of unexpected triumph through perseverance.
„erhielt die Krone und hat lange in Weisheit geherrscht“ Ein Happy End kommt oft
22 zum dritten Kind in der Familie und diese Person genieòt das Glỹck fỹr immer danach
Die drei Gegenstọnde in Mọrchen werden oft mit magischen Details assoziiert
There are three magical snake leaves capable of resurrecting the deceased, symbolized by the three golden hairs of the wild devil who knows everything in the world Similarly, in the tale "The Three Feathers," the third feather consistently guides the third prince to a magical bunker filled with all he needs The number three represents a magical force, embodying mystical power.
In fairy tales, heroes often face three trials or challenges, with the third being the most difficult, showcasing their exceptional talent and courage A classic example is "The Three Golden Hairs of the Devil," where a young man, fated to marry the king's daughter, must survive three attempts on his life by the evil king The king first throws him into deep water, then orders him to deliver a letter instructing his murder, and finally sends him to hell to retrieve the devil's three golden hairs Throughout his journey, the young man answers three challenging questions with bravery and intelligence Similarly, in the tale of Snow White, a witch attempts to kill her three times but ultimately fails, leading to Snow White's marriage to a handsome prince In "Cinderella," the prince searches for the owner of a glass slipper, which fits only Cinderella after her cruel stepsisters fail to wear it.
The number seven frequently appears in German fairy tales and symbolizes perfection, as it is the sum of three, representing gods, and four, representing the universe This combination highlights the significance of seven, which is reflected in the seven days of the week, mirroring God's creation of the world A notable example is the fairy tale "Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs," where Snow White discovers the home of the seven dwarfs in the deep forest The dwarfs, who are kind and protective, save her life multiple times The number seven is emphasized throughout the story with descriptions of seven plates, seven spoons, seven small knives, seven forks, seven cups, and seven beds Ultimately, Snow White finds comfort in the seventh bed, which fits her perfectly, reinforcing the symbolic importance of the number seven as a representation of perfection.
In the tale "Seven Ravens," seven brothers are cursed and transformed into ravens, but their youngest sister overcomes numerous challenges to ultimately rescue them from the curse, leading to a joyful reunion The narrative captivates readers with the recurring motif of the number seven, highlighted by details such as seven plates and seven cups Similarly, in "The Wolf and the Seven Young Goats," the seven goats are repeatedly outsmarted by the wolf but are eventually saved by their mother, who punishes the wicked wolf Other fairy tales, like "The Seven Swabians," echo the theme of seven, while "The Brave Little Tailor" is famous for the phrase "seven at one stroke." A common thread in these stories is their happy endings, where good characters are rewarded and evil ones face consequences.
In Bezug auf die Zahl Sieben Erklọrungen ist die Zahl Zwửlf auch das Ergebnis von Drei multipliziert mit Vier Dies ist also auch ein Symbol für Perfektion
The year consists of 12 months and a 24-hour day divided into 12 hours of daylight and 12 hours of night Consequently, when the number of individuals or objects exceeds twelve, specifically reaching thirteen, it is considered unlucky This belief is echoed in fairy tales, where the appearance of the number thirteen often heralds bad news The curse associated with the thirteenth fairy in the story of "Sleeping Beauty" caused her to fall into a deep slumber for a hundred years, disrupting the balance of all things.
When Rapunzel turned twelve, a sorceress imprisoned her in a tower located in a forest, which had no stairs or doors, only a small window at the top The witch was worried that Rapunzel had grown up and might try to escape Rapunzel's peaceful life was completely disrupted when she discovered the truth about the witch, who was revealed not to be her real mother.
„Marienkind“ hửrte nicht auf den Rat der Jungfrau Maria und machte einen
She opened the thirteenth forbidden door and was banished to the deep forest If she had only opened the remaining twelve doors, nothing dangerous would have occurred The number twelve appears multiple times throughout the story.
„Die zertanzten Schuhe“ mit Details wie zwửlf Prinzessinnen, zwửlf Prinzen, zwửlf
Booten In „Das Meerhọschen“ konnten die Kửnigstochter alles am Boden oder tief im Boden beobachten Dank der zwửlf Fenster in ihrem Schloss ist nichts durch ihre Augen zu sehen
The number 3 frequently appears in Vietnamese folklore, carrying significant symbolic meanings It is often associated with milestones such as three days, three nights, three months, and three years In the tale "Sự tớch người làm chúa muôn loài" (The Story of the Lord of All Creatures), God desires to create an animal, highlighting the importance of the number 3 in storytelling and cultural narratives.
In a tale of transformation, a tortoise is chosen to replace an aging and slow emperor, highlighting the inherent slowness of tortoises The journey to announce this new ruler to all species takes three long months, emphasizing the importance of finding a new king for all creatures.
In the story "The Tale of the Silkworm," a horse is struck by a poisoned arrow and mourns for three days and nights before dying, illustrating its unjust fate Similarly, in "The Tale of the Toothless Buffalo," Duởs dedicates three days and nights to forging iron and sharpening his sword to create a weapon capable of killing a tiger His unwavering determination and relentless effort reflect his deep commitment to crafting a sophisticated sword to swiftly avenge his wife.
The theme of testing the hero's will is prevalent in stories, as seen in the tale of Princess Liễu Hạnh, who was banished to Earth for three years by a god She could return to heaven only if she changed her negative personality Similarly, in the story "Sự tích ông đầu rau," a husband promised his wife he would be away for three years but never returned Believing him to be dead, the wife mourned for an additional three years, remaining unmarried during that time.
The concept of "Jahre" symbolizes the waiting period for a woman devoted to her husband, highlighting her loyalty and the enhancement of marital gratitude in our culture Gióng-Junge, who was mute for three years, spoke powerfully when the enemy invaded our land, marking a significant transformation This three-year milestone is particularly noteworthy as it represents Gióng's evolution from a young boy into a heroic figure who bravely fought to defend his country.
Auòerdem ist die Nummer drei mit der 3-Personen-Beziehung verbunden Die Geschichte „Sự tích trầu cau“ (Die Geschichte von Betel und Areca) zeigt eine
The article explores the intricate relationships among three key characters: the two brothers from the Cao family and their wife It highlights the close bond between the older and younger brother, the dynamic between the wife and her husband, and the connection between the sister-in-law and her brother-in-law These intertwined relationships create a complex web of family ties and emotional connections.
Navigating relationships in shared living can be challenging, often leading to tragic outcomes The transformation of the three characters into objects made from betel, areca, and limestone represents the only solution to eliminate misunderstandings among them This theme is central to the story of "Sơn Tinh - Thuỷ."
Tinh“ ist es die Beziehung zwischen Sơn Tinh, Thuỷ Tinh und Mị Nương Kửnig
Ein Vergleich der Zahlensymbolik zwischen deutschen und vietnamesischen Mọrchen 29 1 Gemeinsamkeiten
3.2 Ein Vergleich der Zahlensymbolik zwischen deutschen und vietnamesischen Mọrchen
The analysis of the overview table reveals that the numerical symbolism in German and Vietnamese fairy tales, despite their distinct meanings, shares some similarities This article will explore these themes in depth.
The number three holds significant meaning in both German and Vietnamese folklore, appearing frequently in their tales It is regarded as a mystical and magical number, symbolizing a unique coincidence related to deities in ancient myths This recurrent theme across various beliefs has led people to perceive three as a cosmic number, which has been integrated into folk literature passed down through oral tradition Furthermore, the number three embodies common symbolic values in the folklore of both countries, representing challenges that the main character must overcome—typically involving three trials—to achieve happiness and prosperity Examples of such narratives are prevalent in both cultures.
„Schneewittchen und die sieben Zwerge“ in Deutschland und „Tấm Cám“ in
In Vietnamese folklore, the number three holds significant mystical importance, often appearing in tales and legends For instance, in the story of Snow White, the witch attempts to kill her three times but fails each time Similarly, in the tale of Tam, the character Cỏm tries to eliminate Tam on three occasions, yet all attempts are thwarted Ultimately, the heroine overcomes these challenges and finds lasting happiness This recurring motif of three is frequently linked to magical elements, such as three enchanted snake leaves, three wishes, or a trio of areca nut trees, underscoring the deep-rooted symbolism of the number three in cultural narratives.
In German fairy tales, numbers often symbolize perfection, with the most favored being 3, 7, and 12 Tasks are typically repeated three times to signify completion, and challenges are designed so that only a third party can succeed Additionally, competitions are won exclusively by the third participant, as seen in tales like "Snow White," which prominently feature the number seven.
31 die sieben Zwerge“, „Der Wolf und die sieben jungen Geiòlein“ o.Ä haben ein
A happy ending is achieved when harmony and balance in the narrative remain intact, disrupted only when the number of people or things exceeds twelve, a curse from the thirteenth fairy and the forbidden thirteenth door The numbers three, nine, and one hundred symbolize perfection and completion The trio of betel, areca, and lime consistently go hand in hand, much like the silk moth.
The Kokon - Mulberry tree symbolizes a connection that spans thousands of generations, with the number nine representing eternity and perfection In the tale "The Legend of the Belt," the character O Bù must overcome nine twisted paths and nine treacherous mountains to achieve a flawless appearance Additionally, the numbers nine and one hundred are often associated with wedding gifts in folklore, reflecting people's aspirations for a perfect material and spiritual life.
In addition to the number three, the numbers seven, nine, and twelve hold significant magical meanings This is illustrated by the presence of magical figures and objects, such as the seven dwarfs and the seven talking goats.
„voi chớn ngà, gà chớn cựa, ngựa chớn hồng mao“, zwửlf Feen, Die magischen
Elemente sind ein unverzichtbares Merkmal des Mọrchen Das Erscheinen dieser Sonderzahlen neben magischen Details wird zum Hửhepunkt der Mọrchen und es macht die Leser neugierig
Germany and Vietnam represent two distinct cultures with significant differences Germany is heavily influenced by Western cultures such as Austria, England, Belgium, and Denmark, while Vietnamese culture is closely aligned with Eastern traditions, particularly that of neighboring China This cultural divergence contributes to the varying storytelling styles in each country Each culture operates within its own symbolic reference system, which shapes the meaning and interpretation of narratives The research specifically aims to explore certain numerical representations in folklore.
The number 32 holds significance for both Germans and Vietnamese, yet each culture interprets its meaning differently While both cultures recognize a symbolic value in certain numbers, Germans tend to favor specific figures, whereas Vietnamese traditions emphasize others In German fairy tales, numbers such as 3, 7, and 12 carry symbolic importance, contrasting with Vietnamese tales where the numbers 3, 9, and 100 are more prevalent and imbued with unique meanings.
The number three is a recurring motif in many examined stories, symbolizing various meanings In German fairy tales, narratives often feature three siblings, with the youngest typically described in greater detail This youngest brother, despite initial hardships in a poor family, ultimately finds happiness and wealth due to his kindness, reflecting the humanistic essence of fairy tales where virtuous individuals are rewarded Such stories express a collective desire for kindness and fairness in life In contrast, Vietnamese tales frequently focus on three-person relationships, leading to conflicts or misunderstandings, as seen in stories like Sơn Tinh - Mị Nương - Thuỷ Tinh and Tấm - the King - Cỏm Here, the number two symbolizes love, while three often signifies separation and dissolution The struggle depicted is crucial for restoring stability in relationships However, when associated with objects, the number three conveys strength and resilience, as exemplified by the hero Thỏnh Giúng, who defeated foreign invaders using just three weapons, symbolizing extraordinary strength and determination.
In the story "Sự tích trầu cau," the betel, areca nut, and lime symbolize the deep and stable bond between a husband and wife, illustrating their inseparable connection in life and death This theme reflects the essence of Vietnamese folklore, which consistently revolves around concepts of land, familial love, and similar values.
The numbers seven and twelve symbolize perfection and the harmony between heaven and earth, as well as gods and humans in German culture, where three represents the gods and four represents humans These numbers are considered both mystical and lucky in German folklore In contrast, Vietnamese folklore does not clearly convey this significance, although ancient Vietnamese society, heavily influenced by China, held beliefs such as the king being the son of heaven, with the king's will reflecting heavenly will The number nine, representing heaven, is thus closely related to the king, which explains its appearance in some Vietnamese tales For instance, King Hung requested wedding gifts, and his eighteenth prince, Lang Liêu, inherited the throne, while Thạch Sanh rebelled with eighteen vassal states and also ascended to power The Vietnamese believe that adhering to the will of heaven ensures balance and harmony for all things in the world.
Strength and solidarity are significant themes when studying numerical symbols in Vietnamese folklore The story "Con Rồng - Chỏu Tiờn" highlights national strength through the detail "bọc trăm trứng nở ra trăm người con," while the tale "Cõy tre trăm đốt" emphasizes unity and resilience.
Bambusbaum besteht aus hundert einzelnen Bambusknoten Dieses Detail drückt die Stọrke des Glaubens an Fairness im Leben aus Gute Leute bekommen Hilfe und bửse Leute bekommen die Strafe
By analyzing the similarities and differences in number symbolism within German and Vietnamese folktales, I gain a deeper understanding of the significance of symbols in culture, particularly in folklore The interpretation of numerical meanings reveals the intersections and distinctions between German and Vietnamese cultural perspectives.
FAZIT UND AUSBLICK
Folklore is a rich tapestry that encompasses various genres and countless works found across cultures worldwide It is intricately linked to the history of national survival and development, reflecting both the material and spiritual lives of people.
The folklore treasure highlights the significance of the fairy tale genre in illustrating the cultural identity of each nation Through stories, we gain insight into various social issues and learn more about national identity, traditions, art, and customs of ancient Germany and Vietnam.
The symbolism of numbers in fairy tales reveals numerous layers of cultural significance Exploring these hidden meanings offers a fresh perspective on the cultures of Germany and Vietnam Initial findings suggest that numbers in fairy tales possess unique symbolic values rather than being random Notably, the numbers 3, 7, and 12 are prominent symbols in German fairy tales, while 3, 9, and 100 are significant in Vietnamese tales Additionally, there are fascinating insights into the differing perceptions of human life and worldviews in both cultures This research highlights the similarities and differences between Germany and Vietnam, rooted in the interpretation of numerical symbolism influenced by each country's religious beliefs and worldviews.
1 Geschichten mit Zahlensymbolik in “Kinder- und Hausmọrchen Band 1”
(1812), gesammelt durch die Brüder Grimm (Verlag: Realschulbuchhandlung):
Nr Name der Geschichte Anzahl der
6 Der Teufel mit den drei goldenen Haaren
8 Der Wolf und die sieben jungen Geiòlein
17 Der arme Müllerbursch und das Kọtzchen
2 Geschichten mit Zahlensymbolik in “100 truyện cổ tích Việt Nam” (2019), gesammelt von Trần Trường Minh (Verlag: NXB Mỹ thuật):
2 Sự tích hồ Ba Bể 1
5 Sự tích người làm chúa muôn loài
6 Sự tích cây nêu ngày Tết
7 Sự tích quả dưa hấu
9 Sự tích cái dây lưng
10 Sự tích chiếc kèn môi
12 Sự tích sao Hôm, sao Mai
13 Sự tích chim tu hú 2 1
14 Sự tích con bọ hung
16 Sự tích trâu không có hàm trên
30 Nàng Lòa, con ngựa mù và chàng thong manh
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