22/06/2018
[ETHNIC MINORITIES IN VIETNAM]
Ethnic minorities make up 8% of total population ( ~ 9 millions) and each ethnic group has its own cultural identity, altogether creating the unity and diversity of Vietnamese culture.
There are 8 primary groups of Vietnamese residents and 54 subgroups
Ethnic minorities in Vietnam – listed by language group:
1. Vietic (Chut, Kinh, Muong, Tho)
2. Austroasiatic (Ba Na, Brau, Bru Van Kieu, Cho Ro, Co, Co Ho, Co Tu, Gie Trieng, Hre, Khang, Khmer, Kho Mu, Ma Mang, M’nong, O Du, Ro Mam, Ta Oi, Xinh Mun, Xo Dang, a Xtieng)
3. Tay – Thai (Bo Y, Giay, Lao, Lu, Nung, San Chay, Tay, Thai)
4. Tibeto – Burman (Cong, Ha Nhi, La Hu, Lo Lo, Phu La, La Si)
5. Malayo – Polynesian (Cham, Chu Ru, E De, Gia Rai, Ra Glai)
6. Kadai (Co, Lao, La Chi, Ha La and Pu Peo)
7. Mong-Dao (Dao, H’mong, Pa Then)
8. Han (Hoa, Ngai and San Diu)
ACCOMODATION
Most of Vietnam’s ethnic minorities live in remote, lightly populated mountain regions in northern, central and western Vietnam. Their living standard are quite low; they mainly live in modest dwellings (wooden houses or shelters). Almost all of them make a living by working in a paddy field, gathering wood, collecting herbs or exchange handmade items such as: colorful fabrics and clothing.
JOBS
They sell these in ethnic markets, where jewelry, decorative accessories or animals are also put up for sale here. Tourists prefer to attend these markets to enjoy bustling atmosphere here and purchase some handicrafts. Most markets start in the morning and some residents come in the early morning or even the previous day.
FESTIVALS
54 subgroups develop different traditions and own a variety of fairs and festivals. Below are some examples of their joyful unique festival which reflect the diversity of Vietnamese culture.
LONG TONG festival, belongs to Tay people, is also a gathering of the most typical cultural nuances of other ethnic groups such as Nung, Dao, San Chi …It is considered a religious activity to pray for good weather, bumper harvests, happy life. Before the main day of the festival , each family will prepare a food stray to prove the cooking skill of women.
In the main day, there will be many outdoor activities dêpnding on each region. Some of them are The activities are very specific in each region such as: lion dance, puppetry, martial arts, c**k fighting, singing and dancing….
CHOL CHNAM THMAY is the traditional New Year festival of the Khmer in the South ( in the middle of April) These jubilant days took place at temples. In Khmer, "Chol Chnam Thmay" means "Happy New Year". Activities in this festival include “sandhill” ( to prevent evil and bad things and remind people to constantly create happiness, as high as mountains), bathing Buddha statue - People flick flowers dipped in clean water on the Buddha statues ( this ceremony carries the belief that Buddha will forgive mistakes of the old year and bring peace and happiness to residents).
-----------------------------------------------------