Photo: baodantoc.vn

Foreigners probably have heard about the Kinh people and learned Kinh Vietnamese through media or even first-hand in their trip to this Southeast Asian country. Is that all? In fact, Vietnam is home to 54 minority ethnic groups, and each group is proud to maintain its own distinct legacy, language, and way of living within one territory, which makes Vietnamese culture more diverse and welcoming to international visitors. Let’s find out more about some large ethnic groups in Vietnam in this article! 

1. The Tay

Residing primarily in Northern Vietnam such as Lang Son, Cao Bang, Thai Nguyen, Quang Ninh, and Bac Kan, the Tay is the second largest minority group with more than 1,7 million of the total population. They are also known to be among the first people to set foot in ancient Vietnam from inland East Asia about 500 BC.

From decades ago until now, the Tay still inhabit far-flung areas of the North that get extremely cold during wintertime and full of wild animals danger, forcing them to build and stay in stilt houses - one of the symbols of minority ethnic groups in Vietnam.

In addition, due to some shared cultural elements and the proximity to the Kinh, Tay ethnic people were heavily influenced by the mass Vietnamese culture, from language (picking up words) to costumes (black trousers and a shirt, and the distinctive feature is that the shirt is buttoned under the right armpit, adorned with rings of unique blue material both there and at the lower sleeves). Therefore, travelers may find it hard to tell the difference between the Tay and modern Viet Kinh.

2. The Thai

Thai or Tai people are also one of the densest ethnic groups in Northern and North Central Vietnam, which accounts for 1,89% of Vietnamese. If you have a chance to travel to Son La or Lai Chau province, you can meet this beautiful Thai ethnicity from several popular Tai groups such as Black Thai and White Thai.

Tai-Kadai languages are the main language of Thai people, even though their ancestors originated from Yunnan (mainland China). The customary attire of the Thai people typically includes a colored button blouse (commonly of green, blue, pink, or purple) featuring a unique line in the middle and along the front. The bottom is a long skirt, accompanied by an intricately embroidered and notably distinctive stripe scarf.

To immerse in the authentic Thai minority culture, tourists can stay at their symbolic stilt houses and eat such specialties as sticky rice, bamboo-tube rice, rượu cần (stem liquor), and grilled meat with local herbs. During Tet Holidays, the Thai in each village also celebrate and organize festivals for visitors featuring unique Xoe dances, singing poems, and rich love exchanges. 

3. The Muong

Muong people are the fourth largest minority in Vietnam, with about 1,45 million Muong population locate in the Northern provinces of Vietnam (Hoa Binh, Phu Tho, Son La), and North Central Region such as Thanh Hoa.

As for their origin, the oldest generation is said to share a connection with ancient Vietnamese people, so their subculture is quite similar to the Kinh. Muong people use the Viet-Muong language group (Southern Asian language family), and their staple has been replaced by rice, which used to be dominated by glutinous sticky rice in the past. However, the Muong still distinguish themselves from other ethnic groups by some main features. For example, the traditional costume of women consists of a headband (a rectangular piece of white fabric) a blouse (typically in white) featuring a short body with a V-shaped neck, and an ankle-length skirt comprising two main components: the skirt body and the intricately woven skirt waist - infused with the cultural elements of the Dong Son civilization.

4. The Khmer

The Khmer are found mainly in the Mekong Delta, formerly owned by the Khmer Empire, explaining why this is the largest concentration of Khmer people outside of Cambodia. Soc Trang and Tra Vinh are two provinces with the widely spread Khmer population (27.43% and 24.11% of all Khmer in Vietnam respectively). Remember to travel to these parts of Vietnam if you love to explore the Khmer Krom culture.

The Khmer culture expresses itself through numerous distinctive cultural legacies such as traditional ancient music and dance. The vibrant dances and songs of the Khmer community encapsulate unique cultural and spiritual values. Widely appreciated art performances like the Apsara dance and Robam Khotho dance showcase the Khmer people's artistic talent and finesse. Furthermore, traditional festivals like Chol Chnam Thmay and Dolta serve as occasions for the Khmer community to gather, offer prayers, and pay homage to their ancestors.

Photo: ereka.vn

Vietnam is a Southeast Asian country, where local people hold traditions and customs in high regard, and interestingly how some of their beliefs have been with history for so long that many Vietnameses cannot explain the origin. Get curious? Let’s learn about some folk religions in Vietnam in this article!

What is the difference between religions and folk religions?

Even though both worship and venerate sacred beings that never appear in the flesh and seed people positive things, religions and folk religions are different. Religions are more systematic and operate largely in many countries with 4 elements: leader, doctrine, canon law, and followers. On the other hand, folk religions or folk beliefs do not include all these four components but simply traditional beliefs and activities have existed since ancient times. In addition, if religious believers at a particular time can only have one religion, a person can simultaneously practice many different folk religions.

Vietnamese five-color flags

During Vietnamese festivals and religious events, it is customary to display flags with five colors. These flags are made up of five concentric squares in the colors red, green, yellow, and blue, which symbolize the five elements (ngũ hành). The arrangement of the colors may differ.

Photo: 123RF

1. Worshipping Gods

Worshipping Gods, Spirits, and Deities has been one of the most common folk beliefs in Vietnam for thousands of years to pay homage and help locals expel evils as well as wish for blessings. Vietnamese deities are either fictional characters or actual individuals who have owned supernaturals and helped people to fight against dark powers, therefore leaving significant historical or educational teachings in Vietnamese culture. 

The Four Immortals are the four main deities revered by the Vietnamese in the Red River Delta, which includes Mountain God of Tan Vien, the Heavenly General of Phu Dong, Saint Chu Dong Tu, and Holy Mother Lieu Hanh. Each figure has their own legend but they all symbolize strength, courage, kindness, and sacrifice themselves for the peace and prosperity of Vietnameses. 

International visitors can pay a visit to these high regard of Vietnamese culture at temples and statues in many provinces and cities across the country. Annually, there will be religious festivals organized to dedicate to Vietnamese Gods, for example, Giong Festival (Soc Temple, Soc Son, Hanoi) was recognized as an Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity by UNESCO.  

2. Worshipping ancestors

Influenced heavily by Chinese rule in a thousand years, Vietnamese families have been practicing rituals towards their deceased family members and ancestors to show their “filial piety”, which is one of the main values of Confucianism. 

If you have a chance to visit any Vietnamese household, you can easily find an ancestral altar at a solemn place, adorned with images of ancestors, as well as an incense burner in the middle and candles positioned on both sides of the altar. No matter how rich or poor the family is, they always set up the altar in the most proper way to show deep appreciation and remind them of their roots. 

Photo: Internet

In such significant events as the commemoration of ancestors' passing, new and full moon days, festivals, etc, younger generations in the family will prepare meals, fruits, alcohol, and especially a bowl of rice grains and a bowl of salt to place neatly in the altar. They then ignite candles, offer burning incense and pray in front of their ancestors for good luck and prosperity as one of Vietnamese ideologies believes that the deceased have an ongoing existence and can potentially impact the fate of the living. 

3. The betel and areca are must-have things at weddings

The betel and areca can be seen a lot among individuals from various backgrounds in many Vietnamese ceremonies as they are the offerings themselves and betel chewing is one of the most cherished aspects of traditional culture. 

The betel and areca hold a special place in Vietnamese wedding ceremonies, and are essential elements in the planning of any wedding, regardless of location. The Tay and Nung ethnic groups incorporate betel in the ritual of "tying the thread around the wrists of the bride and groom. One famous betel quid professional said “Before talking with the bride’s family, we offer them betel and areca nuts. Betel and areca are used to start a conversation and help people become closer and more open with each other”. 

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In Vietnamese culture, the areca trees are seen as a symbol of boys due to their strong and circular shape, while the betel leaves, with their soft and triangular form, represent girls. Together, these two items are viewed as inseparable and symbolize everlasting love and joy in marriage. 

4. Temple-hopping in the Lunar New Year

The tradition of “going to pagodas” has become a custom of many Vietnamese people at the beginning of Lunar New Year since Buddhism is the most dominant religion in Vietnam. As the new year approaches, numerous people are excited to go to pagodas and offer prayers for themselves or their loved ones. Each individual has their own intentions, with some seeking good fortune or expressing wishes for well-being, joy, and other blessings. Others hope to acquire skills, achieve success, or even find a life partner.

Photo: Internet

If you happen to be in Vietnam during the Tet holiday, you can observe a procession of individuals journeying to the Buddhist temples all across the nation such as Perfume Pagoda, Tran Quoc Pagoda, Yen Tu, Tay Phuong, etc to wish for prosperity as spring arrives. Others may also visit the Temple of Literature to pray for their offspring to excel in their studies.  

Even in our highly modern and civilized society, the custom of visiting pagodas at the start of the new year has been passed down through generations. The aroma of burning incense, the lively hues of lights and flowers, and the tranquil atmosphere of the sacred site will bring peace to people's hearts.

Photo: Collected

Folk music is an indispensable part of Vietnamese culture as some of it can be dated back thousands of years. To Vietnamese people, not only does traditional music prove the talent and creativity of their ancestors but it also nurtures the Vietnamese rich and long-standing history. In this article, we would like to introduce five Vietnamese intangible cultural heritage to help you get a good glimpse into our people, history, and heritage. 

1. Quan ho Folk Singing

Originating from the northern province of Bac Ninh, specifically on the riverside of Cau River, Quan ho is a kind of Vietnamese folk music that involves two groups (male and female) singing back and forth. You can imagine Quan ho as a melodic and rhythmic dialogue about the emotions of love and sentimentality as encountered by young individuals, which is the prevalent subject of this kind of music. 

When performing Quan ho, “liền chị” a group of female singers will wear traditional Vietnamese garments, including nón quai thao (headpiece), khăn mỏ quạ (scarf), and vibrant dresses with multiple layers, whereas “liền anh” male artists’ outfit includes the iconic black umbrella, the head turban known as khăn xếp, and long dresses.  

Photo: HAHANA

This cultural activity, which derived from the singing hobbies of Vietnamese rustic farmers to help mollify tiredness and hardship in labor in the 13th century, was recognized as a UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage practice in 2009. 

2. Nha Nhac (Hue Royal Refined Music)

UNESCO recognized Hue Royal Refined Music as a Masterpiece of the Oral and Intangible Heritage of Humanity in 2003.

First introduced in the Ly Dynasty and reached to its peak in the Nguyen Dynasty, Nha Nhac was often performed on important, solemn occasions such as coronations, funerals, or welcoming envoys from other countries with elegant lyrics, splendid costumes, and a manner of respect.

Photo: thegioidisan.vn

Therefore, royal court music is considered a symbol of the longevity and prosperity of the feudal monarchy. Musical instruments are sculpted carefully and constructed more sophisticated than folk instruments, including the moon lute, the Chinese four-chord lute, the Vietnamese two-chord fiddle, the bamboo flute combined with the percussion, etc, creating pure sounds rich in emotion.

King Bao Dai stepped down from his throne, signifying the conclusion of the feudal rule in Vietnam and the end of The Royal Refined Music. However, it continued to live forever with the national culture when we still hear the singing on the Huong River, in ancient Duyet Thi Duong, and in the hearts of every Vietnamese citizen. 

3. Ca tru

Ca tru is another folk music from Northern Vietnam, which like numerous other Vietnamese arts, emerged as a source of amusement for the royal court. The material covers a wide range of genres, including romantic poetry, epics, philosophies, and teachings. As a result, those who participate in Ca tru art are typically skilled in writing, intellectualism, poetry, and music.

The name “ca tru” (tally card songs) is said to originate from the scene: the men presented their purchased cards to the woman they chose so she would sing what was written, and then she could receive payment based on the number of cards she performed.

Photo: Internet

This singing form is special because only a female singer is on stage with a lute player and a spectator. The female singer sings and plays with small wooden sticks on a small bamboo bar (phách). She is joined by a man playing a 3-string lute with a long neck. The performance member strikes a drum to show their support or disapproval at each part of the song, following the rhythm of the singer's percussion.

Thanks to its traditional values and the ongoing effort of Vietnamese generations to preserve it, Ca tru was finally inscribed on the list of Intangible Cultural Heritage in 2009 after many ups and downs in history.

4. Hat xoan (Xoan Singing)

Hat xoan, hat xuan (spring singing), or hat cua dinh (singing in front of communal houses) has its roots in a type of vocal performance that was used to honor the Hung Kings among the inhabitants of Phu Tho. Through years of development, hat xoan has expanded its forms to three purposes: one dedicated to honoring Hùng kings and Thanh Hoang (Village guardian gods); another to express wishes for bountiful harvests, good health, and good fortune; and a third that features alternating male and female voices in celebratory courtship songs. 

The performance is organized by a group known as a guild, with a leader called a "Trùm". The guild is made up of male musicians called "Kép" and female vocalists known as "Đào". Along with singing, xoan incorporates elements of acting, chanting, dancing, and drumming.

Photo: baochinhphu.vn

Hat xoan possesses all the essential qualifications to be acknowledged by UNESCO as an Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity. It is an age-old musical tradition that encompasses cultural, historical, and artistic components, distinguished by its distinct lyrics and melody. Not only that, this art form has also been safeguarded by the community for centuries, remaining prevalent in modern times. 

5. Cong chieng Tay Nguyen (Central Highlands Gongs) 

Central Highlands - The mountainous region of Vietnam includes five provinces of Gia Lai, Dak Lak, Dak Nong, Lam Dong, and Kon Tum within the Space of Gong culture which was recognized as “Masterpieces of the Oral and Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity” by UNESCO in 2005.

Regarding ethnic minorities living in the Central Highlands such as Ede and Ba Na, gongs and the practice of Cong chieng Tay Nguyen serve as a way to confirm the group's sense of belonging and cultural heritage. The special musical instrument called Gongs is a sacred means of communication between humans and the spirit realm. They are crafted from a combination of bronze and silver, with unique attributes. The resonance of gongs, mostly performed by male groups, can be described as profound or powerful, as it blends harmoniously with the natural elements of streams, wind, and human emotions. 

Photo: Internet

Each year, the Central Highlands Gong Festival is organized in these five provinces. The festival grounds will be transformed to reflect the vibrant colors and traditional customs of the various ethnic groups, showcasing and celebrating their inherent cultural values.

Photo: Eva.vn

It is interesting to see those Neu trees made of high steel poles with illuminating neon lights covered during Tet in the modern days, but do you know that the traditional version would require a fresh bamboo tree and many implications dated back thousands of years ago? Let’s find out in this article! 

Building Cay Neu in front of families’ houses is one of the Vietnamese customs when the Tet Holidays roll around. It is a tradition of expelling evils and wishing for good luck and prosperity in the New Year but has now been lost and less popular, especially in urban areas. 

Legend has it said humans in the past were oppressed by devils as the devils overly profited and invaded their land. The Buddha heard the tears of the humans and aided them in their battle against the devils. After being forced into the sea, the devils pleaded for the Buddha's compassion in order to return to the mainland and pay respects to their ancestors' burial sites for a few days each year. From then on, they only can come back during the Vietnamese Lunar New Year. To protect the humans around that time, the Buddha taught them to erect Cay Neu to deter the devils from entering the houses.

Photo: Thanh Phuc

Cay Neu in Vietnamese Lunar New Year also has another deep meaning. Due to the temporary leave of Kitchen Gods (Tao Quan) from the Lunar December 23, the folk are scared that the devils will devastate again, so the Neu spiritual tree will protect them from the devils until the Lunar January 7 when these genies return. Therefore, the pole will be removed on the seventh day of the first lunar month to conclude the ceremony. 

First, the bamboo tree must be from the eastern side of the bamboo forest, and needs to have healthy green leaves, and a non-decaying top, and should not be home to any ant or bird nests. Additionally, its length must be either 5 or 7 meters, with an odd number measurement. 

Then, the chosen one’s leaves will be cut off except for a part on top to facilitate the application for decoration. Each region from the North to the South has its own symbolic objects to hang on Cay Neu. For example, chicken feathers represent holy birds with the hope of peace, pineapple leaves wish for prosperity, the circle of bamboo cards demonstrates happiness, and bells and bows drive away all the misfortune from the previous year. Besides, to prevent the presence of evil spirits, lime powder is spread around the base of Cay Neu in a bow shape facing outside the house. 

The traditional Vietnamese Tet tree serves as a symbol of hope for prosperity in the upcoming year, and it also holds sentimental value as it is a reminder of our ancestors' customs during Tet.