Name:
Dao (Thanh Y, Thanh Phán) Region:Occupying the highlands Customs
and habits:Their dwellings are either earthen
houses or mixed (half earthen, half on stilts).
The Dao believe that in all creatures there are souls called
hon or vân. When a living creature dies, its soul
separates from the body and becomes a phantom. They believe the
world is occupied by these wandering souls, and practice the cult
of ancestors to honour them. Language:
Mông-Dao Culture:
The popular literature and arts of ethnic groups are also
extremely distinct. There are many unique legends, poems and
songs, with themes ranging from nature to familial and social
relationships which is expressed by "Two Sisters" "Catching
Sprite" stories. Rich and attractive dances include the Dance of
the Bells and Drum Dance; musical instruments: Drum, Gong, Bell. Traditional
clothing:
long robes, trousers, large belts, turbans and leggings. Clothes
are usually black or deep blue. Economy:
and their means of survival is essentially agriculture. Today, a
few households have turned to forestry, wet rice growing or
domestic animal breeding.
