Giay ethnic group
Customs and habits
The Giay worship not only their
ancestors but also the genies of the heaven, the earth, and the kitchen,
including the Goddess of Childbirth. The Giay villages are very crowded,
containing hundreds of households. Houses are built on stilts or on level
ground. The central bay of the house serves as a place for receiving guests and
for the ancestor altar.
Patriarchal customs rule Giay
families. The children take on the family name of their father. The family of a
young man usually seeks a marriage for their son. During pregnancy, Giay women
must obey certain taboos and a special altar is set up for the delivery.
Culture
Giay language belongs to the
Tay-Thai Group. The cultural heritage of the Giay is rich including many
ancient tales, poems, proverbs, puzzles, and alternating songs.
Costumes
Men wear trousers, short vests and
wind a turban around their heads. Women wear a five-paneled vest open at the
side, which buttons under the right armpit, and trousers. They wear their hair
wound around their head or wind it in a turban.
Economy
The Giay practice rice cultivation in submerged
fields and rear animals to provides for additional income. The Giay also rear
plenty of horses as pack animals and for transport.