Ra Glai ethnic group
Customs and habits
The Ra Glai believes there is a
spiritual world known as "Giang" that includes good and evil forces.
They traditionally live in stilted houses. The pa-lay is headed by a po pa-lay
(a village chief who is generally the first landowner). Matriarchy remains in
existence in Ra Glai society, as the children take the family name of their
mother. If a young woman wants to marry a young man, she will first ask her
parents if they can prepare the wedding ceremony. During the marriage process,
the bride's younger brother has a fairly important say in the decision making.
Culture
The Ra Glai language belongs to the
Malayo-Polynesian Group. After the harvest season, all villagers gather to pay
thanks to Giang and to enjoy the new rice harvest.
Economy
Formerly the Ra Glai simply grew
rice and maize using slash-and-burn farming techniques. They also developed wet
rice agriculture. Hunting, picking, gathering, and making handicrafts are other
forms on income generation.
