Tay ethnic group
Customs and habits
Ancestor worship is a religious
rite of the Tay. The altars for the ancestors are placed in a central location
in the house. The altar room is such a sacred place that guests is not allowed
to sit on the bed in front of the altar. After giving birth, women are also not
allowed to sit on the bed in front of the altar.
Tay villages are always built at
the foot of a mountain and are often named after a mountain, field, or river.
Each village contains about 15-20 households.
Culture
The Tay language belongs to
Tay-Thai Group. There is a rich traditional folklore with all kinds of poems,
songs, dances, and music. Tay songs include the "Hat Luon" (a kind of
duet between lovers), wedding songs, and lullabies.
Costumes
Tay women wear knee-length dresses,
which are split at the right side with five buttons along the armpit, and
narrow sleeves.
Economy
The Tay has developed agricultural
practices quite well and is able to cultivate all kinds of plants including
rice, maize, and sweet potato.
