Cong ethnic group
Customs and habits
The Cong lives
in house built on stilts. Each Cong lineage has a leader, its own social
taboos, and its own manner of worshipping their ancestors at the altar.
According to customs, young men and women can each take initiative in marriage.
People of direct relations can only get married to their seventh generation
relative. The man’s family actively proposes marriage. After
the betrothal, the man lives with his future wife's family for several years.
Women wear their hair knotted in a chignon on top of their heads which shows
that they are married. The wedding is often celebrated once the couple has had
children. The man must then offer pieces of silver money to his wife's parents.
The woman's family must prepare a dowry for the bride to bring to her husband's
house. Every year, each Cong Village holds a communal ceremony where several
rites are performed to pray for bumper crops.
Culture
The Cong language belongs to the
Tibet-Burman Group. The Cong folk arts are diverse. Their songs are
characteristically composed of smooth melodies with alternating songs that are
sung at communal ceremonies.
Economy
The Cong use a slash and burn
method of cultivation. The Cong grow cotton which is used to barter for other
cloth. Other handicraft activities include basketry and, particularly, red dyed
rattan mat making.
