Gia Rai ethnic group
Customs and habits
The Gia Rai believes in the
existence of Giang (Genies) and hold many rituals connected to their genies.
They live in separate villages called ploi or bon. Houses are built on stilts.
The village chief and the elders have great prestige in Gia Rai society and
play a role in running collective activities. Each village has a communal house
called a Rong. A matriarchal system has been adopted. Women are free to choose
their lovers and decide who they marry. The husband lives with his wife's
family and has no rights to inheritance. The daughter, after marriage, no
longer lives with her parents and inherits from them. The children take the
family name of the mother.
Culture
Gia Rai language belongs to the Malayo-Polynesian
Group. Long epics and old tales such as "Dam Di Di San" (Dam Di Goes
Hunting) and "Xinh Nha" are very popular in Gia Rai society. Musical
instruments include gongs, T'rung, To-Nung, and Krong-Put.
Costumes
The Gia Rai garments resemble Tay
Nguyen's garments.
Economy
The Gia Rai lives on slash-and-burn
cultivation and terraced fields. Rice is their staple food. They also breed
elephants. The men are very skillful in basketry, and the women in cloth
weaving. Hunting, gathering, and fishing are other sideline occupations.
