Ha Nhi ethnic group
Customs and habits
The Ha Nhi has adopted a sedentary
lifestyle. Every year during Tet (New Year's Day), the people of the same
lineage get together to listen to an elderly man speak about their ancestors.
Young men and women are free to choose their partners. Each marriage goes
through two stages. In the first stage, young men and women become husband and
wife and take the family name of the husband. The second stage is organized
when the couple becomes established and has a child. When a person dies, the
bedroom partition of the deceased is dismantled, as well as the altar for their
ancestors. The dead body is placed on a bed in the kitchen and a good hour and
day must be chosen for the burial ceremony.
Culture
The Ha Nhi language belongs to the
Tibet-Burman Group. The Ha Nhi possesses many ancient tales and long versed
stories. Young men and women enjoy dancing. Young couples express their love by
playing leaf panpipes, lip organs and a vertical flute. Young girls like to
play "am ba" and "met du" and young boys like to play
"la khu". There are many types of songs in Ha Nhi society such as
lullabies, duet songs, wedding songs, mourning songs, songs reserved for new
houses, receiving guests, and welcoming Tet holidays.
Costumes
The women of Lai Chau wear a
decorated dress in various raw colours. This is different from the dress of the
Lao Cai women, which is only indigo in colour.
Economy
The Ha Nhi uses a slash-and-burn
method of cultivation and plant on terraced fields. Animal husbandry is well
developed as well as weaving cloth and basketry articles.
