Tho ethnic group
Customs and habits
Formerly, the Tho lived in houses
built on stilts. Now they prefer houses built on the ground. Close
relationships and a desire to help each other have existed for a very long time
in Tho society. Young Tho boys and girls have enjoyed considerable freedom
through a custom known as "Ngu Mai". They are allowed to lie together
and have heart-to-heart talks with each other. In the course of these nocturnal
parties, each boy and girl will eventually find their sweetheart. As for
marriage, a boy's family must spend a lot of money in preparation for the
celebration of the wedding. Therefore, a boy must work many days for his future
in-laws. The Tho worship innumerable genies and spirits. They also have great
respect for pioneers who have made contributions to the clearing of the land
and the building of the village, and for the numerous war heroes. All families
also worship their ancestors. Each year, the most important ceremony called
"Going to the Field" is held.
Culture
The Tho language belongs to the
Viet-Muong Group.
Costumes
Tho attire resembles the farmers’
dress of the Kinh in the early half of 20th century. Tho women buy skirts from
the Thai and wear a square white cloth around their heads which serves as a
female head dress. The morning ribbon is a long white piece of cloth.
Economy
The Tho cultivates rice and hemp.
With rice cultivation, they often use ploughs and harrows to till the soil.
Hemp is grown primarily for producing items for daily use. The forest provides
various kinds of vegetable for Tho daily life.
