Xinh-Mun ethnic group
Customs and habits
Xinh Mun houses are built on
stilts, have vaulted roofs shaped like a tortoise shell and stairways at both
ends of the house. The children take the family name of the father. After the
death of the father, the eldest brother is elevated to an important position.
According to marriage customs, the
family of the groom must give money to the bride's family. After the proposal,
engagement, and wedding, the husband goes and lives with his wife's family. A
few years later, when the married couple has a few children, the wife is then
welcomed to her husband's house. The couple must change their name and take
another name given by the mother-in-law's younger brother. It is the habit of
the Xinh Mun to chew betel nut, dye their teeth black, and drink alcohol.
During the production of rice,
people hold many ceremonies and maintain many taboos. The villagers annually
organize a ceremony to honour the spirit of the village.
Culture
The Xinh Mun language belongs to
the Mon-Khmer Group.
Costumes
They wear garments that resemble
the Thai and Lao.
Economy
The Xinh Mun grows glutinous rice
and corn on burned land and terraced fields. They also gather, rear animals,
hunt, make basketry articles, and have developed a system of bartering
goods.
