Ethnic minorities – A rainbow of diversity in Sapa, Vietnam
Vietnam is home to an astonishing number of ethnic groups, with 54 recognized ethnicities that filter into hundreds of subgroups. So how can you get to know them all? The engaging Vietnam Museum of Ethnology is a great place to start, but the best way to understand Vietnam’s ethnic culture is to ascend the northern mountains and delve into one of its most diverse provinces: Lao Cai, the home of Sapa. Marvel at intricate textiles that burst with color, such as the glittering skirts of the H’mong, explore the traditional architecture like the raised houses of the Tay or delve into the fascinating world of the Dao traditional medicine.
The Dao People
The Dao were one of the first ethnic groups to settle in the northern mountains of Vietnam. Deep knowledge of the land has made them excellent traditional doctors, and even other ethnic groups will sometimes seek out Dao healers before turning to conventional medicine. Visiting Dao ethnic villages, you’ll have the opportunity to experience Dao medicinal knowledge for yourself through taking a herbal bath. Using carefully collected and prepared herbs infused in warm water, a Dao herbal bath is the perfect way to unwind after a long day of hiking.
The Dao people are also known for their embroidery skills which they apply to create intricate and beautiful garments. A technique called “cross-stitch” is used to create complex patterns on their clothes and textiles, which often depict animals, flowers, and geometric shapes. Their embroidery is not only aesthetically pleasing, but also holds cultural significance as it represents the Red Dao’s rich history and traditions.
The H’mong People
The H’mong live in houses that cling boldly to the sides of mountains and farm on precarious slopes. Peering across valleys in Vietnam’s most mountainous provinces, like Lao Cai, you’ll see unlikely H’mong hamlets nestled in some of the harshest topography in the country.
Living and working in severe conditions has made the H’mong hardy mountaineers and excellent trail guides. Almost all the guides in Sapa, most of whom are women, belong to this ethnic group. Trails throughout the area crisscross valleys and pass through villages where guides will proudly talk you through the rich H’mong culture.
The H’mong community is a shining example of equality where H’mong women are seen as equals to their H’mong men. The bond between husbands and wives is truly heartwarming as they show deep affection towards each other and work together on various tasks such as going to the market, working in the fields, and visiting relatives. Through this mutual support, they have built a strong community life that is truly inspiring.
The Tay People
The Tay live in valleys at the bottom of mountains where land is relatively flat and close to rivers, streams, and lakes. Tay clothing is generally less striking than H’mong, but their raised houses made primarily of wood are remarkable pieces of architecture that decorate the lower slopes of Lao Cai.
The Tay are one of Vietnam’s largest ethnic groups, and they have a long history of cooperation with the Kinh, Vietnam’s ethnic majority. As such, it’s common to meet Tay that blend seamlessly into broader Vietnamese culture, though they often maintain different belief systems and cultural practices at home.
You can visit the Tay minority in Ban Ho and Thanh Phu Village in Sapa, Lao Cai. One of the most famous elements of Tay culture is their traditional dance, full of graceful and delicate movements, twirls and fan fluttering accompanied by cheerful flute music. The movements of the dance depict the daily life of the Tay people, such as farming and fishing.
The Giay People
The Giay is a smaller ethnic group in Vietnam. They’re typically animist, believing in the spirits of the mountains, rivers, and planes, though some are beginning to be influenced by broader Vietnamese Buddhism, Taoism, and Confucianism.
It’s sometimes difficult to pinpoint the Giay in a province of such diversity. Look out for brightly colored tartan headscarves in green, red, or blue. The Giay wore blouses in a variety of colors, depending on their age. Typically, older women wear darker shades while younger people wear more colorful clothes. As one of the smaller ethnic groups that reside in a region dominated by other groups, in and around Sapa you’ll often find Giay people that speak H’mong and Dao, as well as Vietnamese and English.
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