Name of
Ethnic Group: Ha Nhi (U Ni and Xa U
Ni).
Population:
About 12,500 people.
Locality:
Lai Chau and Lao Cai Provinces.
Customs
and Habits: The Ha Nhi have 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 possess 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 use 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.
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