Name of
Ethnic Group: Khang
(Xa Khao, Xa Xua, Xa Don, Xa Dang, Xa Hoc, Xa Ai, Xa Bung, and Quang Lam).
Population:
About 4,000 people.
Locality:
Son La and Lai Chau Provinces.
Customs
and Habits: The Khang live in houses built on stilts, with three rooms. Each house
has two kitchens, one kitchen is used to cook daily meals and the other is used to warm
and cook meals which are offered to worship dead parents. Khang marriage ceremonies go
through three steps. First, a marriage proposal is made. Next, parental approval is
sought; and finally the wedding occurs. The first stage is held for the groom's family and
the second stage is held in order to accompany the bride to her husband's home.
Culture:
Khang language belongs to the Mon-Khmer Group.
Costumes:
Khang women dye their teeth black and chew betel like the Thai.
Economy:
The Khang mainly practice slash-and-burn cultivation using traditional techniques such as
digging holes and planting seeds in these holes. They grow sticky rice which serves as
their food staple. Their weaving products include chairs, baskets, flat baskets,
suitcases, packs, and wooden boats. The Khang also grow cotton and exchange it for cloth
and garments.
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