The Tay people primarily live in the northern part of the country, specifically in the Northeast. Large Tay communities are found in the provinces of Cao Bằng, Lạng Sơn, Bắc Kạn, Thái Nguyên, and Quang Ninh, where they generally reside in valleys or at the foot of mountains.
What do the Tay People of Vietnam do for a Living?
They are farmers who have been cultivating rice for thousands of years. They are experts in intensive farming and irrigation methods. In addition to irrigated fields in the plains, the Tay also practice terrace rice cultivation and grow other crops, especially vegetables. They are also livestock farmers, accustomed to raising their animals outdoors.
Meals are most often based on sticky rice. They make rice cakes similar to bánh chưng (square-shaped) or bánh dày(round-shaped). The women are also renowned for being skilled weavers!
How do the Tay people live in Vietnam?
Tay houses are built on stilts, with construction techniques passed down from generation to generation. Building a house is an important milestone in a family’s life. They are made from a strong wood called lim (ironwood) and designed to allow heat to escape during the summer. The houses are surrounded by balconies, ensuring better ventilation on all sides. The roof is a defining feature of the house, requiring thousands of palm leaves! Inside, there are several rooms, but no walls separate them. The kitchen is at the center of the house, bringing the whole family together during meals. This central area also contains the ancestral altar, where offerings are made to the elders.
What are the traditional clothes of the Tay in Vietnam?
Unlike the brightly colored clothing of other groups (such as the H’mong), the traditional attire of the Tay is simple and understated. Women wear a skirt or trousers, a shirt, and a tunic. There are no patterns or brocade—sobriety in color is key. Some accessories are added, however: a black or indigo turban, once made of silk and now usually cotton; a green belt that contrasts with the darker tones of the outfit; and a few pieces of jewelry worn on the wrists and ankles. Men wear indigo-dyed clothing.
What are the beliefs of the Tay?
The beliefs of the Tay are very similar to those of the Kinh (Viets), with whom they share a long common history. They practice ancestor worship and make offerings to the household spirits. The house holds a central place in Tay culture, and moving into a new home requires following geomancy rules, taking into account several factors: the orientation of the land, the age of the inhabitants, and the lunar calendar. The kitchen spirits play an important role in their beliefs, as does the goddess of childbirth.
The rituals of the Tay
# Marriage: Marriage is a family affair, and the final decision rests with the parents! Many customs and traditions surround each stage of the marriage process—asking for the bride’s hand, engagement, gifts from the groom to the future in-laws, announcing the wedding date, the wedding ceremony, and the bride’s farewell, among others. On the wedding day, the groom is responsible for the meal, which, notably, is served without alcohol! The bride and groom wear all black for this important event.
# Funerals: A significant role is given to the shamans, who are the masters of the rites. Funeral songs and music are essential and performed by several people. The more elaborate the funeral, the greater the expression of the children’s respect and gratitude toward their parents!
