54 Ethnic Groups Call Vietnam Home

54 Ethnic Groups Call Vietnam Home

     Ever since I arrived in Vietnam I have heard about the ethnic minorities and one would be blind not to notice the textiles and handicrafts made from these groups in the Old Quarter.  The very best place to get an insight into these groups would be a guided tour of each of the small towns and villages scattered about the country, of course.  However, a good substitute would start at the visit to the Ethnology Museum and the store 54 Traditions in Hanoi.  of course, my little bit of reading and visiting these places only makes me more interested- and far, far from an expert!  But let me tell you the little I have learned.

     The largest ethnic group, between 84-86% are the Kinh, who are sometimes referred to as the Viet, although there is some discussion that the word Viet applies to all ethnic groups in Vietnam (?)  The remaining 53 ethnic groups are classified in eight groups based on their languages. Almost all of these ethnic minorities practice farming,value traditional ceremonies, and drink the traditional rice wine at celebrations.  

     This might well be the richest "melting pot" in southeast Asia. The Kinh arrived in Vietnam four to five thousand years ago from southern China. They seemed to have pushed the other minorities up into the mountains in the northwest and to the central highlands.   So, the Kinh people clearly dominate the major cities of Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City and also the entire coast of Vietnam. However, the origin of the "hill" people, the ethnic minorities who live in the mountains north of Hanoi, are still unclear to me.  The "lowlanders" by the MeKong Delta came primarily from Cambodia, I believe.

     A Vietnamese legend explains the natural split between the highlanders and the lowlanders.  The Dragon king (South) married a beautiful princess from the north.  They lived in the north in the mountains where they had 100 sons! Unfortunately, The Dragon King missed the swampy lowlands, so he took 50 sons with him to the south- leaving his wife with 50 sons in the north.  These sons became the ancestors of the minority groups.  Yes, I know the numbers don't quite add up to the 53 recognized minorities, but that's the legend.  It seems the north and the south were destined to be divided long before the Americans arrived on the scene!

     These ethnic minorities are maybe best known by their garments.  Take note of this great site- an NGO working hard to employ minorities and keep their traditional handicrafts alive. craft link  Also, take a look at this you tube video- better pictures than I have or could gather! Ethnic minorities in Vietnam

     Just when I think I start to understand something, I realize I don't.  For instance, Dao is one of the ethnic groups I am looking forward to seeing in Sapa before I leave Vietnam.  I thought I could distinguish their dress, but each group is slightly different.  Dao  Quan Chet- belted trousers; Dao Tien with silver coins; Dao Quant Rang with white trousers; Dao Thanh Y with blue vest; Dao Lan Ten with long tunic.    It makes me wonder what happens if they decide to change their clothes one day!  Check out this great link if you would like to see even more variety of ethnic group dress. Ready for the Runway

     It's not all rosy for the minorities, however.  They work very hard- quite often barely surviving.  While the rest of the country is booming, too often the minorities continue to struggle. The nation prides itself on free public education, but there are fees to be paid and quite often that means those who can't buy books and uniforms are deprived.  Read more about the financial difficulties facing many minorities. the Economist  poverty continues

minority poverty

     If you are in Hanoi, and want to learn more about the ethnic minorities, do not miss the Ethnology Museum or the Women's Museum!