DAO

Other names: Dao (“Dao Quan Trang” (Dao with white trousers), “Dao Quan Chet” (Dao with tight trousers), “Dao Tien” (Dao with coins), “Dao Thanh Y” (Dao with blue dress), “Dao Do” (Red Dao), Man, Dong, Trai, Xa, Diu Mien, Lim Mien, Lu Giang, Lan Ten, Dai Ban, Tieu Ban, Col Ngang, Col Mua and Son Dau)

Population

620,538 people

Locality

The Dao live along the Sino-Vietnamese and Vietnamese-Lao borders and in some midland provinces and provinces along the coastline of northern Vietnam.

Customs & Habits

The Dao worship their ancestors called Ban Ho. Two forms of matrilocal exist, a temporary matrilocal and permanent matrilocal. Their funerals reflect many ancient customs. In some regions, Dao people cremated dead people from 12 years old. The houses are either on stilts, level with the ground, or half on stilts and a half on beaten earth.

Culture

Dao language belongs to the Mong-Dao Group. The Dao have long used Chinese writings (but pronounced in the Dao way) called Nom Dao (Dao Demotic Script).

Costumes

The attire of the Dao men consists of trousers and short vests. Women’s attire is more diversified and is often decorated with many traditional motifs.

Economy

The Dao mainly live off of rice cultivation and by growing subsidiary crops. Sideline occupations include weaving, carpentering, blacksmithing, paper making and vegetable oil production.