Name of Ethnic Group: Khmer (The
Viet are of Mien and Khmer Krom origin).
Population: About 1,000,000
people.
Locality: Soc Trang,
Vinh Long, Tra Vinh, Can Tho, Kien Giang and An Giang Provinces.
Customs and Habits: The Khmer
mainly practice Brahmanism and Hinayana Buddhism. Before reaching adulthood,
young Khmer people often go to pagodas to study and improve
their virtues and knowledge. Major Khmer festivals include "Chon
Cho Nam Tho May" (New Year Festival), Buddha's Birthday, "Don
Ta" (Forgive the Crimes of the Dead), and "Ooc Bom Booc"
(Moon Worship).
Culture: The Khmer have managed to
preserve their own language and writings. They usually live with the Kinh
and Hoa in "soc" (villages), and "phum" or "ap"
(hamlets). The houses are simply built with thatched or tiled roofs.
Economy: The Khmer
have a long tradition in wet rice cultivation. Animal husbandry, weaving,
pottery and sugar making from the "Thot Not" Tree are other
forms of economic activity.
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