Name of Ethnic Group: O Du (Tay-Hat).
Population: 194 people.
Locality: The O Du live
in the villages of Kim Hoa and Xop Pot in Kim Da Commune, and the rest
live in nearby villages in Tuong Duong District, Nghe An Province.
Customs and Habits:The O Du live
in small families. After marriage, the bridegroom lives at his wife's
house for some time before returning to his house with his children
and his wife. For the O Du, the new year begins on the day when the
thunder rolls for the first time in early spring. They believe that
people have souls which, after death, becomes the soul of the house,
watching over every activity of the living.
Culture: O Du language
belongs to the Mon-Khmer Group and is now no longer used. They do use
the Thai and Kho Mu languages, however. As a result, their cultural
identity is obscured by the influences of the Thai and the Kho Mu.
Economy: The O Du live
off of farming on slash-and-burnt plots, rearing animals, gathering,
and hunting. Weaving is also a sideline family occupation.