Name of Ethnic Group: Ra Glai
(Ra Glay, Krai, Orang Glai, No-Ana, and La Vang).
Population: More than
70,000 people.
Locality: Mainly in
the southern regions of Khanh Hoa and Ninh Thuan Province.
Customs and Habits: The Ra Glai
believe there is a spiritual world known as "Giang" that includes
good and evil forces. They traditionally live in stilted houses. The
pa-lay is headed by a po pa-lay (a village chief who is generally the
first landowner).
Matriarchy remains in existence in Ra Glai society, as the children
take the family name of their mother. If a young woman wants to marry
a young man, she will first ask her parents if they can prepare the
wedding ceremony. During the marriage process, the bride's younger brother
has a fairly important say in the decision making.
After the harvest season, all villagers gather to pay thanks to
"Giang" and to enjoy the new rice harvest.
Culture: The Ra Glai language belongs
to the Malayo-Polynesian Group.
Economy: Formerly
the Ra Glai simply grew rice and maize using slash-and-burn farming
techniques. They also developed wet rice agriculture. Hunting, picking,
gathering, and making handicrafts are other forms on income generation.