Name of ethnic group: Chu Ru (Cho Ru and Ru). Population: 14,978 people (Year 1999). Locality: Don Duong District in Lam Dong Province and Binh Thuan Province.  Customs and habits The Chu Ru worship their ancestors and these rituals are carried out in the cemetery. Each family in the Chu Ru clan consists of three to four matrilineal generations, and monogamy is observed in Chu Ru society. Young women choose their husbands and initiate the process of marriage. The husband then lives with his wife's family. Culture The Chu Ru language belongs to the Malayo-Polynesian group. They have adopted a sedentary life and have developed a rich oral literature composed of popular songs, folk songs, and proverbs. The "play" (village) contains many family lineages, and other ethnic groups may reside in the same village. "Poplay" (village chiefs) are elected by the inhabitants of the village and a sorcerer. Economy The Chu Ru developed farming practices very early in the culture. They also...

Name of ethnic group: Cho Ro (Do Ro, Chau Ro). Population: 22,567 people (Year 1999). Locality: Dong Nai, Binh Thuan, Binh Phuoc and Binh Duong provinces.  Customs and habits The Cho Ro lives in houses built on stilts and on the ground. Both patriarchal and matriarchal customs have significance in the family life of the Cho Ro. The Cho Ro believes that all things have souls and spirits. These spirits have an invisible control over humans which forces them to become involved in worshipping rituals and puts special taboos on them. The most important worshipping ritual is the one that pays respect to the souls of the forest and the rice plant. Culture Cho Ro language belongs to the Mon-Khmer Group and has close ties to the Ma and the Xtieng languages. Their musical instruments are comprised of a set of seven-pattern gongs, string instruments with a bamboo sound-box, and alternating songs. Costumes The Cho Ro has adopted the Kinh style of dress. The women wear necklaces and...

Name of ethnic group: Co (Cor, Col, Cua and Trau). Population: 27,766 people (Year 1999). Locality: Bac Tra My and Nam Tra My districts of Quang Nam Province; Tra Bong District of Quang Ngai Province.  Customs and habits The Co believes that all things have souls, and they worship the souls of rice grains. In former days, the Co lived in long houses built on stilts. Recently, the Co has built shorter houses that are level with the ground. The village chief is chosen on the basis of knowledge, experience in production, behavior, and the trust of villagers. In the past, no Co lineage had an individual name; they all took the family name of Dinh. Now, they have taken the family name of Ho, after President Ho Chi Minh. Culture The Co language belongs to the Mon-Khmer Group. The Co like to sing, dance, beat drums, and gongs. Folksongs such as the Xru, Klu and Agioi are very popular. Costumes Men leave their upper torsos naked and cover their lower torsos with loincloths. Women...