Ethnic Group Ra Glai

Name of ethnic group: Ra Glai (Ra Glay, Krai, Orang Glai, No-Ana, and La Vang)

Population: 96,931 people (Year 1999)

Locality: Mainly in the southern regions of Khanh Hoa and Ninh Thuan provinces.

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.

Culture: The Ra Glai language belongs to the Malayo-Polynesian Group. After the harvest season, all villagers gather to pay thanks to Giang and to enjoy the new rice harvest.

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 of income generation.