Name of Ethnic Group: Nung (Xuong,
Giang, Nung An, Nung Coi, Phan Sinh, Nung Chao, Nung lnh, Qui Rin, Nung
Din, and Khen Lai).
Population: About 706,000
Locality: Lang Son,
Cao Bang, Bac Thai, Ha Bac, and Tuyen Quang Provinces.
Customs and Habits: The Nung
mainly worship their ancestors, spirits, saints, Confucius, and Kwan Yin.
Nung villages are often built on hillsides. There is usually a submerged
field in front of the house and a garden in the back. The Nung houses
are always built on stilts.
Culture: The Nung language resembles
the Tay, and belongs to the Tay-Thai Group. The Nung have a written language
called Nom Nung (Nung scripts) which has prevailed since the 17th century.
The Nung have an abundant wealth of folk arts and cultural activities
including folksongs and alternative songs ("sli"). The smooth
melodies of the "sli" are harmonious with the natural sounds
of the forests and mountains. This type of folksong is a combination of
verse and music.
The "Lung Tung" (Going to the Fields) Ceremony is very
well known and attracts many people of all ages. This ceremony is always
organized on the first month of the lunar year.
Costumes: The Nung
mainly wear indigo attire.
Economy: The Nung live on rice and
corn. They also grow cash crops and fruit trees, such as tangerines and
persimmons, and anise.