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Dalat has long been distinguished by its enchanting natural beauty, but what truly adds sentimental value to this land is the profound cultural heritage of its ethnic communities.
The K’Ho people, with their unique and distinctive customs, have become an integral part of the cultural tourism scene in Dalat. Join mytour in exploring more about them.
Beliefs in the sacred
For survival and flourishing amidst nature, mountains, and forests, the K’Ho people at the tourist destination Da Lat have crafted unique and fascinating customs. They believe that in their daily lives, there is always a supernatural force, higher beings existing and observing from the deep green forests, majestic mountain peaks, to caves, ravines, rivers... The K’Ho people refer to these supernatural beings with reverence and worship, calling them Yàng and Cà.
High-ranking figures like the deity Ndu are considered the creators of all species: humans, animals, livestock, the Mountain God Lang Biang, the Thunder God, and a little lower down, the natural deities that the K’Ho people often frequent such as the Water God, the House God, the River God, the Stream God, the Tree God... Remarkably, for each lineage, each family shrine worships a specific deity that they respect, or the homeowners often dream of that deity protecting the family and loved ones.
Living in the village community, all K’Ho people, regardless of their occupation, must always remember in their deep consciousness the responsibility for strengthening, developing, solidarity, helping each other, protecting the surrounding nature, and obeying the tribal leaders, village elders who are the elderly with status and knowledge in the village. Rituals, discussions, and gatherings often take place surrounded by the aroma of fragrant can wine in a solemn atmosphere, yet full of the warmth of sincere and straightforward emotions true to the nature of mountain people.
Wedding customs
When it comes to marriage customs among the K’Ho people at the tourist destination Da Lat
“Sharpen the knife, sharpen the hoe, look for sturdy stones
Set traps to catch birds, find well-trodden paths
Getting married, the child of this aunt, the child of that uncle
Abandoning the fields leads to hunger
Trimming the dress results in poverty
Letting go of one's family ties leads to becoming a servant
In modern times, the K’Ho people marrying outside their village or from other places are no longer prohibited as in the past. If, unfortunately, a spouse passes away, the remaining person must wait for a year before taking the next step to establish a new family and find happiness. Anyone violating this rule will face judgment from the village elders. If the village fails to pass judgment on the guilty party, they believe that misfortune and ill fate will befall everyone.
The intriguing aspect of the K’Ho Lạch people is distinct from the mainstream culture; when a young man proposes, the bride's family, along with the wise and eloquent matchmaker, visits the groom's house for inquiries and discussions.
During pregnancy, K’Ho women in the vicinity of the mesmerizing tourist destination of Da Lat abstain from consuming meats such as porcupine and pangolin. They refrain from carrying heavy loads or wearing backpacks on their backs, as per the wisdom passed down from experienced elders who believe it eases the childbirth process.
For the initial 7 days after giving birth, outsiders are not permitted to visit, except for close relatives and intimate friends. During this period, a green thread is hung at the entrance to signify the restricted access.
Tradition of Ghost Festival
In the tradition of ghost ceremonies, when a family experiences a loss, the entire village spontaneously comes together to lend support. Each person contributes in their unique way, and the resonating sound of bells accompanies the farewell journey of the departed soul to its resting place. A tree is felled, and a hollowed log becomes the makeshift coffin, adorned with vibrant and colorful drawings. The grave is situated in the village cemetery, with the head facing east and the feet pointing west.
According to K’ho Srê beliefs, individuals who meet an unusual demise are susceptible to malevolent spirits. After burial, fishing hooks and creatures like frogs are strategically placed around the grave, held onto by the deceased's family. In the case of an unexpected death, there is an 8-day period during which the community refrains from leaving the village, and guests are prohibited unless they see leaves placed outside a home, signaling restrictions. Those who pass away under unfavorable circumstances require the intervention of a sorcerer to expel malevolent forces from the house.
Through these unique customs and practices, the K’Ho people have contributed to enriching the cultural tapestry of Đà Lạt. Come and experience for yourself, and you will discover many fascinating aspects.
