The Thais in Mai Chau, Hoa Binh, are a unique cultural community with enduring traditions and distinctive customs. The land of Mai Chau is predominantly inhabited by the White Thai people, and they have preserved and developed a rich cultural heritage, making this region an attractive destination for travelers seeking to explore the history, culture, and customs of the ethnic minorities in the mountainous areas.
In this article, let Meadow Mai Chau Homestay take you on a journey to discover and experience the unique culture of the White Thai people in Mai Chau. We will delve into the daily life of the White Thai community, learn about their traditional customs, history, occupations, and special festivals.
The History and Origins of Thai people in Mai Chau
The Thais in Mai Chau have their origins in southern China, migrating to the Southeast Asian region. Some genetic evidence suggests that their ancestors originally migrated from India to Myanmar, and later moved to Yunnan, China, around 20,000 to 30,000 years ago.
Facing pressure from the Han and Vietnamese people in the north and east, the Thais gradually migrated southwards and then to Vietnam from the 7th to the 13th century. Initially, they settled in Muong Thanh, Dien Bien Phu, and later dispersed to various places.
The Thais preferred settling in areas near streams and hills because their main livelihood was rice cultivation. Mai Chau provided them with a suitable location due to its natural beauty, hilly terrain, and abundant water from streams and rivers.
Although there is no precise historical documentation about the exact time the Thais migrated to Mai Chau, the Thai community has had a deep connection with this land for a long time. The Thai people are one of the oldest indigenous ethnic groups in Vietnam, and they have been living and thriving in Mai Chau and the Northwestern mountainous regions for centuries.
The history and migration of the Thais in Mai Chau are an integral part of the cultural identity and ethnic diversity of the region. Even without official records, the stories and traditions passed down through generations have preserved the cultural values and customs of the Thais in Mai Chau.
Beliefs and Spiritual Practices of the Thais in Mai Chau
According to the beliefs of the Thais, there exist three parallel worlds. The world above is represented by “Then,” the supreme deity. The second world is the world of the living, and the third world is the realm of departed souls. The heavens govern the earth, and various deities reside in the sky.
Underneath the earth’s surface, every place has its own deities presiding over it. Whether it is clearing the fields, planting crops, fishing, or hunting, the people must seek permission from the deities such as “ma ruong” (field deity), “ma nuong” (field nymph), “ma rung” (forest deity), “ma suoi” (stream deity), and others. The celestial deities, along with the earthly spirits and the souls of ancestors, are regarded as protective forces, guiding and helping the people.
The Thais show deep respect and reverence to their clans and lineages. They often have designated places of worship, such as a sacred forest, a stone, or a tree root. Families come together to venerate their ancestral spirits, and the extended family gathers to worship their ancestors. Within the community, there are individuals known as “ong mo,” who serve as spiritual leaders, and their role is highly significant. These “ong mo” not only act as spiritual guides but also possess the ability to heal the sick.
During weddings and funerals, seeking permission from deities and ancestral spirits is an essential part of traditional rituals. Before organizing a wedding, both families will meet to agree on the auspicious date and time for the ceremony. They will invite an “ong mo” or a diviner to read the signs and determine the most favorable time. This is done to ensure accuracy and good fortune for the wedding and to create favorable conditions for the union and happiness of both families.
The Thais hold deep devotion and respect for these deities, constantly seeking protection and guidance in their daily lives. They believe in the power of spirits, demons, and gods, following the ancient belief in the animate nature of all things. However, due to the development of society, these religious beliefs have gradually diminished over time.
Traditional Clothing of the Thais in Mai Chau
The traditional clothing of the Thais in Mai Chau reflects their unique and cultural richness. The traditional costumes of the Thais are woven from locally sourced materials, skillfully crafted by the women of Mai Chau.
The highlight of the male Thais’ attire is its simplicity, blending harmoniously with the natural surroundings. They do not seek extravagance or complexity, but rather focus on practicality and comfort in all activities.
On the other hand, the traditional clothing of the female Thais features distinctive decorative patterns, representing the abundant natural elements of the mountainous region, such as birds, vegetation, sun, and mountains. This creates an exquisite and natural beauty. Particularly, the belt and scarf, known as “Pieu,” are masterpieces of Thai women’s craftsmanship. These details are meticulously handcrafted, adding unique and alluring accents to the costume.
Preserving and conserving the traditional clothing of the Thais is not only about safeguarding cultural heritage but also a way to express love and pride in their origin and ethnic identity. Traditional costumes play a significant role in traditional festivals and daily life of the Thais in Mai Chau, helping them maintain and pass on these unique cultural values to the next generations.
Nowadays, in Mai Chau, traditional clothing is mainly seen during special occasions such as festivals and weddings. Due to the societal development, the everyday use of traditional costumes has gradually decreased and been replaced by modern attire. Nevertheless, on special occasions like traditional festivals, the Thais proudly don their traditional clothing to show respect and uphold the cultural values of their ethnic group.
Not only in their daily lives but also during cultural performances, the Thais in Mai Chau showcase their traditional attire to serve tourists who come to explore their unique culture. Thai boys and girls confidently present the beautiful and refined outfits, conveying the special cultural and historical message of the Thais to visitors in a vivid and authentic manner.
Customs of the Stilt Houses of the Thais in Mai Chau
The stilt houses of the Thais in Mai Chau are not only unique architectural structures but also distinctive symbols that showcase the traditional culture of the Thai ethnic group. With their centuries-old experience, customs, and deep-rooted beliefs, these stilt houses blend harmoniously into the surrounding nature, intimately connected to the mountains and rice fields. Elevated above the ground, the stilt houses help protect against dampness and wild animals. Their sturdy construction enables them to withstand the harsh weather conditions of the highland region, lasting and passing down through several decades.
Under the skilled hands of the Thai people and the cooperation of the community, these stilt houses stand side by side at the foot of mountains, along the valleys, and next to vast fields, forming harmonious village communities with a shared cultural heritage. Each stilt house carries a historical and traditional cultural story, passed down through generations of ancestors.
Today, although stilt houses in the villages have undergone changes in design and materials, they still preserve the unique cultural and historical values of the Thais. Many families have transformed their stilt houses into homestays to serve tourists, providing opportunities for travelers to gain a deeper understanding of the culture and traditional way of life of the Thais in Mai Chau. These warm and traditional stilt houses welcome visitors with hospitality and sincerity, creating memorable experiences during their journey of exploring this magnificent land.
Occupations of the Thais in Mai Chau
The Thais in Mai Chau primarily engage in agricultural activities. Their main occupation is farming, including cultivating rice paddies, growing crops, and planting fruit trees to ensure sufficient food for their families and the community. Additionally, animal husbandry, including raising livestock and poultry, also plays a significant role in their household economy.
Many families in Mai Chau have shifted towards the tourism industry and opened homestays to serve tourists. Villages like Ban Lac, Ban Van, and Ban Pom Cong have become attractive destinations with their traditional stilt houses and green spaces. Operating homestays not only provides additional income but also helps preserve and introduce the traditional culture of the Thais to visitors.
Furthermore, an indispensable profession in the life of the Thais in Mai Chau is traditional handwoven fabric (known as “dệt thổ cẩm”). Their art of handwoven fabric has been preserved and passed down through generations, contributing significantly to the conservation and promotion of the ethnic culture. The handwoven fabric works created by the skilled hands of Thai women in Mai Chau embody unique cultural and spiritual values.
The Hospitality of the Thai People in Mai Châu
The Thai people in Mai Châu are known for their hospitality, friendliness, and openness. They warmly welcome visitors with sincerity and respect. From the moment you set foot in Mai Châu, you will feel the warmth and embrace of the local community.
The hospitality of the Thai people in Mai Châu is one of the distinctive features that attract tourists to explore and experience the unique culture of the region. They never push or pressure tourists, but instead, they wholeheartedly serve and cater to their needs. This creates a friendly and affectionate environment, making tourists feel comfortable and content during their journey.
In addition to their hospitality and friendliness, the Thai people in Mai Châu are also very honest and sincere. They uphold moral values and mutual respect, fostering a united and lovable community. These qualities contribute to the unique and endearing charm of the Thai people in Mai Châu, and it is what attracts many tourists to discover and learn about the culture and people of this place.
If you have the opportunity to visit Mai Châu, we invite you to come and experience our Meadow Mai Chau homestay or explore the various Mai Chau combo options. We believe you will have unforgettable experiences and cherished memories during your trip. Come to Mai Chau and discover the exquisite beauty of the Thai ethnic culture!