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Lo Lo is one of the ethnic groups with a long history of development in Dong Van area, Ha Giang province. Although coexisting with other ethnic groups in Ha Giang, the Lo Lo ethnic group still retains its long-standing traditional culture. Find out more about Lo Lo people group in this article.
The people are divided into two small groups : the Lo Lo Den (Black Lo Lo) and the Lo Lo Hoa (Flower Lo Lo). The Black Lo Lo live mainly in Lung Cu commune, while the Flower Lo Lo live in Lung Tao and Sung La communes in Dong Van and Meo Vac districts. The two small groups of Lo Lo people share many same characteristics such as the same language, custom and belief. The difference between them comes from each other’s clothing.
Lo Lo ethnic community
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Characteristics of the Lo Lo ethnic community in Dong Van - Ha Giang
1. House architecture of the Lo Lo ethnic group in Dong Van
The Lo Lo ethnic people reside in separate villages. Their houses leaning against cliffs overlooks the valley or towards the fields. They build either Nha trinh tuong (beaten-cob houses) or houses on stilts depending on the conditions of each family. The fence is made of stone, about 1 metre high. San Pa A village is one of the few Lo Lo people's villages that still retain much of their traditional construction. Tourists may drop by to visit San Pa A to discover Lo Lo people's life.
From the outside, their residence is not much different from the cob constructions of other ethnic groups. However when you look closely at the furnishings and the interior space, you will clearly see the difference. Each cottage is composed of 3 compartments, the middle one functioning as a living room, the right one for grandparents and parents, the left one for sons, daughters, son-in-law and daughter-in-laws. The ground floor serves to store food, corn and cassava.
The typical beaten-cob houses of the Lo Lo ethnic group in Ha Giang
The central part of the Lo Lo people's house is the largest, and in the same location is the ancestral altar, facing the main door. Wooden carved figures or main bamboo foliage will be placed on the altar, symbolising ancestors. Besides, the Lo Lo people also practise worship of President Ho Chi Minh, the great master of Vietnamese revolution. In reality, every family considers Uncle Ho as the ancestor of the family. Without him there would be no present life, so the Lo Lo always give him all respect and admiration.
2. The way of life and community culture of the Lo Lo people
For a long time, the Lo Lo have always lived in harmony with other ethnic minorities, such as the Pa Then , the Pu Peo, the H'mong, etc. However, they maintain their distinct cultural identity. Lo Lo young people are free to seek and choose their partners. To propose a girl, the groom's family needs the help of four people who act as matchmakers, including two couples of men and women. Traditionally, if the matchmakers consist of two married couples, the future life of the bride and groom will have much luck and happiness.
3. The wedding and funeral customs of the Lo Lo ethnic group in Dong Van, Ha Giang
The Lo Lo believe that all creatures possess their own souls so they all can protect human beings. Lo Lo people tell each other to give respect to natural power such as mountains, forests and animals.
The wedding ceremony of the ethnic minority is held in a solemn atmosphere. The groom's family must prepare offerings including 1 cow, 3 piglets, 5 castrated roosters, 1 sack of rice, 1 bottle of wine... , which are brought to the bride to perform the ritual of informing the ancestors. Right in front of the bride's house, corn wine is poured into large bowls to invite the groom's family. After that, the participants in the wedding sing the opposite songs together, then the wedding procession happens.
The family of the boy and the girl sing and dance together
As for the Lo Lo funeral custom, it is believed that the deceased starts a new life in another world. Therefore, in the funeral, there will be special rituals such as disguise, dancing, acrobatics, etc..., in order to show filial piety, and send the deceased to reunite with the ancestors. Thereafter, families will always commemorate their pass-away relatives on the full moon days of the third, fourth, seventh, ninth and twelfth lunar months by holding the ceremony of worship.
4. The traditional costumes of the Lo Lo ethnic people
The triangle has always been considered by the Lo Lo people as a symbol of their ancient ancestral kingdom. Therefore, their costumes are always decorated with triangular motifs. In particular, the Lo Lo ethnic group in Lung Cu (Dong Van) also uses motifs representing nature, land, water, and homeland to diversify and enrich their costumes. In addition, the shape of corn plants, buckwheat flowers or domestic animals often appear on Lo Lo's costumes to create simplicity and lightness.
Lo Lo girl in traditional ethnic costumes
In addition to the above patterns, the costumes of the Lo Lo people in Dong Van, Ha Giang are also decorated with unique buttons. They were sewn in rows on hats, sleeves and bodices in women's clothing. This is an element that shows the solidarity of this minority community.
The hat is decorated with prominent rows of buttons
Lo Lo women's costumes are divided into two types based on details and sleeve colour. For young girls, who sew their own clothes, only 3 pattern lines on the sleeves are created. If it is a wedding dress given by the husband's family, the sleeves are decorated with 4 patterns. Through it, people in the community will appreciate the talent and ingenuity of the woman in the husband's house or the people who make it.
Lo Lo children dress simply and colourful
In addition to symbolising the cultural quintessence of the tribe, the Lo Lo woman's costume also conveys her hope for marital happiness and her desire to have many children. This is shown through the lines on women's sleeves, unique motifs that symbolise fertility and family happiness.
Currently, the traditional costumes of the Lo Lo people in Dong Van, Ha Giang have undergone many changes but still retain their national values
The Lo Lo people believe that things can change over the years, but the value of cultural identity cannot fade. Therefore, generations of Lo Lo ethnic people strive to pass on customs and practices to their descendants to preserve and develop for the better. From the age of 5, 7 girls have been taught by their mothers to sew and embroider. Furthermore, it takes 3 or 4 years to get a wedding dress and a dress that is beautiful down to every intricate detail.
Costumes are essentially a part of the Lo Lo people's life, community cohesion and beliefs. In an era of change and modernization, the Lo Lo ethnic group in Ha Giang still retain their traditional cultural beauty and identity.
