Epidemic and preventing methods of peoples in the Central Highland (An investigation from some customary laws)

Abstract

In the cultural repertoire of ethnic peoples in the Central Highland, customary laws are recognized as heritages, sources of knowledge and valuable historical materials to understand traditional societies, including the issue of public health. Customary laws are norms of a particular social community that are issued and followed by all members. For generations, customary laws have been continuously enriched and adjusted following the needs of changing life to manage better and control the behaviours of social communities. Many customary laws of peoples in the Central Highland cover a vast range of subjects, including many aspects of social life, such as social organizations and management, lands, patterns of economic production, economic activities, community, family and gender relations, ritual and customary practices, strict norms for environmental protection, preventing natural destruction and epidemics. Based on an investigation of 5 customary laws of Bahnar, Êđê, Jrai, M’nông, and Raglai and relevant materials, this paper aims to illustrate the perception of the peoples in Central Highland in the past on epidemics, the dangerousness of epidemics, preventing methods, and how these peoples adapted and overcame the challenges to protect their lives and maintain stability for communities.