Several Characteristics of Life Cycle Ritual of Ra-glai in Khanh Hoa Province

Abstract

The Ra-glai which is an ethnicity belonging to the Malayo-Polynesian language group (Malayo-Polynesian language family), has resided long-lastingly in the mountainous areas of Khanh Hoa province in particular, the provinces of  South Central region in general. The Ra-glai culture is rich, diverse and has many distinctive features. Of those, the life-cycle ritual contains many typical elements expressing the most special aspects of an ethnic culture from custom and habits, beliefs to art, ethnic relationships, etc. Thus, study of life cycle ritual of the Ra-glai people is very important because it shows the cultural values of the Ra-glai people, at the same time it makes contribution to preserving and bringing to play their cultural values.