Roles of the Chi Mo in the Traditional Muong Marriage in Hoa Binh Province

Abstract

This article examines the changing roles of the chi mo as a traditional matchmaker in the marriage of the Muong ethnic group. Several aspects of the chi mo are considered: 1) The definition and criteria of the chi mo; 2) The responsibilities of the chi mo; and 3) The crucial roles of the chi mo in the Muong marriage. The author shows that traditional marriage of the Muong has been strongly influenced by the socio-economic conditions, especially by the new Law of Marriage and Family. As a result of these impacts, the modern practice of Muong marriage has under gone several changes such as the conception of marriage, the wedding ceremony and overall marriage behavior. The roles of the chi mo have necessarily adapted to meet the changing role of marriage in the Muong ethnic group.