Some Changes in Marital Practices of the Muong in Hoa Binh Province

Abstract

This article presents some changes in marital practices and ceremonies of the Muong ethnic group in Hoa Binh province from the renovation period (1986) until now and the causes of these changes. The author points out that the changes in the Muong marital practices evidently express themselves in the following aspects: Muong perceptions of a wife/husband, specific conditions and criteria of being a wife/husband; marriage-related rituals and ceremonies; betrothal gifts; wedding clothes; wedding banquet and wedding presents. There are many reasons for the changes as follows: 1) a shift of the national economy from the subsidized economy to the socialist-oriented market economy; 2) social and cultural exchanges between the Muong and other ethnic groups; and 3) impacts of the governmental policies and laws. The above-mentioned changes are appropriate to the necessity of the ethnic cultural development. They create a cultural collection and integration in different ethnic communities that contributes to the more diversified and progressive cultural development.