Khao in Vietnam

Introduction / History

Some say that the Khao and an ethnic group called the Xa Khao may be the same. The name Xa Khao means "savages with horns" and probably refers to their style of dress.

The Khao inhabit the subtropical hills of northwestern Vietnam near the Ma River. Their ancestors, the Khmu, were the original inhabitants of northern Laos prior to the migrations of Tai-speaking peoples. Over the past two centuries, the Khao have expanded into Thailand, China and Vietnam.

In the 1950s, communist rebels emerged in North Vietnam and military regimes arose, leading to massive bloodshed. The Communist Republic of North Vietnam overtook South Vietnam in 1975. North Vietnam went through a period of intense reconstruction of industry, yet there continues to be a deterioration in the quality of the nation's industrial output.

What Are Their Lives Like?

Wet-rice agriculture dominates the Khao economy, with rice being both a food staple and a cash crop. Khao farmers use buffalo to draw wooden equipment to farm their rice fields. Some also use the "slash and burn" method of cultivation on the hills surrounding their villages. Although there are some irrigation facilities in this region, the Khao depend primarily on rainfall to water their crops.

In addition to being farmers, the Khao are also fishermen since fish is their main source of protein. The basic Khao diet consists of plain white rice dressed with plenty of vegetables, meat, fish, spices and sauces.

Khao society derives from the family unit. Their families are very traditional, closely adhering to the customs of their forefathers. Unlike many other people groups in this part of the world, the Khao do not recognize strict lineages or clans. They are considered a lower class by most other groups in the area, but they intermarry freely with higher-ranking ethnic groups.

The Khao live in villages that may either range widely or cluster tightly together. Generally, their farmlands are near their homes. Most Khao live in houses that stand about six feet off the ground on wooden stilts. They are large, rectangular dwellings divided into separate rooms. A prominent feature in each home is the altar, at which the family honors their ancestors. Underneath the house, the family's pigs, fowl and goats roam about freely.

Until 1945, Khao social organization was aristocratic, and a headman held absolute authority in his jurisdiction. Since then, the Khao community has undergone enormous changes. Their nation has transformed from a feudalistic to a socialistic society, affecting every area of life and society. For example, in 1945, the authority of the headman was abolished. The once independent Khao farmers now work on "collective (community) farms," sharing equally in production. A committee elected by the people s council carries out the administration of the cooperative.

Since 1945, small-scale industrialization has introduced an agricultural peasant class into the Vietnamese working class. However, socialist organizations have also brought medical schools and hospitals to the region. These have helped the Khao to gain control over diseases such as smallpox, cholera, tuberculosis and malaria.

What Are Their Beliefs?

Most of the Khao still practice their traditional ethnic religion, which focuses on ancestor worship (praying to the dead for help and guidance). The most important spirits include territorial deities and ancestral spirits. They believe that the spirit realm dictates what happens in their lives.

What Are Their Needs?

Christian laborers, evangelistic tools, and intercession are all needed to reach the Khao with the gospel.

Prayer Points

Pray for the Khao people to have the spiritual hunger it takes to put all their faith in Christ alone.
Pray for them to be used by the Lord to disciple many from nearby, less-reached tribes.
Pray for the Lord to bring revival to Khao villages.

Text Source:   Joshua Project