Understanding the Pu Péo in Vietnam through Their Folk Beliefs

Abstract

In Vietnam, the Pu Péo are also known as the La Quả, or Penti Lô Lô. In the past, they resided mainly in Hà Giang province, but today they are present in 20 of the country’s 63 provinces and municipalities. In Hà Giang, the Pu Péo are concentrated in Phố Là, Sủng Chéng, Phó Bảng, Phó Cáo and Ma Lé communes of Đồng Văn district, while others live in Cháng Lổ and Sủng Chéng villages of Phú Lũng commune, Yên Minh district. In addition, the Pu Péo also are found scattered in Tiến Xuân village, Yên Cường commune, Bắc Mê district, as well as in a number of communes in Mèo Vạc district. This region is home to many ethnic groups, such as the Hmông, Dao, Lô Lô, Tày, Nùng, and Cơ Lao. Throughout the history of their development, the Pu Péo have tormed unique cultural values. In today's context of ever-deepening integration, the traditional culture of the Pu Péo has been greatly transformed. However, within this ethnic community, ultural factors are still being preserved that shape and cultivate the consciousness, behavior and identity of its people. In this article, the author presents a number of folk rituals and beliefs being practiced among the Pu Péo in Hà Giang province.