Culture

The San Chay are skilled cultivators of wet rice. Their technical skill in rice production is probably the equal of any other people, or nearly so. But they also grow a number of other crops such as corn (maize), peanuts, sweet potatos, beans, sesame and other vegetables. Much of this is through slash-and-burn cultivation. They raise cattle and poultry which is used as a source of food and as sacrificial offerings. Hunting and gathering is still practiced. Bamboo, rattan and mushrooms are common forest products. Some fishing is carried on, and fish are also raised.

After they learned to grow wet rice, the San Chay began to settle in large villages of 20-30 houses. These villages were comprised of houses built on stilts, which is the origin of their name. Many houses are still built in the time-honored way, but there is a modern trend to build houses on the ground.

Although now discouraged by Communist bureaucrats, each village is customarily ruled by a Khan Thu or headman, selected by the villagers. These villagers usually belong to various lineages and branches and may involve other ethnic groups, as well. The headman's job is to settle differences, maintain harmony and unity, and represent the village to the outside world. An unpaid position, it enjoyed great prestige, even though the leader may be far from rich. In some areas the Khan Thu was also a religious leader as well.

The San Chay have a rich cultural heritage, reflected in oral literature, songs and dances. Their oral sagas include tales of their origin, a great flood, and heroic tales of bravery and human struggles. Much of their folk knowledge is preserved in proverbs, verses, and stories.

They are noted for their love songs, which consist of alternate verses sung by groups of young men and women at evening parties. These may last throughout the night. This charming custom is appreciated by not only the singers and musicians, but by people of all ages.

They use a variety of musical instruments, from castanets, small copper bells, drums, and flutes, to trumpets, cymbals and gongs. These are used for entertainment as well as for religious ceremonies. They accompany dances, of which the San Chay have a large number.

The San Chay family is patriarchal and marriages are arranged by the parents. Marriage between people of the same clan lineage is absolutely prohibited. Sometimes the young girl's parents allow her to have a say in accepting or rejecting an offer of marriage from the family of a young man. During the wedding ceremony, the bridesmaid has a central role. She accompanies and guides the bride at all times and uses her bush knife to energetically clear away all obstacles in the bride's path. The bride ceremonially provides wood and water to her new family. Though the young couple is expected to live with the groom's family, they may reside for year or two at the bride's residence before they move to their new location.