Culture

How do they live? The San Diu villages are densely populated. There may be considerable distance between villages, but within a village, they like to live close together. Villages of the San Diu are always located close to a spring or river, and often at the foot of a mountain. They are dependent on surface water, since they do not dig wells. It is said that they believe a well could result in "hitting the veins of a dragon" and offend the spirits of the earth. San Diu houses are not built on stilts. Built level with the ground, their houses often support the roofs with posts and beams. Alternatively, they raise walls and use them as structural support for the roof.

Recent trends are toward larger population centers. Bamboo hedges around the village have become common, as well as the planting of fruit trees in gardens near each home. Other innovations include fish ponds for aquaculture, small kitchen gardens, and rice drying yards. Some villagers have been encouraged to dig wells, contrary to their traditional beliefs Each village has a temple for the worship of the earth spirit. The lowlands and terraces are used for rice fields, while the steeper uplands are often used for corn and vegetable crops.

San Diu society is based upon the nuclear family, which is strongly patriarchal. Most marriages are monogamous, but a man is allowed to take a second wife if the first does not give him a male heir. The most common surnames are Ninh, Diep, Le, Tu, Troung and Ly. All with the same last name are considered to be related, and marriage is forbidden between people with the same last name. An exception is made if the prospective couple are at least five generations removed from each other. But even in this case, a special ceremony is made to apologize to the family ancestors.

The final decision on the proper mate for a young man or woman is that of the parents, but the wishes of the young people are considered. Expensive presents to the parents of the bride are expected. An unusual custom is followed if the woman proves barren. Since a failure to conceive is thought to result from a curse by evil sprits, a mock divorce is held, usually after the winter solstice in late December (just after Christmas). The wife is forced to go back to her parents. Later the husband asks for his wife's hand in marriage and a second ceremony is held. This is believed to be an effective way to trick the demonic spirits, with the hope that they will allow the "second" marriage to be fruitful.

At birth, every San Diu child is given not only a proper name and the family surname but also from seven to as many as a dozen middle names. This chain of names positively identifies each person's place in the family lineage. When San Diu from different localities meet, they compare names, and are immediately able to determine their relationship with each other.

The San Diu have a rich heritage of folklore, to include humorous stories, legends, epic tales, popular songs, wisdom literature, riddles and other puzzles, and songs. Like the Nung, groups singing alternate stanzas are very popular. These are called soong co (alternate songs) and are usually sung by young people. Soong co are traditionally sung at weddings, where the singing may last for several nights. But festivals and reunions also provide the occasion for this beautiful custom. Musical instruments include trumpets, drums, bamboo flutes and cymbals. Dances are usually a part of festivals, as well as religious ceremonies.

Livelihood Agriculture, especially intensive irrigated rice production, is the basis of most of the San Diu villages. They also grow corn, and sweet potatoes and other vegetables on the uplands. They understand the practice of crop rotation and fertilization, and do not use slash and burn techniques to any great degree. In fact, they are known for their ability to take unfertile fields and transform them into productive units. Their knowledge of crop production is at least the equal of the Viet (the majority people of Vietnam). They also grow indigo, cotton, and raise silkworms for weaving into fabric. But unlike the Nung, gathering of forest products, such as bamboo, rattan and wood, are important activities. They do raise domestic livestock such as chickens, other poultry, pigs, horses and water buffalo. They also raise fish in farm ponds. The weaving of cloth and making of handicrafts items are important. Other crafts practiced by the San Diu are bamboo and rattan crafting, carpentry, blacksmithing, lime production, and tile making. San Diu are also noted as being good tailors and masons.

Some San Diu villages near the coast are made up of fisherman, and many of these also produce salt by evaporation of sea water. San Diu fishing villagers are skilled in boat building.