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VIETNAM ACADEMY OF SOCIAL SCIENCES
GRADUATE ACADEMY OF SOCIAL SCIENCES

LE ANH HOA

MARRIAGE OF TAY PEOPLE IN THE BORDER OF
PHUC HOA DISTRICT, CAO BANG PROVINCE

Major: Anthropology
Sector code: 9.31.03.02

SUMMARY OF THESIS DOCTORAL THESIS

HA NOI, 2020


THIS WORK IS COMPLETED AT
GRADUATE ACADEMY OF SOCIAL SCIENCES

MENTOR: Doctor. Le Duy Dai
Doctor: Dau Tuan Nam

Reviewer 1: Assoc. Prof. Dr. Le Ngoc Thang
Reviewer 2: Assoc. Prof. Dr. Lam Ba Nam
Reviewer 3: Assoc. Prof. Dr. Ngo Van Doanh

The thesis is defended before the thesis appraisal board of the
Academy at the Graduate Academy of Social Sciences at:
......hours, date ......... month...... 2020.

This thesis can be found at:

- Library of Graduate Academy of Social Sciences
- National Library of Vietnam


INTRODUCTION
1. Necessity of the subject
Marriage is a essential issue in anthropological research, an important part
of social life associated with customs and habits, rituals expressing the cultural
nuance of each ethnic group, thereby acknowledging the legitimacy of sexual
relationship.
In the context that Vietnam is carrying out industrialization and
modernization of the country, the economy is developing rapidly, international
integration is taking place widely and deeply, the remote borderland is formerly
considered as suburban areas and buffer areas are not outside that rule, even
displacing the process of development and changes also take place faster than
inland areas.
In the borderland of Phuc Hoa district, Cao Bang province, where Ta
Lung international border gate is relatively effervescent, so the economic and
social life of Tay people is changing rapidly. In daily life, they have a close
relationship with the same ethnic groups as Nung people, King people (Vietnam)
and Choang people living in Chinese border. The study of marriage of Tay people
here also shows marriage characteristics of ethnic groups and images about the life
of people living in the border between Vietnam and China in general, know the
process of ethnic group development, adaptability, cultural changes and present
condition of cross-border marriages ...
Proceeding from the above scientific meaning and practical values,
Research student chooses the topic about marriage of Tay people in the border
area of Phuc Hoa district, Cao Bang province as the topic for doctoral thesis of
Anthropology.
2. Purpose and research task of the thesis

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2.1. Purpose
Studying and analyzing traditional characteristics and marriage changing
of Tay people in the border area of Phuc Hoa district, Cao Bang province in order
to reserve cultural values of ethnic groups, see the development of ethnic groups
and relationship of ethnic groups in historical, economic and social context in the
borderland which has been changing a lot. Clarifying the tendency and issues in
the Tay's marriage here, especially cross-border marriages, then proposing
solutions to promote values of marriage in conservation and promotion about
cultural values of ethnic groups for sustainable development.
2.2. Research task
- Building and clarifying the theoretical basis, scientific meaning and
practical research on marriage of Tay people in the borderland. Studying and
presenting conceptions, principles, forms of marriage, steps in marriage rituals,
post-marriage residence and cross-border marriage to see marriage characteristics
of Tay people in the borderland.
3. Research object and scope of the thesis
3.1. Research object
Research object of the thesis is the marriage of Tay people in the
borderland of Phuc Hoa district, Cao Bang province.
In which, the topic focuses on characteristics, changes of marriage and
another special aspect is those who marry across Vietnam-China border (crossborder marriages).
3.2. Research scope
- Research scope: understanding concepts, customs, forms, marriage
rituals, changes in traditional marriage and cross-border marriage of Tay people in
the borderland of Phuc Hoa district. Spatial scope: The thesis focuses on deep
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study of 4 communes (Trieu Au, Cach Linh, Dai Son, My Hung, Cach Linh) and
two towns (Hoa Thuan and Ta Lung) of Phuc Hoa district, Cao Bang province.
Localities where the border is the national border between the Socialist Republic
of Vietnam and the People's Republic of China, the majority of population are
Tay and Nung people and have close relationships with ethnic groups across the
border. Time scope: In 1986, Vietnam started the "Innovation" transferring from a
system of budget subsidies to a socialist orientation market economy that helped
the economy to develope rapidly and stably, from which culture and society have
experienced profound changes. The life of Tay people in Vietnam - China
borderland is in the general context of the country but has its own characteristics
with a particularly important time mark, which brought more changes to them in
1991, Vietnam and China normalized relationship after a 10-year border war
(1979-1989).
4. Methodology and research methods of the thesis
4.1. Methodology
The thesis relies on the philosophical viewpoint of dialectical materialism
and historical materialism to recognize and consider things and phenomena.
Marriage is set in the context of historical development of ethnic groups and
communities, according to the time current and social space.
The thesis is based on the views of Marxism-Leninism, Ho Chi Minh
ideology and views of the Communist Party of Vietnam on marriage such as the
Law on Family Marriage, the Law on Gender Equality...; policies for ethnic
minorities residing in mountainous areas, island boundaries, policies to preserve
and promote cultural identities of ethinic groups as a basis for assessing and
recognizing the Tay's marriage in the borderland of Phuc Hoa district today.
4.2. Research Methods
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Ethnological country, expert methods, analysis and comparative methods.
5. Original source of the thesis
- Data on ethnological country: field survey in 4 communes and 2 towns in
the borderland of Phuc Hoa district, Cao Bang province. Analyze data from the
survey results in Cao Bang province of the state topic KX01-HNXBG. Survey
sample: E: 100 Tay people; E 100 Nung people. Secondary documents.
6. New contributions to the science of the thesis
Up to now, there have been some studies on Tay people's marriage, but
this is the first work done in the borderland of Phuc Hoa district, Cao Bang
province. In addition to the similarities with Tay people living in other localities,
Tay people's lives here are controlled and directly influenced by elements of
Vietnam-China borderland such as mutual trade, relationship of ethnic groups on
both sides of the border ... In which, there has been a problem of cross-border
marriage in recent years.
7. Theoretical and practical meanings of the thesis
Identify cultural values of ethnic groups reserved in marriage but also serve
as a basis for comparing the similarities and differences between the Tay's
marriage here and other localities where there are differences in characteristics of
nature and society...
Results of the thesis are the basis for managers to formulate policies to
preserve and promote the culture of ethnic groups, and solve the negative issues
arising in marriage tending to sustainable and stable development for residents
living in Vietnam - China border areas.
7. Thesis structure

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Chapter 1: General view of research situation, theoretical basis and
overview of Tay people in the borderland of Phuc Hoa district, Cao Bang

province
Chapter 2: Marital characteristics of Tay people, tradition and transfer
Chapter 3: Cross-border marriage
Chapter 4: Factors affecting change, value of marriage and some issues
CHAPTER 1
GENERAL VIEW OF RESEARCH SITUATION, THEORETICAL
BASIS AND OVERVIEW OF ETHNIC GROUPS AND RESEARCH
AREA
1.1. General View of Research Situation
Tay people has the largest population among 53 ethnic minorities in
Vietnam, with a long history and cultural traditions, which attracts many domestic
and foreign scientists.
1.1.1. Research on Tay people
1.1.1.1. Research of foreign scholars on Tay people
In the early years of the 20th century, some French scholars were
interested in and studied about Tay people. Firstly, there are works of famous
scholar named A. Bonifacy, such as: Funeral rites of the Native (1904), Collection
of Native fairy tales on two banks of Lo River (1905) the Tay's uprising in 1983:
Military war record due to suppression (1907), Ho Bo festival of Tay people
(1915), Unlimited patience: Native fairy tales (1915).
In general, although the research student has not reached to many studies
of foreign scholars on Tay people, especially in marriage, basically helped the
research student to gain more important visual angles and assessment to finish the
thesis content.
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1.1.1.2. Research of domestic scholars on Tay people and Tay people's
marriage
From the Le and Nguyen dynasties, Tay people have been mentioned in

famous books such as Le Quy Don's Kien Van Tieu Luc (1726-1784) and Phan
Huy Chu's Lich Trieu Hien Chuong Loai Chi (1782-1840). ) .. Although the
document is at a summary level, it helps the later generation to partly understand
the folklore activities of Tay people in Vietnam in previous centuries..
Recently, the thesis of master Hoang Duc Trung (2018) has researched on
"Marriage of Tay people in To Hieu commune, Binh Gia district, Lang Son
province". The author has described and explained issues related to marriage such
as marriage concept, marriage principles, age of marriage, steps to carry out the
marriage ... In general, research on Tay people, especially the marriage of Tay
people is a topic directly related to the thesis of research student but on the
description, interpretation and in groups of Tay people residing within the
province, far from the borderland.
1.1.2. Study on border region and border region relationship
Border region with special geographical location for each country is often
considered as remote areas, people with difficult economic conditions,
development is not homologous to the overall development of the country.
1.1.2.1. Study of foreign scholars on border region and border region
relationship
First of all, there are studies on economic, society in the border region. In
2005, authors as Chu Dong Kiem and Luu Dong Nhiem (China) (2005) with the
study of Vietnam's Ethnic Group Policy and its influence on the border area of
China. In addition, there are studies on multidimensional relationships in the
border region of the two countries such as Phung Nhuan's study (2013) (China) of
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the Central Ethnic Group University assessing of China-Vietnam border cultural
impact, the case of Yunnan province. Together with research on cross-border
marriage in the border region between Vietnamese women and Chinese men,
there is master thesis of Lianling Su (2009) of Harbin Normal University. The

author gave a deep interview with 64 couples living in Chinese borderland whose
wives are Vietnamese and husbands are Chinese to find out why they are
acquainted with each other. Those women are mostly not registered with Chinese
nationality. Thereby, the author judges the reason that Vietnamese women get
married to Chinese because they want to have better life, full economic conditions,
higher living standards, and can support their families ...
1.1.2.2.Study of domestic scholars on border region and border region
relationship
Studying the border region in Vietnam firstly or in other words is one of
the important areas, first priority is to develop the border region economy after
long years of war and restoration of neighboring relationship between Vietnam
and China. In 1997, author Hoang Xuan Long published a study on Comparative
Advantage in Vietnam-China cross-border goods exchange. The second area
related to the border region attended by Vietnamese scholars is the policy issue of
both Vietnam and China for this region. One of the important books that most
scholars in the country refer to when researching on the borderland is the book
"Hung Bien Phu Dan" and the implementation process in ethnic minority areas in
southwest border provinces of China (2008) by Nguyen Van Can...
1.2. Theoretical basis
1.2.1. Some concepts
- Marriage

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According to Vietnam polytechnical dictionary "Marriage is a social
institution with rituals that confirm the relationship between two or more people of
two different sexes (male and female), which is considered as husband and wife,
determine the relationship of responsibility between them and between them and
their children”.

1.2.2. Theoretical basis
- Rational choice theory, - Cultural exchange and acculturation theory, Cultural regional theory
1.3. Overview of research area
1.3.1. Phuc Hoa district
Phuc Hoa district has 9 administrative units, including 7 communes and 2
towns, of which 4 communes and 2 towns have the boundary of national
boundary curve of Long Chau district, Guangxi province, China, with the total
boundary curve length of 21km. Border areas including: Ta Lung and Hoa Thuan
towns and Trieu Au, Cach Linh, Dai Son and My Hung communes are research
areas of this thesis.
1.3.2. Natural conditions in Phuc Hoa district
Phuc Hoa district has a natural area of 251.1284 km2, located in the
Southeast of Cao Bang province, the North bordering Quang Uyen district; the
East bordering Ha Lang district and China; the Southwest bordering Thach An
district, Hoa An, the end point of Highway 3, convenient transportation. Phuc Hoa
district's terrain is divided into 3 relatively clear areas, including rocky mountain
terrain, soil mountain terrain and low mountainous terrain.
1.3.3. Introduce the research sites
- Ta Lung Town, - Hoa Thuan Town, - Trieu Au Commune, - Cach Linh
Commune, - Dai Son Commune, - My Hung Commune
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1.4. Tay people live in the borderland of Phuc Hoa district
1.4.1. Summary of history and origin
Tay people are a community of the ancient Bach Viet block, who were
present and residing for a long time in the border provinces and mountainous areas
of Northern Vietnam with many important contributions in the history of national
formation and development until today.
1.4.2. Economic characteristics

Tay people in the borderland of Phuc Hoa district are assessed to have a
high level of wet rice cultivation. In the context of a fast growing economy with
diversified income, now farming is still considered the main and stable income for
families..
1.4.3. Cultural characteristics
1.4.3.1. Material culture
Tay people in Phuc Hoa district have open-hearted personality, which has
become a routine for people to be more sociable and friendly with each other.
1.4.3.2. Society and culture
In the family, the husband has the right to decide everything when his wife
is the main labor with higher income. Members comply with the principle "wife
must listen and obey her husband, children must listen and obey their parent,
younger brother must listen and obey his elder brother ”...
1.4.3.3.Spiritual culture
Tay language is used for communication in the family, internal ethnic
groups, common language is used when communicating with other ethnic groups.
- Traditional festival
Lunar New Year, Long Tong festival; March 18 of lunar calendar with
fireworks festival in Hoa Thuan town; March 19 & 20 of lunar calendar with
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Hieng Rieng festival in Cẩm Linh; March 15 of lunar calendar with Long Tong
festival in Ban Chu (Dai Son commune); March 27 of lunar calendar with Lang
Hai festival in My Hung commune.
CHAPTER 2
MARRIAGE CHARACTERISTICS OF TAY PEOPLE
TRADITION AND CHANGE
2.1. Traditional marriage characteristics
Each individual and circumstance has its own way of choosing a marriage,

but tending to the expected completion shaped by the marriage tradition.
2.1.1 Marriage concept
It is said that boy get married to have more supporters in the family, girl get
married to have people to rely on or in the interpretation: “Going to the mountain
to clear of trees for cultivation, work is very hard. Must have man power. The tiger
comes and bits the pig and the buffalo in the cage. Bad guy robs and destroys, who
can resist? Only man power. Woman has to rely on. Going to the market to sell
bamboo shoots, round pipes, wood ear mushroom ... buy salt, fat to cook meals,
buy cloth to sew shirts and pants. Going to the forest to look for firewood to cook
roughage for pig, grass for buffalo ... That is the job of a girl. Man has to rely on”
2.1.2 Criteria for choosing a spouse
“The first thing to choose is the family, relatives, whether or not to be
united, to fight, to have sickness and to live a long life.”.
Tay people take great respect for regulations, politeness and reason in
communicating, paying attention from salutations and words to behavior so,
characters of future daughter-in-law and son-in-law are very noticeable, especially
with the future daughter-in-law because she will become a member of her
husband's family.
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2.1.3. Marriage age
Marriage stories show that before 1991, in general, Tay people in border
region wanted to get married early under the age of 20, but because of the war,
many people had to get married lately.
2.1.4. Principles in marriage
2.1.4.1 Exogamy principle
In marriage, Tay people follow the exogamy principle. Those who share
the same consanguinity, are descendants of a ancestor according to bloodrelationship of father family shall be called as husband's blood relations, no matter
how many generations they have, they are not allowed to get married with each

other; except those who are far relatives, or by a different line but this case is very
rare.
2.1.4.2. Endogamy principle
Another principle in the traditional marriage of Tay people in the
borderland of Phuc Hoa district which was formerly endogamy of ethnic groups.
2.1.4.3. Residential principle after marriage
Residential principle after marriage reflects deeply the social concept of
gender roles in marriage.
2.1.5. Nature and form of marriage
2.1.5.1. Nature of marriage
The exchange seemed to reduce the value of a girl if understood by the
nature of trade is to use money and material to exchange a adult girl. According to
Tay people's opinion, if money and material provided by the bridegroom's family
are big and abundant, the girl and her family are considered to be respected by the
bridegroom's family and the bridegroom's family has good economic conditions.
2.1.5.2. Form of marriage
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Tay people in the borderland of Phuc Hoa district strictly follow the form
of monogamy.
2.1.6. Customs and rituals of marriage
2.1.6.1. Searching period of man and woman
In order to find wife for children, parents ask for acquaintances, relatives to
find out if there is any girl suitable for their son and family. Assistants are usually
brother-in-law, sister-in-law, and people getting married at another village. This
person will ask the bride's family if they want to have a son-in-law as her/her
nephew. If they agree, the bride's family will give the girl's horoscope to
representative of the bride's family.
2.1.6.2. Steps for marriage preparation

Preparing for marriage is a process with many different things. Firstly,
parents, grandparents, and elders shall teach their descendant code of behaviour in
the position of son-in-law, husband, daughter-in-law and wife.
2.1.6.3. Rituals in marriage
- Ask for “luc minh”, “Engagement party”
2.1.6.4. "Le an hoi"
"Le an hoi" can be considered as an engagement party because from then
on, the couple is determined to become the wife, the husband, the daughter-in-law,
the son-in-law of both families.
2.1.6.5. Wedding party. Wedding party is usually held in the period from
July of the previous year to February of the lunar calendar of next year, especially
in the last two months of the year (November, December) and January and avoid
in March and April of the lunar calendar. Group meeting the bride, Wedding
party at the bride's family, Taking the bride to the bridegroom's family
Wedding party at the bridegroom's family
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2.1.7. Cases of special marriage
2.1.7.1. Son-in-law will be the son
Tay people in the borderland of Phuc Hoa district very respect sons for
various reasons, but basically is the responsiblity for maintaining race, caring for
parents when they are old and worshiping ancestors.…
2.1.7.2. Marriage of widows and widowers
According to traditional concept, Tay people in the borderland of Phuc
Hoa district often only admit the first marriage and make light of next marriage,
consider it to be patchy. Widows and widowers are allowed to remarry after 3
years.
2.1.7.3. Case of pregnancy before marriage
Tay people have a proverb: "Da day buon chieng pay con buon lap",

meaning "do not let January precede December". They respect a girl's virginity,
look down or disparage those who have sexual relationship before marriage. In
case of being made pregnant by a lover, children do who not know their father
shall be ashamed, condemned by society. The girl will be alienated by the
community, making her parents and family to be ashamed.
2.2. Changes in marriage
2.2.1. Change the concept of marriage
In the previous concept, marriage in addition to the purpose of having
children, having lineage with more workers. The need for having more workers,
someone to take care of parents when they grow old and still depends on family
circumstances, this need will be more or less. However, concept of this purpose
for Tay people in Phuc Hoa now has changed nuance because marriage is as a
result of love, the couple will share works with each other, including looking after
their parents when they are old.
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2.2.2. Change the right to decide on marriage, criteria for choosing wife
and husband
Young people also pay attention to the suitable alliance. However, if the
bridegroom's family or bride's family has more pecuniary condition, a higher
social status, most young people do not hesitate to give up the intention of
marriage as before. Many people even see it as an opportunity to change the social
and economic status of themselves and their families.
2.2.3. Change the age of marriage
Currently, the living standard of residents in the central area, district or
town in Phuc Hoa is higher than the one in far region and hinterland communes,
easy to find jobs, so psychology of young people are more stable and confident in
marriage.
2.2.4. Change principle in marriage

The law on marriage and family prohibits marriage for people of
consanguinity; However, through research, there have been some cases of siblings
in the same family, three generations apart, married with each other, exogamy is
more and more popular. This can be seen as an advance and will be discussed
more detail later in this chapter.
2.2.5. Change nature and form of marriage
2.2.5.1. Change nature of marriage
They are more interested in the spiritual value from the marriage money
than the actual value because after the bridegroom's family and bride's family
agree on the "first money", they often want to know how much it is. "First
Money" is often discussed a lots.
2.2.5.2. Change the form of marriage
“In the past, adultery rarely happened, but today there are many cases”.
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2.2.4. Change customs and marriage rituals
2.2.4.1. Change wedding clothes and dowry
2.2.4.2. Change belief in the fate
A few families do not even need fortune-teller but to leave "ban luc minh"
at the bottom of paddy basket for a long time.
2.2.4.3. Change in wedding singing
Antiphonal is a beauty in the marriage of Tay people from the past time to
present time. It is rare to see the village officials who can memorize many poems,
due to their busy living and lack of time to learn traditional poetry.
2.2.4.4. Wedding costume
Only a few brides to wear the Tay's traditional costume on the wedding
day, but will add a modern wedding dresses afterwards. Currently, brides prefer to
wear white wedding dresses, which are rented at wedding dresses shops. Grooms
usually wear a suit, if it's hot, wear black pants, white shirt with tie.

2.2.4.6. Some other changes
Previously the wedding is usually held in two days, the first day at the
bride's family, the next day at the bridegroom's family. Currently, following the
new cultural life, the wedding time is shortened to one day. In the morning, the
wedding is held at the bride's family, in the afternoon, it is held at the bridegroom's
family.
2.2.5. Mixed marriage of ethnic group
Mixed marriage of ethnic group in recent years not only between two
people in the district but also in different districts and provinces. For nearly 10
years, men and women after leaving school have tendency to find jobs at factories
and companies in Bac Ninh, Bac Giang, Hai Duong and Thai Nguyen
provinces....
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CHAPTER 3
CROSS - BORDER MARRIAGE
3.1. Features of borderland with cross-border marriage
In the concept of border region, researchers often think that this is a buffer
region, far region, with its own characteristics, so it is less governed by policies of
each country's government but in modern society, when interlink transportation
route is developing, information technology is developing, the state's power is
being extended, in some respects, the border region becomes extremely sensitive.
3.2. Situation of cross-border marriage in border region of Phuc Hoa
district
3.2.1. Situation of cross-border marriage before 1991
It can be seen that this is a period with its own characteristics, when the
number of residents at Chinese border come to Vietnamese border to get married
is more and more popular. Political and economic factors have been reflected
clearly and mainly impacting marriage selection or creating marriage tendency.

3.1.2. Period after 1991 up to now
In 1991, Vietnam - China opened the border gate as an opportunity for
many Vietnamese women in general and in the borderland of Phuc Hoa district,
Cao Bang province in particular to get married.
3.2 Cross-border marriage characteristics
3.2.1. Economic and education circumstances
The study also show a correlation between parents' educational
background and the rate of daughters with across - border marriages. Among
families with daughters who have across - border marriages, up to 50% of parents
are illiterate, and if the parents' educational background is high, the rate of cross-

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border marriage is low, especially there is no case of parents with Junior high
school level or more.
3.2.2. Age of marriage
Their future husbands are also in the same circumstances, so it is difficult
to marry Chinese wives such as to be poor, old, unstable jobs, ugly appearance or
even disabilities. This connection, therefore, is even more unsustainable for a
family's future.
3.2.3. Number of marriages
Nearly one-third of the interviewees are subjects that have married for the
second time or more. This rate of Tay people in that survey is slightly lower,
24.1%. For Nung people, this rate is 30.2%.
3.2.4. From acquaintance to marriage
Through employment and cross-border trade, many cross-border
marriages are formed and occupy the highest rate compared to other forms of
acquaintance, enticing girls to marry Chinese. These girls are less experienced,
credulous, gullible, with low educational background and are difficult to get

married in Vietnam.
3.2.5. Reason for making a marriage decision
Personal circumstances urge them to choose the best solution is to have
across - border marriage.
3.3. Wedding ceremony of cross-border marriages
In general, in cross-border marriage in the border region, whether or not
the wedding is organized, the reason is not entirely dependent on the economic
conditions of households, the geographical distance but by the concept and visual
angle about the value of that marriage.

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3.4. Level of family contact
Survey in Bao Lac and Trung Khanh districts, Cao Bang province shows
that only about one third of households meet / contact people with cross- border
marriages at a level of few times a year, the remaining (up to 48%) have very little
contact. The percentage of Tay people with very little contact is even higher at
54%, while Nung people is only 45%.
3.5. Some basic factors affecting cross-border marriage in the
border region
3.5.1. Close relationship of ethnic group
Close relationship on culture of ethnic group helps Tay people or Nung
people are not strange to Choang people, to be more easily accepted in crossborder marriage.
3.5.2. Concept of marriage value
Tay people respect marriage and family, considering the family to be a
spiritual and material fulcrum, especially for women. So no matter what the
situation, they always try to build their own happiness.
3.6.3. Development of social network
In today's life, most young men and women need to buy clothes or have

time to go out, they all come to Long Chau town to buy and sell ... All these
interaction ways help residents on both sides of the border understanding and
getting closer, which is the basis for connecting and forming cross-border
marriage.

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CHAPTER 4
FACTORS AFFECTING CHANGE, MARRIAGE VALUES
AND SOME ISSUES
4.1. Factors affecting marital change
4.1.1. Impact of the policy "Movement of all people uniting to build
cultural life"
The movement of building cultural family and all people uniting to build
cultural life is considered an important factor that promotes the successful
implementation of local socio-economic tasks.
4.1.2. Impact from gender equality policy
The work of propagating gender equality over the years in border region
has created a clear change, changing the concept of gender, girls are more
concerned by their parents. Girls are confident and proactive in choosing a partner.
In family life, women are able to make more decisions than before.
4.1.3. Impact from the Law on marriage and family
In addition to the Law on Marriage and Family, there are also instructions
and decrees on marriage and family management, decisions of the Ministry of
Culture on building new rural, conventions on building cultural family that have
had a profound impact to change on marriage of Tay people in the borderland of
Phuc Hoa district.
4.1.4. Impact from the context of socio-economic development in the
borderland

Another important factor in the border region is the movement and
perception of ethnic group communities here. A few dozen years ago, Tay people
and Nung people in Phuc Hoa district were still used to living in the mountain
villages and doing agriculture, but now in the dynamic economy, they have
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adapted very quickly and actively , diversifying form of livelihoods to ensure
revenue as well as family economic development.
4.1.5. Impact from acculturation of the borderland
The harmony between cultural and social factors of Tay people
community in the border region in particular is having a strong multi-dimensional
impact on the form of marriage as in selecting the object of marriage, concept of
marriage. ...
4.2. Value of marriage
Marriage is considered to be the fundamental relationship of society. In the
context of globalization today, especially in the cultural and social spaces in the
border region, where the interference of the economic, social and marriage flows
which are susceptible and change in different tendency.
4.2.1. Marriage creates a foundation for social development in the
border region
A well-prepared marriage is the basis of a good family. A good family will
have good children who take pains to study and work, so not only help the family
but also the society in the border region for a sustainable development.
4.2.2. Marriage contributes to the preservation of human values
Marriage is a cultural aspect reflecting many nuances and culture of ethnic
group. Steps of ritual in marriage with acts such as praying in front of ancestral
altars, offering wine, betel to relatives of bridegroom's family and bride's family
are not just a mandatory ritual.
4.2.3. Marriage preserves religious belief

In modern life or even in marriage ceremonies, there is a great deal of
belief in a certain object or phenomenon that is lost, forgotten, or diminished,
whether or not the marriage is suitable. Now, there are not many spiritual
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meanings as before but it is still reserved and preserved as an custom, habit of
ethnic group.
4.2.4. Marriage expands, connects social relations in the border region
4.2.4.1. Marriage with the connection of social relations within the border
region
Opportunity to exchange and acquaintance help each individual and ethnic
group to see and learn good points from other individuals and ethnic groups from
which to form common points.
4.2.4.2. Marriage with the connection of cross-border communities
Cross-border marriage creates relative relationship on both sides of the
border. In the community when value of family, lineage are considered to be
important as in Tay people, Nung people (Vietnam) and Choang people
(Chinese).
4.2.4.5. Marriage contributes to economic development in the border
region
The main form of support is to help relatives find jobs in China.
4.3. Some issues for marriage in the border region
4.3.1. Value of ethnic group cultural character is lost
Development and economic diversity along with foreign culture have
been quickly integrated by young people, especially young people to express the
newness and age, but forget the value of ethnic group cultural character.
4.3.2. Marriages reflect the lack of economic stability in the border
region
In recent years, marriages such as marriage with Kinh people in lowland

provinces are gradually becoming popular because many young men and women
after graduating from high school work in industrial zones.
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4.3.3. Consciousness of territorial borders is poor
Cases of being arrested by Chinese security help people to be more
conscious and alert but do not give up habit by convenience. Closeness,
convenience create conditions for the residents of two countries to travel and get
married.
4.3.4. Some difficulties in dealing with issues arising from cross-border
marriage
They do not have to do registration procedures, declaration with local
authorities. When borders are clearly planned by nations, with strict control over
border crossing, cross-border marriage thus arising many problems.
4.3.4.1. Inhabitants of family, nationality
Most cases of marriage with Chinese as mentioned in Chapter 4 have
happened quietly, with small wedding party, within the family, relatives, even
outsiders do not know.
4.3.4.2. Women getting married with Chinese return to Vietnam
Through interviews with women getting married with Chinese, very few
cases return to Vietnam. Those who return are mainly mistreated or expelled by
their husband's family.
4.3.4.3. Tendency of marriage in borderland of Phuc Hoa district
The economy in border region of Phuc Hoa district has changed rapidly,
people's living standard have been improved thanks to Ta Lung international
border gate and the people are hard working in various forms of livelihoods..
4.4. Some recommendations
Firstly, economic plays an important role, a key factor in social
development. In recent years, economic of Phuc Hoa district has had significant

changes, people's lives have been improved significantly. Secondly, it is necessary
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to promote the construction of the district's infrastructure system, paying special
attention to rural transport infrastructure, infrastructure, border gates and tourist
areas. Thirdly, it is necessary to promote the propaganda of cultural values of
ethnic group so that people are better aware of the cultural beauty that they possess
such as traditional costumes, beauty in customs, habit of marriage and poems in
wedding parties ... Fourthly, further develop the role of festivals, cultural activities,
creating opportunities for communities of border region to participate in cultural
activities, helping the relationship of ethnic groups in border region become close.
Fifthly, strengthen the building of a civilized, ethical way of life and cultural family
so that family members can concord, love and support each other. Sixthly: in
cross-border relationship, it is necessary to raise people's awareness about national
and territorial borders. Better control of cross-border travel through trails and
waterways. However, it is also necessary to have favorable policies and legal
forms for people living in bordering areas , creating conditions for them to travel
across the border to visit relatives or make their living. Seventhly, for women
getting married with Chinese, it is required to have quick and timely policies to
create conditions for those who are married, have children, with stable life in
China for many years to have the opportunity to receive Chinese nationality.

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