Introduction / History

The Lahu are a Vietnamese people group. They speak in a Tibetan-Burmese language.

The Lahu work in cultivation and recently have been doing wet rice cultivation. They also do bamboo and metal work. They also fish and hunt as a means of income. Rice is a regular food for them and they eat fish and meat.

Lahu women give birth at home with the help of female relatives. The baby is named when it is born. There are many details to be observed in a Lahu marriage. Usually the bride lives with the family of her husband. With death, the family of the bereaved fire shots to tell others close to them what has happened and they believe it gets rid of ghosts. Sons and daughters are in mourning for three years for their bereaved parents.

The Lahu worship ancestors but believe a deity is in control. They believe there are two places in heaven: one is a "dead house" where the person dies and that is the end. The other is a "sick house" where a worship ritual enables them to live longer. They go to fortune tellers to ask them about their situation.

The Lahu use the Vietnamese language. They use herbal medicines alongside rituals. They like to play the flute and drums.

Prayer Points

* Pray that Vietnamese Christians will go to the Lahu and give them the gospel message.
* Pray that the Lahu belief in God will lead them to Jesus Christ.

References

vietnam-culture.blogspot.co.uk/2011/09/lahu-ethnic-group.html