Muong in Vietnam

People Name:	Muong
Country:	Vietnam
10/40 Window:	Yes
Population:	1,484,000
World Population:	1,484,000
Primary Language:	Muong
Primary Religion:	Ethnic Religions
Christian Adherents:	1.00 %
Evangelicals:	0.02 %
Scripture:	New Testament
Ministry Resources:	Yes
Jesus Film:	Yes
Audio Recordings:	Yes
People Cluster:	Mon-Khmer
Affinity Bloc:	Southeast Asian Peoples
Progress Level:

Introduction / History

The Muong inhabit the mountainous slopes of north central Vietnam, from the lower reaches of the Da River to the upper reaches of the Ma River. The Muong speak a Mon-Khmer language that is closely related to Vietnamese.

Prior to the Chinese conquest of the Red River delta region, the Vietnamese and the Muong formed a fairly unified group. While the forefathers of the Viet peoples migrated down the plains and became influenced by the Chinese, the Muong's ancestors stayed in the mountains, preserving their culture. Thus, the two groups developed independently. The Muong decisively rejected the cultural influence of the Chinese. Since communism took over Vietnam, the Muong have had more influence from the ethnic Vietnamese. Yet they retain their own language called Muong.

What Are Their Lives Like?

The Muong have an extraordinarily unified culture. One can pass through large areas of Muong territory without ever passing through the territory of another ethnic group. There is also a strong feeling of mutual aid within the Muong villages. Villagers willingly help one another in local projects and depend on each other for mutual support and help during times of trouble.

Farming is the foundation of the Muong economy, although gathering, fishing, hunting, raising livestock, and making handicrafts have also become very important. The farmers raise wet rice on terraced land, watered by small brooks. They also grow dry rice. Since productivity is low, the Muong also gather cinnamon and wood for trade. Many of their towns have become trading centers. For their meat supply they raise buffalos, pigs and chickens.

Muong villages generally consist of 10 to 25 households. They are usually situated on plateaus, or near water at higher altitudes (over 2,600 feet). They live in houses that are raised about six feet off the ground on wooden stilts. They are large, rectangular dwellings divided into separate rooms by shoulder-high bamboo screens. Each home has a verandah at its entrance. There they keep a bucket of water for washing their feet before entering the home.

They love art forms like lullabies, riddles, proverbs, folk tales and stories. Their favorite musical instruments include a flute, a two-stringed violin, a panpipe and especially the gong.

What Are Their Beliefs?

The Muong practice their traditional ethnic religion, worshiping ancestral spirits and other supernatural deities. They are primarily animists, which means that they believe that non-living objects have spirits. They also deify local heroes who have died and worship ancestral spirits. A prominent feature in each Muong home is the altar, which is built in honor of their ancestors. Their faith in folk beliefs have diminished because of the introduction of modern medicine.

What Are Their Needs?

The Muong people need the chance to hear and respond to the Christian gospel. As it stands, they put their faith in the spirit world rather than the King of kings.

Prayer Points

Pray for Muong culture to be renewed and enhanced by a work of the Holy Spirit into a God-centered and God-honoring mold.
Pray for the Holy Spirit to move among Muong family and community leaders to seek his face and enjoy his blessings.
Pray for the Lord to thrust out workers who will be compelled to nurture a movement to Christ among the Muong people.
Pray that soon the Muong people will have faith that will lead them to live honorable lives that will draw others to the savior.