THE PHU LA
Derivative: Xa Pho, Bo Kho Pa, Mu Di Pa, Pho, and Va Xo
Population: 9,046 people (as of 1999)
Locality: Lai Chau, Son La, Lao Cai, and Ha Giang Provinces.
Customs and culture
The Phu La worship their ancestors and believe in animism.
The chief of the village is the oldest one and most-respected by the villagers.
The Phu La have engagement ceremony after which the girl is considered married and live with her husband family. The wedding is held 1 year after that.
Language: The Pu La language belongs to the Sino-Tibetan Group.
Dress:
The women often wear square aprons that are embroidered with motifs and attached to the front of the attire.
Economy:
The Phu practise slash-and-burn agriculture and cultivate a lot rice on terraces.