San Chay in Vietnam

People Name:	San Chay
Country:	Vietnam
10/40 Window:	Yes
Population:	206,000
World Population:	257,000
Primary Language:	Cao Lan
Primary Religion:	Ethnic Religions
Christian Adherents:	0.01 %
Evangelicals:	0.01 %
Scripture:	Portions
Ministry Resources:	No
Jesus Film:	Yes
Audio Recordings:	Yes
People Cluster:	Tai
Affinity Bloc:	Southeast Asian Peoples
Progress Level:

Introduction / History

The San Chay in Vietnam migrated from southern China in the first half of the nineteenth century. Communities are divided into various family lineages, each clan having their own peculiar customs and their own protective spirit.

The San Chay are officially considered part of the Zhuang nationality in China. They speak a distinct language—different from other Zhuang varieties—and possess their own set of customs and traditions.

San Chay is part of the Central Tai linguistic family. It is a Sinicized group, consisting mainly of various areas of the delta of northern Vietnam; it is also found in smaller numbers in China." It is possible that the San Chay language in China is what linguists label the Yan-Guang dialect of Southern Zhuang.

What Are Their Lives Like?

Strict morality codes are practiced among the rural San Chay. Women must observe strict rules and customs. Whenever a woman encounters a man in a social position superior to her husband's, she is required to hide behind bamboo. The San Chay were traditionally buried when they died but, due to a lack of land, the government has recently begun demanding that the dead be cremated instead. Traditionally, when the body was placed in the coffin, seven coins were added for a man and nine for a woman. The coins represent the Khue star which they believe guides the person's soul to his or her ancestors in the other world.

What Are Their Beliefs?

Spirit worship takes a major place in the lives of the San Chay population. Each branch of the nationality worships a different spirit such as the spirit of the river, the trees, the crops, etc. Elaborate festivals include the playing of castanets, copper

What Are Their Needs?

San Chay people need to place their trust in Jesus Christ.

Prayer Points

Pray for the power of Christ to bind dark spiritual forces that prevent the San Chay from experiencing His presence.
Pray for them to see and believe the miracles of Jesus Christ and that this would spark a spiritual hunger in their hearts.
Pray for bold workers who are driven by the love of the Holy Spirit to go to them.
Pray for an unstoppable movement to Christ among the San Chay.