Palaung

Palaung  (De’ang) form one of the 56 ethnic groups officially recognized by the People's Republic of China. They also live in Myanmar, where they are recognized by the government as an ethnic minority within the Shan national race. They speak a Mon-Khmer language also called "Ta-ang".

Culture

Palaung costumes feature bright and saturated colour, with married women wearing cane rings around their waists to indicate marital status. Most Palaungs in the village prefer their traditional way of life, and live in the long houses unique to their tribe. Six Palaung families live together without separation in this 30-metre-or-so long house, in which all daily activities take place - weaving, cooking and child caring. Tiny chambers are set up for some degree of privacy.

Religion

Most Palaung are adherents of Buddhism and Buddhist temples can be found in most of their towns. Buddhism is present in all of the daily activities of this ethnic group. As of age of 10, many children are sent to the monasteries. Most of them return to normal life years later.