Introduction / History

There are well over a million Tay people, but they are split up into subgroups such as the Tay Tac people. We do not know how many are among the Tay Tac subgroup. The ancestors of the Tay peoples migrated south from China to escape the clutches of advancing Mongol armies in the 1200s. From their homes, which were in today's Vietnam, the Tay people were unwilling to submit to a Hmong king. For 12 years the Hmong attacked and burned Tay villages. Many fled to escape the reach of the Hmongs.

In the past all Tay Tac subgroups have been noted for their skills as hunters. They used cages, traps and arrows to catch their prey. Only those in very remote areas today still hunt since hunting is unsustainable in their environment.

The Tay Tac people live in northern Vietnam.

What Are Their Lives Like?

Though they were once skilled hunters, most Tay Tac people are now farmers. Because of the horrible carnage on their villages in the past, some Tay Tac villages use hedges and ditches to keep outsiders out.

What Are Their Beliefs?

A lot of reverence for spirits of ancestors pervades the society. Family and community prayers are conducted in shrines as they chant incantations to the spirits. The skulls of ancestors are kept in the clan caves. Prayers are made over the skulls for they are believed to bring good favor. Tribal spirits are revered but they guard and affect their territory, only. Today only a few Taveta follow these traditions because many have integrated with the national culture.

What Are Their Needs?

The Taveta church in Kenya is stronger than the one in neighboring Tanzania. Kenyans need to go to them with the gospel.

Prayer Items

There are no known believers among the Tay Tac people. Pray this will soon change.
Pray for the Holy Spirit to move in their communities in such a way that there is spiritual openness to Jesus Christ, churches planted, and a discipleship movement.
Pray for a fellowship of believers to emerge which will include this people group.

Scripture Prayers for the Tay Tac in Vietnam.

References

https://asiaharvest.org/wp-content/uploads/people-groups/Vietnam/Tay.pdf