Several expert opinions have put forward to trace their origins, one side arguing that they are a distinct one Bahnaric ethnolinguistic group in the Champa city-state from the 2nd to 19th centuries, until assimilating with the Cham people and speaking Cham thereafter. While others argue that they were a group of former Cham people who fled to the highlands after a war with Đại Việt in the 15th century.[1] Meanwhile, other related ethnic groups such as the Jarai and Rade had inhabited the highlands earlier after fighting with other Chamic ethnolinguistic groups around 10th to 13th centuries.[2]
Religion
Contemporary Haroi traditional religion involves the practice of polytheistic and animistic beliefs. A small part are Bani Islam (traditional Shia), as well as Hinduism.[1]
The Haroi people in Phú Yên and Bình Định provinces have long-standing cultural traditions, including traditional cuisine, music, and costumes. Their traditional costumes are known for their elegant and discreet identity. They also have a tradition of celebrating welcoming the new rice season known as Quai Pthăi Brău.[3] They also have drums that are often played during this traditional festival called Trống K’toang.[4]
Population
The Haroi population is around 42,500 to 46,000.[citation needed] They live mainly in Bình Định and Phú Yên provinces. Their main distribution is in Vân Canh, a mountainous district in Bình Định province. Where they comprise 40% of the population.[5]
^Hammarström, Harald; Forkel, Robert; Haspelmath, Martin, eds. (2017). "Haroi". Glottolog 3.0. Jena, Germany: Max Planck Institute for the Science of Human History.
