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The Jing people live on the three islands
of Wanwei, Wutou, and Shanxin near the Vietnam
border. These islands are known as the "Three
Islands of the Jings." The Jing, who descended
from the Vietnamese, originally called themselves
the "Viets." Their language is basically
the same as the Vietnamese, though they can
read and write in Chinese.
The Jing celebrate many festivals, integrating
song and legend into their festival times. According
to legend, about seven or eight hundred years
ago a singer goddess came to the three Jing
islands. With her musical voice, she led the
Jing in their struggle against the local feudal
lords. Although she was killed in the struggle,
her songs were deeply impressed on the hearts
of the people. The Ha festival is celebrated
to commemorate her with singing.
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