In the Vietnamese spiritual life, many forms of beliefs have existed. Traditionally, apart from the major religions, the cults of the ancestors, the protective genius of the village, the spirits or the heroes who have served the country (especially Mau or Me - Holy mother) are practiced. The oldest beliefs still preserved belong to the Tay-Thai, H'mong-Dao; Hoa-San Diu-Ngai; Cham-Ede-Jarai and Mon-Khmer ethnic groups.