“Tong” in Tay ethic language means “getting on well with each other” or “being similar”. “Tong friends” refers to close friends who always give a hand and support each other in their work and life.

“Ket tong” custom is only open to people of the same gender.

Accordingly, it is not true that only Tay ethnic people can become “tong friends” to each other. One of them can come from another area from other ethnic group. If the two men want to become friends and have a strong attachment like relatives of each other, they will hold a “ket tong” ceremony.

Nevertheless, the “ket tong” custom is only open to people who have the same gender. In the Tay ethnic community, one can hold the ‘ket tong’ ceremony with one or two “tong friends”, only a few of them have three “tong fiends”. Like soulmates, “tong friends” are always side by side no matter the difficulties or successes.

To sum up, “ket tong” custom of Tay ethnic people in Tuyen Quang carries a beautiful meaning. It expresses the spirit of solidary and mutual support between peoples. The close – knit relationship of “tong friends” among the predecessor will be definitely preserved by their descendants.