Viet Nam's early history is shrouded in mystery. Legends passed down from generation to generation in a land that the Chinese called "Nam Viet" (Viet neighbors to the south) tell of a history as long as China's and independent of them.
The Viets are a non-Chinese people of Mongolian descent. They migrated south in 500 BCE. Having intermarried with primitive Filipinos and Indonesians, the Viet nationality was established with almost mystical and sacred bonds.
Where does the term "Viet" come from? You won't find the answer in traditional library resources or even a google search. It was told to me by Mrs. Lam, a teacher across the hall from me who was born and raised in Viet Nam. She left her home country and eventually became a teacher in the United States. She was a wonderful source of information about Viet Nam and a very fine friend and colleague. "Viet" comes from an ancient migrating bird from the north with whom the early peoples of Viet Nam identified themselves.
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