The petals on each lotus flower numbered 1,000. Income is derrived from farming, domestic livestock, some local industry and plantations and crafts such as musical instruments, dyed cloth, garments, bamboo ware and small farm tools. They practice both dry and wet rice cultivation. He ties four or five needles into a bunch, anaesthetizes the boy with raw opium, rubs the boy's skin numb, and then applies the needles. The tattoos outline words and the images of tigers, dragons or snakes on the chest, back, face, stomach, buttocks or arms.
Pigment is added after pricking.
For women, s oot from burnt chestnut wood is collected on an iron plate and rubbed on their teeth. After several applications, the teeth turn black. Dyeing begins at ages fourteen or fifteen. The Dai love dance, drama, and poetry. One way young men and women express love for one another is through playing the game of throwing the floral bag.