In US, Hmong ‘New Year’ Means Recalling Old Spirits, Teaching New Generations
For the annual fall renewal of her shaman spirit, Mee Vang Yang is preparing to redecorate the altar in her living room, adorned with her father’s ring-shaped shaman bells. These sacred objects symbolize her family’s escape from Laos during the communist takeover four decades ago. Today, they serve as a connection to the spiritual world, enabling her to help fellow refugees and their American-raised children in their quest for spiritual restoration.
The Hmong community in the United States celebrates the Noj Peb Caug, their most important spiritual celebration of the year, often referred to as the new year. Rooted in the post-harvest abundance and a time of sharing with the clan, the ceremonies hold great significance for the Hmong people.
During this time, shamans release their spirit guides to replenish their energy for another season of healing. Male heads of households, who embrace traditional animist practices, perform soul-calling ceremonies, honor ancestral spirits, and seek the protection of benevolent ones.
The Hmong people, an ethnic minority from China, fled to countries like Cambodia, Laos, and Vietnam, before eventually seeking refuge in the United States. They have preserved their beliefs in animism, which holds that spirits reside throughout the physical world, including multiple souls within a person. Lee Pao Xiong, the director of the Center for Hmong Studies, emphasizes the importance of appeasing these spirits and the intricate nature of these traditions.
However, many young Hmong individuals have not fully grasped the spiritual significance of their cultural heritage. Despite its popularity, even events like the Thanksgiving weekend dance and music performances in St. Paul fail to convey the deeper meaning behind Hmong traditions. Kim Xiong, the director of the Hmong Cultural Center, stresses the need to educate the youth and ensure the transmission of ancestral customs to future generations.
Shamanism plays a significant role in Hmong spirituality, with individuals like Hlee Xiong Lee, Kevin Lee, and Chad Lee serving as mediums between the mortal world and the spirit realm. Hlee Xiong Lee’s personal journey involves training as a shaman mentor and learning to communicate with the spirit world. She takes pride in her children’s ability to effortlessly navigate both Hmong and American traditions, tying string bracelets that symbolize their family’s connection to protective spirits.
Kevin Lee, who possesses the ability to communicate with spirits, has also faced challenges growing up in St. Paul. Balancing his gift with the regular experiences of childhood has been a unique journey. Chad Lee, as a seasoned shaman, understands the complexities of the spiritual realm and emphasizes finding one’s path.
The preservation of Hmong traditions and cultural heritage remains crucial, especially in a generation where conversion to Christianity is prevalent. By educating the youth and embracing their ancestral customs, the Hmong community can ensure that their spiritual practices endure.
As the Hmong ‘New Year’ approaches, the community seeks to renew their connection with the spiritual world. While holding onto time-honored customs, they also strive to bridge the gap between generations and instill a sense of cultural pride and understanding in the younger Hmong population.
The Hmong people’s journey from refugee camps to their current homes has been marked by challenges and adaptation. Through the upcoming celebrations and rituals, they continue to recall old spirits while passing down invaluable teachings to the new generations.
