Hmong Research Paper
I wrote this paper summer of 2009 for an english research essay. To me, it served much as a personal analysis of my background. Take a look if you will:
"...Religion is always a hot, controversial topic. Often times I receive strongly opposing views or negative comments about Shamanism, which makes me uncomfortable. I have come to realize that the customs, traditions and knowledge bestowed upon the newer generations are slowly dissipating. “Americanized” Hmong are forgetting their cultural roots. Conversions in religious beliefs often result in ignorant, incorrect views about Shamanism, and the education of Hmong cosmology is not taught widely, leaving younger generations with clouded views of their customs. To understand the ancient religion …show more content…
There are the tame spirits that offer protection from the wilds spirits. They live in and watch over the home of a Hmong. When you are involved in an accident, a simple spirit calling can be held to prevent further problems. Spirit callings are however held at the end of the year; the head of the house hold chooses a propitious day starting in November through January. Red and white threads are intertwined into bracelets or necklaces and are tied on with a blessing. It serves as a protection from evil harming. Other times blessings of white strings are tied on wrist from family members outside of the immediate family to influence good health and a prosperous life. Hmong Christians may practice string tying too.
Although, if you are not careful you may run into wild powerful spirits that lurk the outside; this may instill fatal illnesses to your health. If that is the case, a ceremony known as to ua neeg (“oo-ah neng”) will be conducted. The shaman will go and see what is wrong as he will negotiate with the demonic spirits to free the imprisoned soul. Food and money will be offered in return with the fugitive soul, but in some cases, the evil spirit prevails and does not accept the grant. The body of the ill one will eventually give out, resulting in a grief stricken lost if little is
"...Religion is always a hot, controversial topic. Often times I receive strongly opposing views or negative comments about Shamanism, which makes me uncomfortable. I have come to realize that the customs, traditions and knowledge bestowed upon the newer generations are slowly dissipating. “Americanized” Hmong are forgetting their cultural roots. Conversions in religious beliefs often result in ignorant, incorrect views about Shamanism, and the education of Hmong cosmology is not taught widely, leaving younger generations with clouded views of their customs. To understand the ancient religion …show more content…
There are the tame spirits that offer protection from the wilds spirits. They live in and watch over the home of a Hmong. When you are involved in an accident, a simple spirit calling can be held to prevent further problems. Spirit callings are however held at the end of the year; the head of the house hold chooses a propitious day starting in November through January. Red and white threads are intertwined into bracelets or necklaces and are tied on with a blessing. It serves as a protection from evil harming. Other times blessings of white strings are tied on wrist from family members outside of the immediate family to influence good health and a prosperous life. Hmong Christians may practice string tying too.
Although, if you are not careful you may run into wild powerful spirits that lurk the outside; this may instill fatal illnesses to your health. If that is the case, a ceremony known as to ua neeg (“oo-ah neng”) will be conducted. The shaman will go and see what is wrong as he will negotiate with the demonic spirits to free the imprisoned soul. Food and money will be offered in return with the fugitive soul, but in some cases, the evil spirit prevails and does not accept the grant. The body of the ill one will eventually give out, resulting in a grief stricken lost if little is