Hmong People

Hmong people are of Asian ethnicity that lived in the mountainous regions of southern China.  Many migrated to Southeast Asia in the early 18 hundreds due to political and economic changes.  The people lived in peace until they fought against communism in the Secret War.  In 1975 when the Lao government was taken over by the Pathet Lao communist group, the Hmong fled out of the country and headed west across the Mekong River towards Thailand.  Now many have left Thailand with and into other countries around the world including the United States, Canada, Australia, France, and French Guiana.

Changes
Along with changes come the ability to adapt to a new culture and new way of life.  Those things come with a change of government, occupation, living, society, economy, religion and education.  In the past, education was something that only some males were permitted to participate in.  Now education is available to those in countries that have public schoolings and have changed the many old traditions and ideas that have shaped today’s culture.

Language
An obstacle that seems to be a stumbling block for the first settlers is the language barrier. The main languages they speak now are still the two native dialects, White Hmong and or Green Mong and in addition the language of the land they live in currently.  The newer generations have an easier time of keeping up with that since they are born into the change but that also makes it hard for the communication between the older and newer generations. 

Food
Hmong cuisine is still very much the same with a base meal of white steamed rice with boiled or fried vegetables and meat along with a nice spicy sauce with Thai peppers and herbs on the side called kua txob or hov txob. 

Dress
The traditional clothing is usually only worn at ceremonies and during celebrations.  The clothing design varies to show that represent or are from a certain clan or family.  The different designs are hand stitched and have many bright colors of red, yellow, green, and pick.  Black silk like cloth is used for the majority of the outfit.  Bright pink belts are used as a belt and coins are used to decorate many pieces of the hanging pockets.  Silver is worn around the neck and hangs down from the chest that weighs a good few pounds.  Many wear hats that of many styles accordingly to their region or family.

Fun
Hmong families have fun in many ways.  They always try to find an excuse to have a party to invite all their relatives to come over.  Usually they kill a cow or a pig so that they would have enough meat for all the family.  During the summer time many head out to the Hmong soccer tournaments where half of the field have booths set up where you can buy things and booths that serve Hmong barbeque with sticky purple rice.  In the fall season or wintertime, there are New Years that occur in October to January from city to city during the weekends.  

On we can help you learn more about the people and culture.  As you journey with us into the past, present, and hopes of the future, we will provide information and history of what you need on the Hmong People.