Post by Admin on Nov 24, 2011 5:21:46 GMT -5
The origins of the Hmong dates back over three thousand years to China. For centuries, Hmong kingdoms and other settlements fought with China’s armies to maintain their independence. Finally they were defeated. Survivors fled to the mountainous regions in southwest China, where many still live today. The Hmong began migrating into Laos and Vietnam between 1810 and 1820. From 1960 and 1975, the U.S. recruited and trainded the Hmong to fight communism during the Secret War in Laos. The objective of their involvement was to stop communist expansion and take pressure off U.S. troops in South Vietnam. After the American withdrawal from Southeast Asia, the Hmong were slaughtered by the communist forces in Laos and Vietnam. To escape, thousands of Hmong fled to Thailand. There they stayed in refugee camps until they could be resettled in another country. Between 1975 and 1988, many Hmong refugees came to the United States.
The main religion of the Hmong people is Animism. They believe in the existence of spirits separable from bodies. They worship by sacrificing animals like chicken and pigs. The Hmong people would take chicken blood and feather to paster it on a paper money. They normally do this at New Years Festivals, wedding celebrations, and funerals. They would pray for good luck and protection from evil spirits. The Hmong believe in their spiritual leaders called the Shamans. The Shaman is an important member of the community, acting as doctor, spiritual counselor, dream interpreter, and an elder who serves as a bridge between the physical and spirit worlds. The shaman's healing rituals provide existence with a moral interpretation and meaningfulness.
The main religion of the Hmong people is Animism. They believe in the existence of spirits separable from bodies. They worship by sacrificing animals like chicken and pigs. The Hmong people would take chicken blood and feather to paster it on a paper money. They normally do this at New Years Festivals, wedding celebrations, and funerals. They would pray for good luck and protection from evil spirits. The Hmong believe in their spiritual leaders called the Shamans. The Shaman is an important member of the community, acting as doctor, spiritual counselor, dream interpreter, and an elder who serves as a bridge between the physical and spirit worlds. The shaman's healing rituals provide existence with a moral interpretation and meaningfulness.