Hmong shamans are believed to be chosen by the spirits, usually after a serious or prolonged illness. The illness would be diagnosed by another shaman as an initiatory illness and confrontation with death, which was caused by the spirits. Both men and women can be summoned in this way by the spirits to be shamans. After recovery from the illness, the newly-called shaman begins a period of study with a master shaman, which may last two or three years, during which time he or she learns the chants, techniques, and procedures of shamanic rites, as well as the names and natures of all spirits that can bring fortune or suffering to people. Because the tradition is passed ora

lly, there is no uniform technique or ritual; rather, it varies within a general framework according to the practice of each master and apprentice (Lee, Mai X).

In different cultures funerals are practiced differently. Some cultures bury the deceased while other cultures cremate. In the Hmong tradition, when someone passes away, there is a funeral ritual that will be performed to guide the soul to its ancestors. The ritual consists of three days where animals will be sacrificed, and certain tool will be used to guide the soul of the deceased. By performing the ritual, the soul will be provided with the essentials such as: food, water, money, and clothing for the long journey it will take. The Hmong believe that the soul must be provided with these essentials, so they can be well prepared for the after life. It is necessary for this ritual to be performed in order to create a path for the soul to take and give the soul everything they need (Lee, N.).

During the ritual, people of the family can hold burning incense. This worship means that the dead will leave his luck to all those who ask for it. They have to kneel down and raise this burning incense above their heads. This is done because as a descendent or a relative to the deceased, you have the right to gain some f the luck this person has had throughout his or her life. It’s a sign of respect for the dead, and a way to gain luck. Also, during the ritual there is an animal sacrifice. The purpose of animal sacrifice is for the deceased to have a companion to be with him on his journey to the after life. With animal sacrifices, it also provides the deceased with food for the funeral visitors. Pigs and cows are common animals that are sacrificed (Lee).

One of the most unusual aspects of the Hmong culture is that the New Year festival is celebrated with everyone in the community. The Hmong do not celebrate the New Year on the official date. The festival must be at least three days as it was considered bad luck for it to last a day that was an even number. It can last a month to a month and a half. The three most important aspects of the festival are: the religious rituals that must be observed, the mating which goes on among the people, and the display of wealth. Religious rituals take place on the last day which is the thirteenth day. As mentioned before, the hmong believe in a wide variety of spirits both good and bad. To keep the good spirits happy, they ask for assistance for the New Year ahead. To remove bad spirits they sweep their house by cleaning the house and getting rid of all the dust, dirt and soot. All together they are getting rid of the bad spirits from the house (Lee, N.).

Every Hmong who believes in this religion of shamanism, a form of ancestor worship, has a suka in their homes. The suka is a place in ones’ home where the good spirits dwell and protect the home and family. The suka, to the Hmong is like the crucifix to the Christian. Their religious beliefs

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