Anna Hudak, features editor

Hmong Historical Art and Appreciation, hosted by Hmong Women Together, brought light to the Augsburg community on a rainy day. This educational event was centered around Hmong Shamanism, a religious tradition practiced in Minnesota, home to the largest Hmong community in the United States. According to ReligionsMN, “The traditions are embedded in proper ethical and ritual respect for ancestors, maintaining good relations with a variety of spirits in the spirit world, and the care of the entire person, including souls.” In addition to learning about the role of the Shaman, we participated in educational activities and ate traditional Hmong food. 

To provide us with a foundational knowledge of the Shamanic practices in the Hmong community, we listened to a short, engaging presentation centered on one of the most significant figures in Hmong Shamanism, the Txiv Neeb, also known as the Shaman. Shamans treat illnesses and diseases. During the presentation, we learned that they are able to enter a trance called “ua neeb” and communicate with the spirit world to understand the cause of the illness. The Shamans are called and chosen by spirit guides to become a shaman. To ensure the shaman’s capacity to fulfill this role, they are required to take a test. If they pass, the Shaman practices under a master. 

Although many privileges come with the Shaman role, Shamanic duties are extremely demanding. Billi Lor, a Shaman from Wisconsin, described the role as a “superhuman burden” and “superhuman gift.” Although he has expressed doubts about if he would repeat the process if offered, he has no regrets and enjoys witnessing his positive impact on those who seek his help. 

Shamans have multiple tools at their disposal that serve different purposes including the shaman rattle, the divine horns, the shaman gong, finger bells, the shaman’s altar and the shaman’s veil. To reinforce our learning, we participated in multiple educational activities in groups that incorporated objects relevant to shamanic rituals including eggs and split horns. Each activity was prefaced with an explanation of how the object included in the activity is used by a shaman. For example, because eggs are a valuable tool for shamans used for diagnostic purposes, we participated in an egg hunt. 

We also played Korean Rock Paper Scissors and participated in a lively blindfolded maze that required us to guide our teammate through a course of cones which Hmong Women Together board members could change the placement of. These competitive activities allowed us to process and reinforce our learning. After we finished the activities, we enjoyed Hmong sausage, sticky rice, and spring rolls.

This was a very engaging and informative event, encapsulating all the aspects of the mission of Hmong Women Together, which is “to create and sustain a supportive environment to connect, empower, and educate Hmong women and their allies to discover and explore different aspects of their cultural identities.” Anticipate more fun and educational events from Hmong Women Together next semester and attend their Colorism event on April 23!