Haeeah deWeever, staff writer

Traditional Hmong food and clothing, singing, dancing, cultural exhibits, love and laughter are all of the beauties tied into the celebration of the Hmong New Year. This annual celebration takes place during the fall to honor the Hmong ancestors and celebrate the completion of the harvest. As a time to give thanks to those of the past, honor cultural identity, promote diversity and bring together family and friends, the Hmong New Year preserves and promotes Hmong heritage and allows the community to share their traditions across other cultures. 

During the New Year celebration, parents rest and enjoy the fruits of their labor, while the young amuse themselves with and express their talents through a variety of games and similar activities — such as playing music on the geej, a bamboo flute. Most importantly, the Hmong New Year is a time to begin anew with a carefree spirit. Guests are invited from far away to dine with friends and family members not seen for a long time. Relief from the ordinary cares of life is the order of the day. For many young Hmong people, the New Year celebration is the time to choose a partner, meaning the New Year is often closely associated with another major milestone: weddings!

Recently, on Nov. 16, Hmong Women Together hosted their biggest event of the year, celebrating the New Year. The celebration featured a stylish and unique fashion show, displaying authentic bright, beautiful and colorful traditional Hmong clothing. The students who participated in the fashion show were paired up and then had their makeup done by a makeup artist specializing in traditional Hmong makeup style. Shining in their traditional outfits and makeup, the cultural pride and community support wasn’t the only thing on display during the catwalk. As the celebration went on, live music of two of the most popular Hmong singers and sisters, Pangia Xiong and Zhong Pha Xiong, was enjoyed. There was also a talent show allowing students to showcase their skills, such as playing an instrument, singing, dancing or even performing a comedy skit. Those not of Hmong descent were still invited to participate in the festivities, allowing others to join in on the fun and learn about the traditions and cultural practices of Hmong New Year.  

The Hmong New Year was celebrated off of Augsburg’s campus, too. One major event for the community is the Miss Hmong Minnesota and Miss Hmong Teen Minnesota beauty pageants. According to the United Hmong Family Inc.’s website, the vision of the pageants is to “create a positive change for the Hmong Community by building and empowering our Hmong women to be leaders.” Along with their vision, the organization’s overall mission is “to build advocates through interpersonal skills, leadership opportunities, community services, self-identity, cultural values, and cultural preservation.”

There are so many special events, holidays and celebrations happening during this time of the year. Whether you’ve celebrated the New Year or not, it is easy to see the importance of the Hmong New Year. The celebration ties everyone together, offering a variety of ways to keep the Hmong community united by celebrating the coming of the year with family, friends and other community members.