Hmong New Year

Hmong originated in Laos, Vietnam, Burma and Thailand, but its unique culture has spread worldwide. The traditions and practices of the Hmong New Year are celebrated at the Seattle Center as part of their annual calendar of multicultural festivals.

The Hmong (pronounced Mong) have traditionally had a rough ride as shifting cultivators surrounded by settled people. In the Vietnam War, Hmong were bought on side by the Americans and suffered horribly for their disloyalty with revenge attacks from Vietnamese soldiers and lay people. In Laos, they are responsible for the growth of much of the country's opium and live in the most inaccessible jungle areas of this undeveloped country.

In Thailand meanwhile, they occupy similarly remote land in the north of the country and struggle with the drugs barons on the one hand and the Thai authorities responsible for wiping out opium cultivation on the other.

Despite this considerable provocation however, the people have remained resolute in the face of turbulence. The November celebrations mark the beginning of the new lunar year with folk arts and traditional performance using the long-established bamboo pipe and Jew's Harp. In addition to the musical recitals, the costumes provide close-ups of the intricately patterned embroidery worn by the Hmong people.

The one-day festival offers the rare opportunity to view Hmong films, eat traditional food and for children, the opportunity to revel in the vivacity of a faraway culture.

Related Information

Website: Hmong Website