Here at Krause Funeral Home, we make it a priority to be equipped for meeting the funeral service needs of each and every family in our community. In order to do that, we take the time to learn about the different traditions of the many ethnicities that fill our neighborhoods. Milwaukee and the surrounding areas are incredibly diverse locales!
You may not have heard this, but Wisconsin has the third largest population of Hmong people in the United States, and Milwaukee has one of the largest Hmong communities in our state. The Hmong came to America from the mountains of China, Vietnam, Laos, Burma, and Thailand, although they are believed to be the indigenous people of the Yellow River basin in central China.
When Saigon and Laos fell to the Communists in 1975, many Hmong worked and fought alongside American and other anti-Communist forces that came to the area. Because of this they faced enormous persecution and danger in their homeland. Between 1975 and 1990 about 100,000 Hmong fled to this country as political refugees. Our culture is so much more robust because of their traditions, many of which they incorporate into their funeral services.
Funerals are incredibly important to the Hmong. The Hmong believe that when a person dies his soul travels to his birthplace, then on to the afterlife where he is united with his ancestors, and then he is reincarnated – hopefully back into his family of origin. Tradition states that if the funeral isn’t conducted correctly, the soul of the deceased may become lost and be dimmed to wander for eternity. They might also be reincarnated into a different family. So you can imagine how important the service is for the Hmong who still hold these beliefs. This is why we take what we do so seriously.
Some aspects of the Hmong funeral have changed since they came to the United States. One of the biggest changes is that the body is no longer prepared for burial at home, and services are now held at a funeral home. Their observances still remain rich and meaningful in a number of unique ways. Here are just a few:
- Many Hmong families believe a person will suffer if hard objects are buried with body, so they do not bury their loved one with buttons, zippers, or metal closures on their clothing, and many request that screws and nails be removed from inside coffin.
- Some Hmong are buried in traditional dress, while others wear western clothing. Often, family members will place additional clothing items in their casket.
- The ceremony typically lasts three days and includes the burning of incense and money.
- Music is incredibly important to the services, as the Hmong believe it guarantees safe passage to the afterlife. The traditional Hmong drum is often beat and the Hmong flute known as the “qeej” is played.
- Because of their belief in reincarnation, loved ones are not to show distress during the funeral, as they believe the focus should be on the rebirth of the soul.
- For Christian Hmong, the tribute still lasts three days, but church services are held throughout the day instead.
Traditions, faith, and ritual can bring a tremendous amount of comfort and peace during times of pain and loss. We consider it a privilege to join hands with families from all different cultural and religious backgrounds to create the service that shows honor and respect to their loved one and the values and religion that meant so much to them.
What are some ways you have found tradition to be comforting during hard times? Share with us below in the comment section.
FAQs
The ceremony typically lasts three days and includes the burning of incense and money. Music is incredibly important to the services, as the Hmong believe it guarantees safe passage to the afterlife. The traditional Hmong drum is often beat and the Hmong flute known as the “qeej” is played.
What do Hmong do when someone dies? ›
Vang and her family believe that traditional Hmong funerals are some of the most important rituals in their culture. Honoring the dead must be done with the utmost respect — and often involves loved ones gathering for days or even weeks to send the soul on its journey back to the ancestors.
What not to do at a Hmong funeral? ›
Don't ask the cause of death; if the family wants to discuss it, let them bring it up. Avoid giving unsolicited advice, or making comments that might unintentionally diminish the importance of the loss, such as "I've been through this before."
What happens if you trip at a Hmong funeral? ›
There are many things one shouldn't do at a Hmong funeral but one of the most important things to avoid is trip and fall. It is believed that if someone falls at a Hmong funeral they will be vulnerable to the spirits that are there and that those spirits will take their spirit away and they will end up sick.
How much does a Hmong funeral cost? ›
Cost of Hmong Traditional Full-Service Funerals
For families who are members of the Temple of Hmongism, a non-profit organization devoted to simplifying funeral rituals, the cost of a funeral is about $10 - $15,000 USD.
What is disrespectful in Hmong culture? ›
Looking directly into the face or direct eye contact is considered rude to traditional Hmong so don't be surprised if the person you are talking to looks down or away. Laughing or making rough comments is rude and shows insincerity. Sitting too close to the opposite gender while talking is inappropriate.
Can Hmong people be cremated? ›
There are various things that happen such as the grandchildren showing respect to their elders with incense. In the USA, various family members rotate staying at the funeral home during the whole duration until the burial. Hmong, generally don't believe in cremation and the usually have an open casket.
What is a taboo in Hmong culture? ›
Hmong are restricted from marrying someone in their same clan. Since clan identity passes from the father to children, a person is allowed to marry into their mother's clan and there is a custom of doing this.
What instrument is used at Hmong funerals? ›
The qeej (pronounced “kheng”), a free-reed multiple pipe bamboo instrument, is the most important instrument in White Hmong funeral rituals. The sounds of the qeej replicate the Hmong language, narrating the story of the journey back to the ancestors and the subsequent journey to rebirth.
What do the Hmong traditionally believe about the afterlife? ›
Hmong also believe in afterlife. With proper guidance from Hmong musical perfomers during the funeral rituals, the souls of the deceased will come back to their ancestors for reincarnation. Source: Paoze Thao, Mong Education at the Crossroads.
Traditional Hmong funerals last three days because that is how long it takes to help the deceased make their spiritual journey home. Not having a proper funeral is like leaving “a tree without roots,” Vaj said.
Who pays for the wedding in Hmong culture? ›
Hmong marriage in the US is different from marriage back then in Laos. They do still have the negotiating with the Mekong, Pij Las, and bride's maid of honor. The groom's side of the family still pays for the bride. But now many young couple does their wedding in a church.
What is the paper money at Hmong funerals? ›
The symbolic paper, folded into boats, are considered as money in the after world. Burning the paper right after the burial, means you are sending money to go with them so they won't become a hungry spirit in the after life.
What to expect at a Hmong funeral? ›
The ceremony typically lasts three days and includes the burning of incense and money. Music is incredibly important to the services, as the Hmong believe it guarantees safe passage to the afterlife. The traditional Hmong drum is often beat and the Hmong flute known as the “qeej” is played.
What state has the largest Hmong population? ›
California. California has the largest Hmong population in the United States by state.
What is typically the most expensive part of a funeral? ›
The most expensive part of a funeral is typically the basic services fee of a funeral home. The median cost of basic services fees is about $2,300. If you choose a traditional funeral and burial, your highest cost will likely be a metal casket. Metal caskets can cost around $2,500.
What do the Hmong believe about souls? ›
According to Hmong cosmology, the human body is the host for a number of souls. The isolation and separation of one or more of these souls from the body can cause disease, depression and death. Curing rites are therefore referred to as "soul-calling rituals".
How do Hmong people care at the end of life? ›
Both Animist and Christian respondents believed family should provide care at end of life. Animist Hmong elders reported the importance of Shamanistic rituals such as soul calling or spiritual offering while Christian Hmong elders believed in the power of prayers.
What is the Hmong ritual for preservation of souls? ›
Shamanism is a way to heal the Hmong by going into the spirit world, to battle the body spirits that ran away and to bring them back. To keep them staying there by tying them by a string to the body.
You may not have heard this, but Wisconsin has the third largest population of Hmong people in the United States, and Milwaukee has one of the largest Hmong communities in our state. The Hmong came to America from the mountains of China, Vietnam, Laos, Burma, and Thailand, although they are believed to be the indigenous people of the Yellow River basin in central China.