Hmong community members were in kitchen at First United Methodist Church in Duluth on Friday, preparing for the big New Year feast.
Everyone was hard at work cooking, baking or frying food. The smell of sticky rice, stir fry and vegetable egg rolls made your mouth water.
"It's that busy time of year again," said Cherpao Vang, coordinator for the Hmong New Year celebration. "We are getting ready for the Hmong New Year."
The Hmong New Year celebration is today at First United Methodist Church, the "copper-top church" at 230 E. Skyline Parkway, from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Nearly 400 people come to the celebration every year to eat a filling lunch and watch live performances.
The celebration begins with socializing, followed by entertainment. Community members will play traditional Hmong music, perform traditional dances, share stories and display historical artwork.
Hmong people generally come from China, Laos, Vietnam and Thailand. Many came to the U.S. after the Vietnam War. The community tries to keep its tradition, language and culture alive in the by celebrating the Hmong New Year.
"The younger generation tends to live an Americanized lifestyle versus a Hmong lifestyle," Vang said. "We don't want the younger generation to lose our tradition or culture."
The Hmong New Year celebrates ancestry, accomplishments, tradition and fun. Some of the traditions include a ball tossing ceremony, using a tree branch to sweep the bad energy from one's home, songs with Hmong musical instruments, blessing and preparing chickens, visiting relatives and making sure no one in the family is spending money or doing chores on the first day of the New Year.
"We don't celebrate Christmas, Thanksgiving or Easter, only the New Year," Vang said. "We celebrate every year in December and invite the public to come join us."
The Hmong community encourages everyone to learn about their culture.
"We aren't different from anyone else," Paula Vang said. "It's a great way for people to learn our history. The Hmong Community is a part of the Duluth community."
Cherpao Vang agreed.
"I'm very fortunate to have local sponsors, neighbors and friends come to this event," Vang said. "I'm so happy people are taking the time to get to know us. It truly means so much."
