Family Rituals In Hmong Culture

Ritual is defined as a prescribed formal behavior for occasions not given over technological routine, having reference to beliefs in mystical beings or powers (Turner, 1962, p.19). One of my family rituals in my culture is soul calling and string-tying known in the Hmong culture as Hu Plig Khi Tes. This ritual is originated with my family by passed down from one generation to another throughout many generations. It is a health-like ritual often performed for a family member who is recovering for a sickness. It also can be done to welcome a new bride or a newborn baby. In order for this ritual to occur, a shaman visits the home of the person who needs their soul to be checked on. At the front door of the house, he will ring a gong while calling for the lost spirit. A live chicken is used; it is tied by it feet and put inside a bag, awaiting to be sacrificed for the spirit. After the shaman is done calling for the spirit, the chicken will be killed and served to the guest of honor. In addition, a soul calling can be done to welcome a new bride to welcome her to the spiritual clan of her husband’s family and to welcome a newborn baby to the world. Afterward, a string-tying ceremony is carried out after the hu plig. A string-tying ceremony is when family members and family friends tie a white string around the wrists of the guest of honor which the strings are thought to protect the person from misery and misfortune. In my culture, rituals are a
I am glad my family has this ritual to welcome a new member in the family and to perform for a sick family member who is recovering. I believe this ritual should not be stopped because it is a part of my culture and it is one of the important practices. It has been passed down through ancestors from one generation to another. I would love to carry this ritual on with my family someday in the