Table of Contents
- Theme
- Definitions
- In Hmong Shamanism...
- In Hmong Christianity...
- Conflicts of Hmong Shamanism
- Conflicts of Hmong Christianity
- Interviews (Shamanists, Christians, and an alternative believer)
- Compromises of Shamanism and Christianity
- Some Hmong Churches in Milwaukee, WI
- Bibliography
Theme
Conflict and Compromise in being a Hmong Shaman or Christain in the United States.
Definitions
Shamanism- A religion that is neither monotheism or polytheism. It is built on worship of ancestors and the belief in spirits of the environment.
Christianity- A monotheism religion that believes in a greater being, God, whom is the creator of the world.
In Hmong Shamanism...A Shaman, also known as “Txiv Neeb” in the Hmong language, is chosen by the spirits. The “Txiv Neeb” can be male or female depending on whomever the spirits choose. The “Txiv Neeb” is capable to communicate with spirits, known as “Dab” in Hmong. Whenever there is a problem, the “Txiv Neeb” is called to help. He is believed to travel through the spirit world learning the causes and cures to the problem. When the Shaman starts his journey into the spirit world, he goes into a deep trance and mumbles sacred words. He uses split horns to see which path to take. He also rings bells, which are usually hand held, to enhance his “gift” to overcome obstacles in the spirit world. Also during this traveling period, an assistant may be playing a gong alongside the shaman. When he finds the cause of the problem, he would negotiate with the evil “Dab” that caused it.
-Depending on the situation and/or the family, the shaman may do different rituals. Different families have different ways of doing rituals and then the shaman may have to make accommodations to that family’s way.
The Hmong practice shamanism for physical and spiritual healing, emotional uplifts, greeting and celebration of good fortune. Also for protection against evil spirits.
Hand tying ceremony (“khi tes” ceremony) - people gather to tie a string or more on a certain person’s wrist, or certain group of people’s wrists. Strings are used to indicate that the person has changed or become something new OR protect individuals from evil spirits/sickness/harm and holds intact of the life- souls
- white string: blessing
-red: cast out evil spirits
-however if the color of string need is not at hand, other color strings can be used.
Spirit calling, or “Hu Plig,” - This is when one’s spirit is lost or away from his body. The “Txiv Neeb” sets up his equipment at the entrance of the doorway. Then he chants sacred words calling out to the lost spirit to return back to it’s body.
In order for some rituals to properly perform their tasks, animal sacrifices are needed. Some rituals require a specific way of cutting up the sacrificed animal to please the spirits.
-sacrificial animals: chicken, pigs, cows
-smaller animals are sacrificed for smaller events and larger animals are sacrificed for larger events.
Everyone helps out whenever one family is in need of a “Txiv Neeb”. Some are needed to help with the animal sacrifices, others for preparing food, and some to go call the “Txiv Neeb.”
In Hmong Christainity...
Church is on Sundays, like all the other Christians, and there are choir groups, Sunday school, service, and such.
Celebrations of holidays, weddings, and funerals are more Americanized and doesn’t take as long as the usual traditional ones.
People don’t drink as much in Hmong Christian weddings, however in the traditional ones where there is a surplus of alcohol, a lot of drinking occurs. This is only usually.
However, drinking is depended on the decision of both families; they could have all the alcohol they want or none at all.
- Women are inferior to men; they don’t have as many rights/privileges as men, for example polygamy, men are viewed as the head of the house hold, etc.
- Some beliefs, customs, and traditions may not be accepted because some families have their own ways of doing a certain ritual, etc.
- They cannot fully express their religion due to being under US regulations.
- Feels looked down upon by Hmong Christians.
- Hurt when Christians tell them that their practices are evil and will lead them to eternal damnation.
Conflicts of Hmong Christianity
- Men are viewed as superior to women; man dominates.
- God is all powerful, one should believe in him and only follow him.
- Feels that they’re looked down upon by Shamans, because shamanism was the original Hmong belief, but some had converted into Christianity, leaving their old religion behind.
- Don’t want to participate in the Shaman’s “sinful” traditional rituals.
Interviews (Shamanists, Christians, and an alternative believer)
Shaman Interview 1
What is your religion?
Shamanism
What are your practices? beliefs? values?
We believe in spirits and have very superstitious beliefs. We believe in ghosts and certain things that can reverse fortunes and what not. We have ceremonies that would shock a few such as sacrificing and other things. We makes sure everything is precise.
Do you think your religion is the "right" religion? Why?
I've been taught all of this so yeah it's the right religion to me. Others can debate, but I can do the same to their religions also.
Did you choose your religion or were you born/forced upon your religion?
I was born into it and yeah sort of forced into it.
Do you believe strongly in your religion?
Yes, the practice of shamanism among the Hmong (my cultural background) has decreased over the years. It puts a chip on the rest of our shoulders to carry on and prove we are still strong. Don't know how others (Native Americans, Whites and Blacks, in general, and whoever else) practice the religion.
What do you think about the other religions?
I have nothing against them and I am going to respect another's beliefs. I am not very opinionated upon religion unless provoked.
What do you like/dislike about your religion?
Very tedious religion, a "perfectionist" religion, early mornings, and long days. Do I like it? I don't know I just practice it.
What are some restrictions for your religion? Strict?
Everything sort of has to be pin point in order for ancestors and spirits to be happy and families, in general. After a feast at the end of the year there are restrictions on money, and knives, which we cannot use for three days. Also, there must almost have to be animal and money sacrifices for important things.
What kind of support do you get from your religion?
We can usually have it get us out of predicaments of various sorts, natural or supernatural. We get to see family a lot.
How do you keep faith/religion alive?
Force it upon the younger generation. So the fourth question I am being forced I just didn't get to this question yet. Sharing information would be a nicer way to say it or teaching.
Christian Interview 1
What is your religion?
I am a Christian, in the district Christian Missionary Alliance.
Do you think your religion is the "right" religion? Why?
There's never a "right" religion, because every religion is all about believing. In my case, I am a Christian. So I believe that religion is right for me, because I'm taking my chance to believe Him, and I believe that I'll go to heaven.
Did you choose your religion? Born into your religion? Or force upon your religion?
Yes, I choose my religion. Even though I was born upon a Christian family, I wasn't force to believe in him. I had a choice, and I choose Christianity.
Do you believe strongly in your religion?
I believe in God strongly!
What do you think about the other religion?
I have nothing against other religion, and I believe to a point that, other religion can be real too. About Shamanism, I believe that the Shamanism way is Hell. Not to offend anybody, but that's how I feel. The Shamanism believes in spirits, ghost, and hell, so I believe that's the way.
How do you keep your faith/religion alive?
I love Christ and I'm making alive by just believing him. I'm also making alive by telling other people about the word of God. As of right now, we have a small church that only consists of 5-6 families. We aren't that big yet, but our faith is strong. I'm stil nowl the church treasurer and the music assistant. I keep Christianity alive by playing music. That's my message out to everyone, and maybe will inspire people to join in.
What are the restrictions for your religion?
There's not really any restriction at being a Christian. It's all about forgiveness and repenting your sins. And I also believed that he died on the cross for our sins.
What kind of support do you get from your religion?
I get love and warmth for my religion. And it's just fun to praise Him with people. It's very uplifting also. By believing God and his guidance, I am able to do anything I want.
Shaman Interview 2
What is your religion?
Shamanism
What are your practice? Beliefs? Values?
Talking to spirits (the shaman who is believe to travel into the spirit world); Beliefs in religion: spirits, ghosts are real, superstitions, and that there is reincarnation.; Values: family and friends
Do you think your religion is the "right" religion? Why?
Yes, because it has been in my family for a long time and I’ve adapted to it.
Did you choose your religion? Born into your religion? Or force upon your religion?
Born into my religion, but as time goes on I have begun to feel that I have chosen to believe in my religion.
Do you believe strongly in your religion?
Yes
What do you think about the other religion?
It’s okay, not against it.
How do you keep your faith/religion alive?
I keep it a live by following it.
What are the restrictions for your religion?
Yes, superstitions: stick the spoon straight into the food, cannot whistle at night, don’t point at the moon, wake up early on “New Years”
What do you like/dislike about your religion?
Like: It brings everyone together, it connects everyone, all animals are sacrificed traditionally.
What kind of support do you get from your religion?
Parents are always there and the shaman, or “txiv neeb,” is always there.
Christian Interview 2
What is your religion?
Christianity- Baptist/ Protestant
What are your practice? Beliefs? Values?
being kind, love and goodness
Do you think your religion is the "right" religion? Why?
not the right religion, but right for me
Did you choose your religion? Born into your religion? Or force upon your religion?
Born into it, but wouldn’t change it.
Do you believe strongly in your religion?
Yes
What do you think about the other religion?
Expensive, sacrifice, and “dark-side”
How do you keep your faith/religion alive?
Renewing it, going to church twice a month, talking to other Christians, and believing in it.
What are the restrictions for your religion?
Just be a good person, respect others, be kind
What do you like/dislike about your religion?
like: gives hope Dislike: the way some preachers interpret the bible
What kind of support do you get from your religion?
Emotional support, friendships- It’s important for everyone to have faith and hope. If you don’t have it then there’s no point in continuing life.
Shaman Interview 3
What is your religion?
Shaman
What are your practice? Beliefs? Values?
We believe in spirits
Do you think your religion is the "right" religion? Why?
Yes, because everything we do makes sense.
Did you choose your religion? Born into your religion? Or force upon your religion?
I was born into my religion.
Do you believe strongly in your religion?
Yes
What do you think about the other religion?
I think it’s okay, but I think shamanism seems to work better for me.
How do you keep your faith/religion alive?
We practice them and support each other.
What are the restrictions for your religion?
No one can walk in front of the shaman master. The shaman master help guide the religion.
What do you like/dislike about your religion?
Like: It brings everybody together. Dislike: Uses a lot of money.
What kind of support do you get from your religion?
We go to our parents, etc.
Christian Interview 3
What is your religion?
Catholic Christian
What are your practice? Beliefs? Values?
We believe in the holy Spirit, that Jesus is the son of God, and Mary is a virgin mother. We believe in the trinity, that the holy spirit, God and Jesus are all one. We practice mass y receiving the body of Christ: Bread as Jesus' body, and wine as Jesus' blood.
Do you think your religion is the "right" religion? Why?
I don’t believe there is a right religion because no one has evidence but I believe in what I believe because I was raised this way and I agree with it.
Did you choose your religion? Born into your religion? Or force upon your religion?
I was born into my religion, but now, since I’ve learned about many religions, I choose my own because it’s most familiar to me.
Do you believe strongly in your religion?
Yea, I believe strongly in my religion; however I know other religions aren’t wrong either because there’s reason behind their beliefs as well. No one knows.
What do you think about the other religion?
For other religions like shamanism, I don’t believe in it but I respect them for what they do.
How do you keep your faith/religion alive?
I keep my faith alive by going to church on Sundays, sing in the choir, and participate in ministries and fundraising.
What are the restrictions for your religion?
Obey the ten Commandments; don’t sin but if you do, confess for forgiveness.
What do you like/dislike about your religion?
Like: Gain experiences and made my life interesting and ongoing.
What kind of support do you get from your religion?
People support, interactions between people and their diversities.
Alternative Believer Interview
What is your religion?
I, myself, have no particular religion. I believe in everything: ghosts, God, the devil, demons, angels, hell, heaven, reincarnation, etc. I guess it might be blasphemic, but I believe there are forces other than God and his angels or the devil and his demons. But I also believe that God and the devil exists--I just chose not to worship them, you know? I can't stand it when people suggest that that devil is real, but God isn't because they are dual forces; it can't be one without the other (like good and evil, black and white, etc.).
What are your practices? beliefs? values?
I really don't have religious practices, beliefs, or values.
Do you think your religion is the "right" religion? Why?
Right for me, or right in general? Right in general, I'm not sure because people can like whatever they like. As for myself, I think it's right because it's the way I want to live, right now.
Did you choose your religion or were you born/forced upon your religion?
No, I was born a shaman, and through my own thoughts and consideration, decided to follow this way of life. It's my own choice, whether acknowledged by my family and friends or not.
Do you believe strongly in your religion?
Since my 'religion' really isn't a real religion, I'm not sure how to answer this question. You know what, though? Maybe I don't have a religion, but faith. I have faith that all these things exist, but to call it an actual religion is just the society within's need to label, I guess.
So, the new question is: do I believe strongly in my faiths, no. If you can prove that God or the devil or ghosts and demons don't exist (WITH CONCRETE INFORMATION AND NOT JUST THIS POPPYCOCK THEY'RE TALKING NOWADAYS) then I'm willing to change my view. I'm not going to keep preaching crap if there is CONCRETE, PLAUSIBLE evidence proving against it. You know what I mean?
What do you think about the other religions?
Whatever floats your boat--as long as you don't try and impose it on me.
What do you like/dislike about your religion?
I like how lenient it is to believe whatever it is I choose to fancy, because I'm a pretty capricious person who is always contradicting myself. Whenever I need guidance, I can look through the bible or the Koran or whichever scripture will help me. You know what I mean? But the downfall is that it's sort of a cowardly way to go about the subject. I have no set laws, no set standards to follow. There isn't anything to tell what is bad or good, because what one religion says is good could be bad in another, you know? So I have to figure that out for myself by myself.
What are some restrictions for your religion? Strict?
Restrictions? There really are none seeing as this isn't a real religion. HAHA.
What kind of support do you get from your religion?
Hmm, none. It's not like I need any, but then again, no one really cares what I choose to do with my religious aspect anyways. So if I choose to believe God makes babies and there are ghosts haunting my house, who cares? HAHA.
How do you keep your faith/religion alive?
To keep my faith alive, I just keep an open mind and be willingly to accept everything. And even if I can't accept it at first, I hope that I consider all things before I form prejudices and encourage ignorance. You know what I mean? Yeah.
Compromises of Shamanism and Christianity
Christians, usually the Catholics, have changed their practices and incorporate in some of the old shamanism traditions like hand tying and spirit calling.
Some Christians are still very superstitious, believing in the old Hmong superstitions.
Christians and Shamans (and alternative believers) learn to live in a society that includes both religions --and other alternative beliefs, some learn to respect others’ religion/beliefs, and some reject, therefore leading to disputes and the battle of who’s religion is the “right” one; the superior one.
Some Hmong Churches in Milwaukee, WI
2604
St Michael's Congregation
(414) 933-8126
Bibliography
Primary Sources
Her, Chee Yeng. Personal interview on the beliefs of Hmong Shamanists.
Hmong Shaman (Txiv Neeb). Understanding Global Cultures. 7 Mar. 2008
Xiong, Bao. Personal interview on the beliefs of Hmong Christians.
Lee, Tommy. Personal interview on the beliefs of Hmong Shamanists.
Sayovang. Personal interview on the beliefs of Hmong Christians.
The Chicken Crows: a Funeral Ritual. The Split Horns. 7 Mar. 2008
The String-Tying Ritual. The Split Horns. 7 Mar. 2008
Vang, Kou. Personal interview on the beliefs of Hmong Shamanists.
Secondary Sources
Moua, Vayong. "Hmong Christianity: Conversion, Consequence, and Conflict." Hmong Conversion. 1995.
Vang, Chris, ed. "
Xf. Xiong, Teng, Meng Yang, Ka Yang, Lydia Lee, Vam N. Xyooj, Nchaiv L. Yaaj, and N. Nachaiv L. Yaaj. "Grace Hmong Alliance Youth Ministry." A.Y
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