My Chosen Sites

Since the Hmong believe in ancestor worship and animalism, most religious practices, traditions, ceremonies and rituals are private. This means that it happens in the home and not in a public space, like a temple or a church. The privatization of the Hmong religion, Shamanism, is an important aspect to note. Although it is just families and relatives who come to these religious events that occur in homes, outsiders may be welcome if they have a connection with the family. This really depends on who the outsider is and what connection they have with the family that is in need of a “neeb.” Therefore, homes of Shamans and future-to-be Shamans will be the homes that I will call, “My site.” Their homes (houses) are interconnected with what they do and religiously practice. Their altars are especially what I am focusing on.

I also chose not to conduct and record events such as funerals and weddings because of the implications that come with it. Because weddings are an important and personal aspect of someone’s life, I thought sharing it on a public site like this would make those who participate uncomfortable. Funerals are even more personal, therefore I didn’t want to go into a space like Hmong funeral homes and learn about the rituals. Although visuals help outsiders to understand Hmong shamanism, it is hard to conduct that when events and ceremonies happened to be about personal things.

My next goal later when I have time again to continue this project is to interview young Hmong people who are becoming shamans. I also want to expand my knowledge on what happens when a shaman goes into his trance. This project is an introduction to Hmong shamanism but also provide portraits of Hmong Shamans and how their religion have shaped their life.