Hmong Culture
The Hmong Culture of South Asia is a very interesting ethnic group. Between 300,000 to 600,000 Hmong live in Southeast Asian countries, such as Vietnam, Laos, Thailand, and Myanmar. About 8 million more live in the southern provinces of China. Since the Vietnam War ended in 1975, Hmong refugees from Southeast Asia have settled in Australia, France, Canada, and the United States. The largest Hmong refugee community lives in the United States with a population of about 110,000. The U.S. Department of state has tried to spread Hmong refugees out across the country to reduce the impact on any one region. Because Hmong families tend to be large in numbers, the community grows rapidly.
Facing considerable challenges while adapting to the American Culture, the Hmong have fought to keep their traditions and culture alive in the United States. Because of the lack of fluency in English and education, the Hmong have had trouble communicating, which complicates learning. Though their work skills are poor, some Hmong have had success starting a their own small businesses such as restaurants and grocery stores. By selling their beautiful, colorful needlework, some Hmong women make a living. Although some of the Hmong immigrants have been successful, their children have had more success while competing in the job market.
The Hmong refugees that fled from such countries as Vietnam, Laos and Thailand had some trouble adapting to the American culture. An arriving refugee and his family would probably have sold all of their worldly possessions so they could have enough money to live off of until the father got a job or the mother was able to produce some textile goods to sell. In Southeast Asia, The Hmong lived high in the mountains. The Hmong men tended to be farmers, while the women would stay in the village and tend to the household needs while also helping with the crops. They grew all of their own food, and had no farm machinery to aid in the reaping of their crop. There was also no form of transportation except walking. This was very hard labor, so the Hmong needed a lot of help to grow food, everyone in the family helped in the household chores and working the land.
The Hmong have a strong tradition in everything they do. The culture is very spiritual and they believe that all things have spirits. Shamans serve as spiritual...