An Introduction to Hmong Culture

Presenting a holistic perspective of the Hmong way of life, this book touches on every aspect of the Hmong culture, including an overview of their history and traditions, relationships between Hmong parents and their children, the rites and traditions of Hmong wedding and funeral ceremonies, the celebration of the Hmong New Year, home restrictions and other superstitious taboos, arts and politics. The book features and explains many Hmong words, phrases and proverbs. Instructors considering this book for use in a course may request an examination copy here.

Born in Laos, Ya Po Cha teaches Hmong language at Luther Burbank High School in Sacramento, California.

Ya Po Cha

Format: softcover (6 x 9)
Pages: 215
Bibliographic Info: 30 photos, bibliography, index
Copyright Date: 2010
pISBN: 978-0-7864-4951-4
eISBN: 978-0-7864-5988-9
Imprint: McFarland

Acknowledgments      v
Introduction      1

1. Hmong History      7
2. Parents and Their Children      22
3. Customs and Values      32
4. Cultural Traditions      47
5. Traditional Weddings      71
6. Traditional Funeral Services      101
7. Belief System      131
8. The Arts      165
9. Politics and Leadership      179
10. Where Do We Go from Here?      188

References      202
Index      204

“this encyclopedic description of Hmong culture is refreshing. Highly recommended”—Choice.