Vue

Hmong New Year honors the ancestors and spirits and gives thanks for the completion of the year’s harvest. Vue and his mother Khouthao, and father Xang, celebrate Hmong New Year through prayer, celebration, and participating in a ritual Hu Plig, which is a soul calling ritual. Hu Plig rituals are conducted throughout the year to call to the spirit or soul to come back to the body. Any event, like a car crash, or sickness, can confuse or startle the soul so it is important to perform Hu Plig to remind it of its physical home. Hu Plug rituals have food offerings, and for Vue and his family, they typically use two chickens as their offerings. But during Hmong New Year, they offer up three chickens and six eggs to represent each member of their family. The third chicken acts as a call for good luck, prosperity, and good spirts.

Khouthao and Xang were born in Laos and lived in Thailand. Hmong New Year is celebrated as a one-day occasion in those regions because it happens after the harvest in conjunction with the moon phases. But living in the United States requires accommodating the difference in work-life since there is not a dedicated harvest season. Many cities throughout the United States have specified dates to celebrate the new year. In addition to these festivals, lighting special candles for three days allows for the family to call for their ancestors to come eat and celebrate and gather for the new year.

Hmong New Year is a time of celebration. In addition to having welcomed the new year, Vue and his family are celebrating upcoming renovations planned for their home to assist with the level of care needed for Vue. Currently, Khouthao and Xang must lift and carry their son to change him and bathe as Vue requires total lift and care. But with a new system that will lift Vue and alleviate the strain for the parents, and renovations for the bathroom that will accommodate wheelchairs and bathing assistance, they are excited for the new change.

Vue’s parents shared their gratitude for their Service Coordinator, Morye, who has been fundamental in accessing services and home renovations needed to care for Vue. Morye also helps with translating as she in bilingual in English and Hmong and this has been a big help for making sure Xang and Khouthao understand the services they are receiving.

Xang shared that it is important to take it day by day when caring for Vue. He hopes to go on a vacation with his wife one day and visit Thailand. As they make further improvements in Vue’s life, he hopes this dream will become more achievable. Hmong New Year means new beginnings, and already they feel grateful for the positive changes that have come their way.