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Grave Desecrations

Animism

A growing number of Hmong have converted to Christianity since the 1950s; by some estimates, fully one half of the Hmong in the United States are now Christians. For non-Christians, the Hmong belief system is based on animism and ancestral worship.

Animism is the belief that spirits and forces inhabit the natural universe. According to traditional belief, there are domestic, protective spirits as well as wild spirits that dwell in caves, lakes, big rocks, and other natural places. If someone offends one of the wild spirits, it can place a curse on the person, causing illness and even death. Since ordinary human beings cannot see and communicate with the spirits, it is up to the shaman, with his extraordinary powers, to intercede and to act as the ambassador from one world to the other. During his journey to the spirit world, the shaman persuades the spirits to withdraw the curse. Usually an apology is made and paper money is offered to compensate for the offense. Animism encourages the Hmong to respect animals and nature and to be in harmony with their environment. It also serves to bind the community and clan together, as members share in religious responsibilities, partake in family ritual, and help one another in the practical tasks related to ritual performances.

Ancestor worship is the belief that there is an interdependence between the deceased ancestors and their living descendants. Hmong believe that the spirits of the ancestors continue to influence the daily lives and welfare of their descendants, who in return continue to offer foods and observe the proper rituals to ensure that the ancestors are remembered and worshiped. At death their souls will be guided back to the land of the ancestors, so it is very important that the ancestors accept the deceased person’s soul into the land of the ancestors. Socially, this practice keeps the Hmong family strong and family relations harmonious. The young depend on the old, and the old rely on the young. By helping people remember their ancestors and their roots, ancestor worship also serves to strengthen Hmong identity.

For more information on Hmong religion, go to:

The Hmong: An Introduction To Their History and Culture
Hmong Shaman
Hmong: Dead