The Hmong Tribe traces its migration from Tibet and Mongolia, establishing a lengthy sojourn in China. Eventually, they sought refuge in Thailand in 1857, with settlements spanning the high mountains encompassing Chiang Rai, Phayao, Nan, Chiang Mai, Mae Hong Son, Phrae, Lampang, Kamphaeng Phet, Loei, Phitsanulok, Phetchabun, Sukhothai, and Tak provinces. A minority hill tribe within Mae Hong Son, but the Hmong people inhabit every district of the province. Preferring highland abodes situated at elevations of 1,000–1,200 meters above sea level, the Hmong tend to select locales offering suitable air shelters rather than opting for mountain summits. The architectural layout involves houses constructed across level ground, often employing wooden boards for room walls, thatched roofs extending nearly to the ground, and spacious verandas. Windows are typically absent to mitigate chilly weather and account for the elevated location. Hmong households, consisting of extended families, comprise multiple bedrooms, each featuring an altar for worship. Notably, Hmong culture permits multiple wives for husbands, emphasizing genealogy and granting men predominant authority within the family structure. Ancestral veneration akin to Chinese customs also holds significance. The Hmong people’s livelihood centers on agriculture, akin to other hill tribes. Activities encompass rice cultivation, fruit and vegetable planting, and livestock rearing.
Hmong New Year Celebration.
The Hmong New Year Celebration is a much-anticipated occasion following a year of laborious efforts. Embracing vibrant new attire, the Hmong community engages in exuberant festivities, replete with feasting and merriment. Typically commencing in December after the harvest season, the Hmong New Year’s initial day involves the ceremonial sacrifice of pigs as offerings to ancestors and household spirits. Subsequently, they embark on visits to their extended family members, indulging in collective revelry for several days. A remarkable ceremony during this period involves invoking the spirit of crops to join the celebrations within their homes. This festive celebration underscores the Hmong people’s rich cultural heritage and provides a glimpse into their traditions and community spirit.
