Hmong Cultural Services
Preserving tradition. Honoring our roots. Supporting our families.
Hmong cultural ceremonies are more than traditions — they are the threads that bind families across generations, connecting the living to their ancestors and to one another. Xiong United of MN helps facilitate access to cultural resources and knowledgeable practitioners so that families can honor these sacred practices with the care and respect they deserve.
Tshoob Hmong
Hmong Weddings
A Hmong wedding (ua tshoob) is one of the most significant cultural ceremonies in Hmong life — a multi-day celebration that honors two families coming together. Traditional weddings involve skilled mej koob (wedding negotiators) who guide the formal dialogue and agreements between both families, accompanied by ritual songs, offerings, and feasting.
The ceremony includes important steps such as the groom’s family traveling to the bride’s home, the exchange of gifts and bride price (nqi mis nqi hno), and blessings for the new couple. Traditional attire, the music of the qeej (bamboo reed instrument), and communal celebration are central to the occasion.
We can help families connect with experienced mej koob, cultural advisors, and community resources to ensure your wedding honors Hmong tradition.
Kev Hu Plig
Soul Calling Ceremony
In Hmong belief, a person’s soul (plig) can become lost or frightened — often after illness, a serious accident, childbirth, or a traumatic experience. The hu plig ceremony is performed to call the soul back to the body, restoring spiritual balance, health, and well-being.
Led by a respected elder or spiritual guide, the ceremony involves chanting, ritual foods (typically a prepared chicken), and offerings to welcome the wandering soul home. It is commonly performed for newborns to secure their soul’s place in the family, after serious illness or surgery, or whenever a person appears emotionally withdrawn or unwell.
This ceremony is a profound act of love — an affirmation that the family is whole and that every member belongs. We can connect your family with knowledgeable community elders who can guide or perform this ceremony.
Ua Neeb
Shaman Healing Ceremony
Ua Neeb is the sacred healing practice performed by a txiv neeb (shaman) — a specially called individual who serves as a spiritual intermediary between the human world and the spirit realm. Shamanic healing addresses the spiritual root causes of illness, misfortune, or persistent hardship that may not be explained by conventional medicine alone.
During the ceremony, the txiv neeb enters a trance state while seated on a ceremonial bench (neeb txaj), accompanied by rhythmic drumming and the sounding of a buffalo horn. In this state, the shaman travels to the spirit world to negotiate on behalf of the patient — retrieving a lost soul, appeasing spirits, or uncovering the cause of illness.
The ua neeb ceremony is a deeply respected practice that has sustained Hmong communities for generations. We respect both traditional healing and modern medicine, and can help families locate qualified and trusted txiv neeb within the community.
Kev Pam Tuag
Hmong Funeral Ceremonies
A Hmong funeral (kev pam tuag) is among the most important and elaborate ceremonies in Hmong culture. Lasting several days, it is a sacred time for family and community to gather, mourn together, and ensure that the soul of the deceased is properly guided on its journey to the ancestral world and eventual reincarnation.
Central to the ceremony is the playing of the qeej, whose music serves as a spiritual map — guiding the soul back through the significant places of the deceased’s life and ultimately to the realm of ancestors. Ritual chanting, the tu siav (showing the way) ceremony, traditional dress, and communal meals are all important elements. Proper protocol ensures that the soul departs peacefully and does not linger to trouble the living.
Navigating funeral arrangements while honoring Hmong traditions can be challenging, especially for families who may be less familiar with the full protocols. We are here to help connect families with qeej players, knowledgeable elders, and community support during this difficult time.
Request Assistance
Need Help Connecting with Cultural Resources?
Whether you are planning a ceremony or need guidance on cultural protocols, our team is here to help. Fill out the form and let us know what you need — we will do our best to connect you with the right people and resources within the community.
You may also reach us directly at info@xiongunitedofmn.org.
Our Culture Is Our Strength
By keeping these ceremonies alive, we pass down who we are — and give the next generation something worth holding onto.