Hmong New Year

The Hmong, originally from China, are one of the largest of the 49 ethnic groups in the People’s Democratic Republic of Lao. Hmong New Year happens in the last half of December,  before the end of the twelfth lunar calendar month.  It also celebrates the finish of harvest and abundant food.  

It is a time for Hmong people to serve their favourite dishes, wear their best clothes, take a break from their businesses, and refrain from speaking critically of others.

Just take a look at some of the gorgeous young things below.

                           

                              

The most recognisable part of the Hmong New Year celebration is pov pob, 

a ball-throwing game.

Teenaged boys and girls line up across from each to toss a cloth ball (or tennis ball) back and forth to one another. This is very much a social event, where girls usually wait for boys to come along and chat by passing the ball back and forth. In this way, they get to know one another, and form new relationships that may eventually lead to marriage. (Maptia.com)

                               

                                    

Young people especially, dress in traditional dress and it is said that if you are looking, you may just find a husband or wife here.  

Different clothing and headdress designate different hmong communities but it seems 

the term "traditional costume" is used loosely. A lot of mothers have spent a lot of time at sewing machines making clothes for this time of year.

I love the fact that people are "interpreting" and adapting the traditional dress.  For many girls, the shorter the better.  And high, high heels on this ground?????!!

The "oldies" sitting on the sidelines.  Just checkin out all that is happening.

The New Year celebration begins in households, where Hmong families give thanks to their ancestors and various spirits. Specifically, this celebration begins by an in-house ritual that calls back the wandering souls of every family member in the past to reunite with the household and to help bless the house. If there is a local shaman in the house, the family will also worship the healing spirits. (Maptia.com)

                            

This is the lady who does the Hmong batik at Ock Pok Toc

Certainly many more women than men were in traditional dress.  A young friend said that if the young men could afford it, they would all be wearing traditional dress.