Native American Funeral and Hmong Funeral: Ritual Similar to Practices
Old Native American Funeral and Hmong Funeral
I thought this was interesting to discuss. What are your thoughts on it? “33 years ago, there were some groups of Hmong who practiced a funeral ritual called “Tshwm Tshav” …. (aka: Tswhm Tshav Ntuj) and still do in Laos and other parts of Asia …. like what some Native American tribes’ practices do for their dead too. Funny cuz I am a Hmong tshwm tshav. The dead is place on a platform like this while the funeral process is being conducted, then the dead will be buried afterward.
Aug 5 2011, 02:49 AM | Www.Asiafinest.Com | Explore fascinating parallels between traditional Hmong and Native American funeral practices, focusing on rituals like “Tshwm Tshav” that highlight deep cultural connections.
Similarities Between Hmong and Native American Funeral Practices
In various cultures, funerals hold profound importance as they honor, celebrate, and bid farewell to loved ones. Some interesting similarities between Hmong and Native American funeral practices reveal striking connections that suggest shared values, rituals, and beliefs about the afterlife. Understanding these cultural practices allows for a deeper appreciation of the traditions that honor both the deceased and the spiritual world.
The Hmong Ritual of “Tshwm Tshav”
One significant Hmong funeral ritual is known as “Tshwm Tshav” (or “Tswhm Tshav Ntuj”). This ancient practice involves placing the deceased on a raised platform outdoors as part of the funeral process, often in Laos and other regions in Asia where traditional practices continue. This ritual serves multiple purposes, from respecting the deceased to ensuring a spiritual connection with the natural world. In these ceremonies, the deceased’s spirit is believed to transition peacefully with guidance from family and community.
Native American Platform Burial Traditions
Native American funerals across various tribes similarly honor the deceased through natural, respectful means that involve open-air practices. Several tribes traditionally placed the body of the deceased on an elevated platform or tree, symbolizing a return to nature and unity with the spiritual world. This method of honoring the dead was also a form of ensuring that the spirit could ascend and reconnect with ancestral spirits, an important aspect of Native American spiritual beliefs.
Cultural Connections Between Hmong and Native American Practices
The similarities in these platform burial traditions reveal a shared cultural respect for the cycle of life, nature, and the afterlife. Both cultures embrace the belief that the spirit should be released in harmony with nature and the cosmos. The platform rituals signify a reverence for the natural world and an understanding of death as a spiritual journey rather than an end. These rituals also involve guidance from shamans, elders, and family members, underscoring the role of community in supporting the deceased’s transition.
Preserving Tradition Across Generations
Despite geographical separation, Hmong and Native American communities both strive to preserve these funeral customs in the modern era. For the Hmong, “Tshwm Tshav” is a connection to ancestry and cultural heritage. Similarly, many Native American tribes seek to maintain traditional funeral practices to preserve their identities and beliefs. The persistence of these practices across generations highlights the importance of honoring cultural roots, spirituality, and family.
The Importance of Recognizing Cultural Parallels
Understanding the cultural parallels between Hmong and Native American funeral rituals enriches our perspective on life, death, and spiritual beliefs worldwide. Such traditions remind us of the shared values that transcend borders, demonstrating that even diverse cultures may carry surprisingly similar ways of honoring the departed. These parallels invite reflection on how ancient customs and beliefs about life and death reveal our universal human experience.
This article provides a window into the intricate funeral practices of the Hmong and Native American peoples, encouraging us to value and respect the rich cultural heritage that continues to shape our understanding of life, death, and the afterlife.
Wow, that is pretty interesting. Wonder if this is still practiced today. I know that the Hmongs don’t practice it anymore but what about the Natives?
I don’t know.
It’s cool to know they both had connections to that platform for the dead.
Maybe not that exact platform. But they practiced it in their funeral ritual.
Right, I think it’s pretty cool too.
Yes we did start burying our deceased ones after the missionarys came”.
I know of ancestors ancient burial grounds are, my Grams showed me, she said the old ones were put there! Away in secrecy!
Back in Laos we did do this. Leave the body outside untill the the burial ceremony. I was wondering does the native funeral last for 3days?
I would like to know if the Natives does the same thing too.
Whoa!!! That is freeeeaakky!!!
This traditional funeral is still being practiced by the Hmong living in Southeast Asia. It’s only the Hmong living in the West that no longer practice this. I don’t know about the Hmong in China though if they still do this.
Nouchia – That’s pretty amazing that the Hmongs in SE Asia still practice this. I wonder why the Hmongs in the West don’t anymore? Do you think it has to do with the laws of this land? And I wonder if the Natives still practice this?
Rose Clayborne – Well, it’s mostly due to modernization and some of the Hmong people have converted to different religions such as Christianity. Some still actually do practice the traditional Hmong funerals here in the West but they no longer put the deceased on platforms outdoors. The traditional funerals are now held indoors inside of funeral homes but the traditional funeral ceremony is still being practiced.
Nouchia – Oh ok. Yea I kinda figured it was because some converted to Christianity and what not. So in the West when the Hmongs do their funerals, is that why it is a 3 day process with the body out the whole time but in a coffin instead of “stilts”?
Yep, that’s pretty much it.
We had creamation in different tribes”
Hmong