Hmong Funeral - North Vietnam

WARNING! This video contains graphic content of a culturally significant animal sacrifice. Viewer discretion is strongly advised.
Hmong traditional funerals are deeply spiritual events. The soul of the deceased is believed to return to their birthplace prior to travel to the afterlife to meet ancestors before reincarnation. The goal of the funeral ritual is to guide the soul of the deceased to the spirit world. Many rituals are performed by a shaman or spiritual leaders to communicate with the spirit world and guide the soul. These include rhythmic drumming and playing the qeej, a bamboo instrument.
Custom dictates that funeral rituals must be closely respected, otherwise the spirit could cause harm to the family and the relatives. If not, the soul of the deceased could roam for eternity or may get reincarnated in a lesser form such as animals, plants, rocks etc.
Hmong culture is based on animist beliefs. Relatives of the deceased and attending guests show few signs of grief during the funeral. Obvious mourning is thought to confuse the soul of the deceased person causing it to get lost, making reincarnation complicated.
Hmong funeral ceremonies are considered by many to be a celebration of life; rituals assure the soul’s rebirth and beginning of a new life. Rice liquor flows abundantly throughout the funerals which most commonly last three days. Alcohol contributes to a feeling of joviality and euphoria and creates raucous atmosphere.
The high status of water buffalo is evident in their place in Hmong animist lifecycle ceremonies, especially funerals, in which sacrificed animals are said to accompany and guide the deceased person on their journey to the underworld. Being large, dependable and obedient, water buffalo are seen as the best animal to guide the deceased’s soul on their journey to the afterlife. Throwing water and cheering during the sacrifice is a way for the Hmong to express joy and celebrate the journey of the deceased to the afterlife. The water symbolises purification and the cleansing of the spirit. Buffalo meat is butchered at the funeral and served to the guests.
Hemp is used to make traditional funeral clothes, symbolising purity and the connection to nature. The body of the deceased is dressed in hemp garments. Significant amounts of hemp and cotton fabric rolls and garments are also buried. Hemp is believed to have protective qualities, shielding the spirit on its journey. This emphasises the Hmong’s deep respect for nature and the spiritual significance of natural fibers.
Tying natural hemp fibers around the buffalo horn and connecting it to the drum and coffin is a symbolic gesture. The fibers represent the connection between the physical and spiritual worlds. The drum’s sound is believed to guide the soul, while the hemp fibres serve as a physical link, embodying protection and unity, ensuring a smooth passage for the deceased.
Music is important for guaranteeing the safe passage to the afterlife. A drum is beaten throughout the funeral as well as the “qeej”. The goal is to help guide the deceased person’s spirit to its ancestral home.
A funeral procession goes to the burial ground led by the qeej, which guides the way for the deceased person. Those taking part in the procession try to confuse the evil spirits. They frequently stop, change directions and drink to before reaching the burial site.
A traditional burial site is within a forest plot an is determined by elders within the community. Family members dig the grave shortly before burial.
Immediately before burial, soil is removed and carefully placed into the clothes of a selected spiritual leader and carried back to the family home. This represents bringing a part of the deceased back home to ensure their spirit is not lost. The throwing of soil symbolises the community’s participation in the farewell and helps in guiding the spirit.
As well as clothing and fabric,  rice liquor, a bag of rice, cooked foods and utensils are also buried. These help provide the deceased person with food and all the necessary items for their journey to the afterlife.
Once all the items required for the passage to the afterlife are put in the casket by the head of the deceased, it’s placed underground and covered with earth.
Video Credits:
Special thanks to the family of Thào a Cua. Thanks to Ly Thi Co & Ly Thi Cha for translation and cultural insights provided during the ceremonies and rituals.
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Music Credits:
Qeej Tu Siav = Offering to the Deceased.
Performed by Chai Lee - Hmong Cultural Center.
Reeds, Gourds and Gods: Reed Instruments from the Hills of Thailand - 2009
Les Hmong: Viêtnam: Musique et chants des Hmong
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RIP🙏🙏🌹

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Rest in peace! ❤

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It’s always good to keep our culture alive ❤

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Thank you for sharing our culture

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You’re very welcome. It was a truly moving experience.