{"id":6361,"date":"2020-06-29T13:51:34","date_gmt":"2020-06-29T17:51:34","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/lammuseum.wfu.edu\/?page_id=6361"},"modified":"2024-06-12T14:59:58","modified_gmt":"2024-06-12T18:59:58","slug":"blue-hmong","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/lammuseum.wfu.edu\/exhibits\/virtual\/ties-that-bind-wedding-customs-from-around-the-world\/blue-hmong\/","title":{"rendered":"Blue Hmong"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
\n
\n

The Hmong are a northern hill tribe who inhabit areas in southwest China, Thailand, and Vietnam. In China, the Hmong are part of a larger group of peoples collectively referred to as Miao<\/em>. They are often divided into two groups: White Hmong (Hmong Deaw)<\/em> and Blue Hmong (Hmong Njua).<\/em> This outfit is from the Blue Hmong. The Blue Hmong receive their name from the use of indigo blue dye in their clothing, which can be seen here on the bride\u2019s pleated skirt.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"PovHmong courting traditions include a game known as pov pob<\/em>.  Young members of the community gather together on New Year\u2019s to play catch. The girls and boys form two separate lines, and the girls begin the game by tossing black cloth balls to a boy they like. Anytime a girl or boy drops the ball, they must give their partner an item they are wearing. This tradition often prompts further meetings in order to retrieve the items, resulting in courtship.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The Hmong wedding ceremony is centered on the idea of showing respect. Kowtow<\/em>, the act of kneeling and bowing extremely low, is used to demonstrate reverence. The groom begins the ceremony at his house by sacrificing a chicken to the household spirits. Then he and his best man kowtow<\/em> to the groom\u2019s grandfather, father, paternal uncles, and brothers, the household spirits, and finally to his ancestors. The wedding party then proceeds to the bride\u2019s family home where the same ritual is repeated in front of her male relatives. After this show to respect, the wedding party returns to the groom\u2019s home where for a feast in thanks to all the community members who played a role in their union.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

\n
\n
\"Hmong<\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n
\n

Silver<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Silver has both an economic and spiritual meaning within Hmong culture. Wealth is often held in silver and traditionally the brideprice is negotiated in silver ingots, each one is worth around $130 U.S. dollars. Silver also adorns both the bride and groom. Large necklaces like the ones you see here show wealth and status. The more silver you have, the more prestigious you are. Yet, silver also serves a symbolic purpose. The metal is viewed as a link between the soul and body which keeps its wearer safe.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Skullcap<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

The red topknot which crowns the groom\u2019s black satin cap is through to protect him from evil spirits.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Design Motifs<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Buffalo Head Motif:<\/strong> Water buffalos are extremely prized in the Hmong\u2019s Highland environment and have a high economic value. As a symbol, the water buffalo represents strength and vitality. This very stylized symbol is seen often in both men\u2019s and women\u2019s outfits and accessories. Look for this symbol in the bottom hem of the bride\u2019s skirt. Here the buffalos face each other with their horns behind them. The bride\u2019s necklace also has three large charms that represent water buffalo. She wears these to display her desire for her husband to be strong and supportive. There is also a water buffalo motif on the groom\u2019s side bag which represents his desire to fulfill this procreative role.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Water Snail Motif: <\/strong>The je<\/em>, or water snail, is one of the many symbols that the Hmong pull from their environment. The two spirals connected in the middle represent these snails which are always found in pairs. Look for embroidery with this design on the bride\u2019s sash which displays her desire to find a mate and help extend her family.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

\n
\n

Pa Ndau<\/em><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Pa ndau<\/em>, or flower cloth, is the stitching art of Hmong women, which is handed down from one generation to the next. This work is usually performed in a communal atmosphere and embodies the myths, history, and symbolism of their culture. On the back of the bride\u2019s dress is a pa ndau<\/em> piece sewn by the bride and attached to her jacket as a collar. This small patch consists of tiny stitches which the bride meticulously designs. It presents to the community her subgroup affiliation as well as her talent as a needle-worker.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

\n
\"Woman<\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

The Hmong are a northern hill tribe who inhabit areas in southwest China, Thailand, and Vietnam. In China, the Hmong are part of a larger group of peoples collectively referred to as Miao. They are often divided into two groups: White Hmong (Hmong Deaw) and […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":201,"featured_media":0,"parent":6304,"menu_order":0,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","template":"","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"overlay_title":false,"hide_featured_image_post":false,"wfu_hide_page_title":false,"footnotes":""},"class_list":["post-6361","page","type-page","status-publish","hentry"],"acf":[],"yoast_head":"\nBlue Hmong - Timothy S. Y. Lam Museum of Anthropology<\/title>\n<meta name=\"description\" content=\"This virtual exhibit section discusses Blue Hmong wedding traditions and the symbolism found in the bride and groom's outfits.\" \/>\n<meta name=\"robots\" content=\"index, follow, max-snippet:-1, max-image-preview:large, max-video-preview:-1\" \/>\n<link rel=\"canonical\" href=\"https:\/\/lammuseum.wfu.edu\/exhibits\/virtual\/ties-that-bind-wedding-customs-from-around-the-world\/blue-hmong\/\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:locale\" content=\"en_US\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:type\" content=\"article\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:title\" content=\"Blue Hmong - Timothy S. Y. Lam Museum of Anthropology\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:description\" content=\"This virtual exhibit section discusses Blue Hmong wedding traditions and the symbolism found in the bride and groom's outfits.\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:url\" content=\"https:\/\/lammuseum.wfu.edu\/exhibits\/virtual\/ties-that-bind-wedding-customs-from-around-the-world\/blue-hmong\/\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:site_name\" content=\"Timothy S. Y. Lam Museum of Anthropology\" \/>\n<meta property=\"article:modified_time\" content=\"2024-06-12T18:59:58+00:00\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:image\" content=\"https:\/\/prod.wp.cdn.aws.wfu.edu\/sites\/88\/2020\/06\/Pov-web.jpg\" \/>\n<meta name=\"twitter:card\" content=\"summary_large_image\" \/>\n<meta name=\"twitter:label1\" content=\"Est. reading time\" \/>\n\t<meta name=\"twitter:data1\" content=\"4 minutes\" \/>\n<script type=\"application\/ld+json\" class=\"yoast-schema-graph\">{\"@context\":\"https:\/\/schema.org\",\"@graph\":[{\"@type\":\"WebPage\",\"@id\":\"https:\/\/lammuseum.wfu.edu\/exhibits\/virtual\/ties-that-bind-wedding-customs-from-around-the-world\/blue-hmong\/\",\"url\":\"https:\/\/lammuseum.wfu.edu\/exhibits\/virtual\/ties-that-bind-wedding-customs-from-around-the-world\/blue-hmong\/\",\"name\":\"Blue Hmong - Timothy S. Y. Lam Museum of Anthropology\",\"isPartOf\":{\"@id\":\"https:\/\/lammuseum.wfu.edu\/#website\"},\"primaryImageOfPage\":{\"@id\":\"https:\/\/lammuseum.wfu.edu\/exhibits\/virtual\/ties-that-bind-wedding-customs-from-around-the-world\/blue-hmong\/#primaryimage\"},\"image\":{\"@id\":\"https:\/\/lammuseum.wfu.edu\/exhibits\/virtual\/ties-that-bind-wedding-customs-from-around-the-world\/blue-hmong\/#primaryimage\"},\"thumbnailUrl\":\"https:\/\/lammuseum.wfu.edu\/files\/2020\/06\/Pov-web.jpg\",\"datePublished\":\"2020-06-29T17:51:34+00:00\",\"dateModified\":\"2024-06-12T18:59:58+00:00\",\"description\":\"This virtual exhibit section discusses Blue Hmong wedding traditions and the symbolism found in the bride and groom's outfits.\",\"breadcrumb\":{\"@id\":\"https:\/\/lammuseum.wfu.edu\/exhibits\/virtual\/ties-that-bind-wedding-customs-from-around-the-world\/blue-hmong\/#breadcrumb\"},\"inLanguage\":\"en-US\",\"potentialAction\":[{\"@type\":\"ReadAction\",\"target\":[\"https:\/\/lammuseum.wfu.edu\/exhibits\/virtual\/ties-that-bind-wedding-customs-from-around-the-world\/blue-hmong\/\"]}]},{\"@type\":\"ImageObject\",\"inLanguage\":\"en-US\",\"@id\":\"https:\/\/lammuseum.wfu.edu\/exhibits\/virtual\/ties-that-bind-wedding-customs-from-around-the-world\/blue-hmong\/#primaryimage\",\"url\":\"https:\/\/prod.wp.cdn.aws.wfu.edu\/sites\/88\/2020\/06\/Pov-web.jpg\",\"contentUrl\":\"https:\/\/prod.wp.cdn.aws.wfu.edu\/sites\/88\/2020\/06\/Pov-web.jpg\",\"width\":300,\"height\":259,\"caption\":\"Pov Pob Hmong courtship game\"},{\"@type\":\"BreadcrumbList\",\"@id\":\"https:\/\/lammuseum.wfu.edu\/exhibits\/virtual\/ties-that-bind-wedding-customs-from-around-the-world\/blue-hmong\/#breadcrumb\",\"itemListElement\":[{\"@type\":\"ListItem\",\"position\":1,\"name\":\"Exhibits\",\"item\":\"https:\/\/lammuseum.wfu.edu\/exhibits\/\"},{\"@type\":\"ListItem\",\"position\":2,\"name\":\"Virtual Exhibits\",\"item\":\"https:\/\/lammuseum.wfu.edu\/exhibits\/virtual\/\"},{\"@type\":\"ListItem\",\"position\":3,\"name\":\"Ties that Bind: Wedding Customs from around the World\",\"item\":\"https:\/\/lammuseum.wfu.edu\/exhibits\/virtual\/ties-that-bind-wedding-customs-from-around-the-world\/\"},{\"@type\":\"ListItem\",\"position\":4,\"name\":\"Blue Hmong\"}]},{\"@type\":\"WebSite\",\"@id\":\"https:\/\/lammuseum.wfu.edu\/#website\",\"url\":\"https:\/\/lammuseum.wfu.edu\/\",\"name\":\"Timothy S. Y. Lam Museum of Anthropology\",\"description\":\"\",\"potentialAction\":[{\"@type\":\"SearchAction\",\"target\":{\"@type\":\"EntryPoint\",\"urlTemplate\":\"https:\/\/lammuseum.wfu.edu\/?s={search_term_string}\"},\"query-input\":{\"@type\":\"PropertyValueSpecification\",\"valueRequired\":true,\"valueName\":\"search_term_string\"}}],\"inLanguage\":\"en-US\"}]}<\/script>\n<!-- \/ Yoast SEO plugin. -->","yoast_head_json":{"title":"Blue Hmong - Timothy S. Y. Lam Museum of Anthropology","description":"This virtual exhibit section discusses Blue Hmong wedding traditions and the symbolism found in the bride and groom's outfits.","robots":{"index":"index","follow":"follow","max-snippet":"max-snippet:-1","max-image-preview":"max-image-preview:large","max-video-preview":"max-video-preview:-1"},"canonical":"https:\/\/lammuseum.wfu.edu\/exhibits\/virtual\/ties-that-bind-wedding-customs-from-around-the-world\/blue-hmong\/","og_locale":"en_US","og_type":"article","og_title":"Blue Hmong - Timothy S. Y. Lam Museum of Anthropology","og_description":"This virtual exhibit section discusses Blue Hmong wedding traditions and the symbolism found in the bride and groom's outfits.","og_url":"https:\/\/lammuseum.wfu.edu\/exhibits\/virtual\/ties-that-bind-wedding-customs-from-around-the-world\/blue-hmong\/","og_site_name":"Timothy S. Y. Lam Museum of Anthropology","article_modified_time":"2024-06-12T18:59:58+00:00","og_image":[{"url":"https:\/\/prod.wp.cdn.aws.wfu.edu\/sites\/88\/2020\/06\/Pov-web.jpg","type":"","width":"","height":""}],"twitter_card":"summary_large_image","twitter_misc":{"Est. reading time":"4 minutes"},"schema":{"@context":"https:\/\/schema.org","@graph":[{"@type":"WebPage","@id":"https:\/\/lammuseum.wfu.edu\/exhibits\/virtual\/ties-that-bind-wedding-customs-from-around-the-world\/blue-hmong\/","url":"https:\/\/lammuseum.wfu.edu\/exhibits\/virtual\/ties-that-bind-wedding-customs-from-around-the-world\/blue-hmong\/","name":"Blue Hmong - Timothy S. Y. Lam Museum of Anthropology","isPartOf":{"@id":"https:\/\/lammuseum.wfu.edu\/#website"},"primaryImageOfPage":{"@id":"https:\/\/lammuseum.wfu.edu\/exhibits\/virtual\/ties-that-bind-wedding-customs-from-around-the-world\/blue-hmong\/#primaryimage"},"image":{"@id":"https:\/\/lammuseum.wfu.edu\/exhibits\/virtual\/ties-that-bind-wedding-customs-from-around-the-world\/blue-hmong\/#primaryimage"},"thumbnailUrl":"https:\/\/lammuseum.wfu.edu\/files\/2020\/06\/Pov-web.jpg","datePublished":"2020-06-29T17:51:34+00:00","dateModified":"2024-06-12T18:59:58+00:00","description":"This virtual exhibit section discusses Blue Hmong wedding traditions and the symbolism found in the bride and groom's outfits.","breadcrumb":{"@id":"https:\/\/lammuseum.wfu.edu\/exhibits\/virtual\/ties-that-bind-wedding-customs-from-around-the-world\/blue-hmong\/#breadcrumb"},"inLanguage":"en-US","potentialAction":[{"@type":"ReadAction","target":["https:\/\/lammuseum.wfu.edu\/exhibits\/virtual\/ties-that-bind-wedding-customs-from-around-the-world\/blue-hmong\/"]}]},{"@type":"ImageObject","inLanguage":"en-US","@id":"https:\/\/lammuseum.wfu.edu\/exhibits\/virtual\/ties-that-bind-wedding-customs-from-around-the-world\/blue-hmong\/#primaryimage","url":"https:\/\/prod.wp.cdn.aws.wfu.edu\/sites\/88\/2020\/06\/Pov-web.jpg","contentUrl":"https:\/\/prod.wp.cdn.aws.wfu.edu\/sites\/88\/2020\/06\/Pov-web.jpg","width":300,"height":259,"caption":"Pov Pob Hmong courtship game"},{"@type":"BreadcrumbList","@id":"https:\/\/lammuseum.wfu.edu\/exhibits\/virtual\/ties-that-bind-wedding-customs-from-around-the-world\/blue-hmong\/#breadcrumb","itemListElement":[{"@type":"ListItem","position":1,"name":"Exhibits","item":"https:\/\/lammuseum.wfu.edu\/exhibits\/"},{"@type":"ListItem","position":2,"name":"Virtual Exhibits","item":"https:\/\/lammuseum.wfu.edu\/exhibits\/virtual\/"},{"@type":"ListItem","position":3,"name":"Ties that Bind: Wedding Customs from around the World","item":"https:\/\/lammuseum.wfu.edu\/exhibits\/virtual\/ties-that-bind-wedding-customs-from-around-the-world\/"},{"@type":"ListItem","position":4,"name":"Blue Hmong"}]},{"@type":"WebSite","@id":"https:\/\/lammuseum.wfu.edu\/#website","url":"https:\/\/lammuseum.wfu.edu\/","name":"Timothy S. Y. Lam Museum of Anthropology","description":"","potentialAction":[{"@type":"SearchAction","target":{"@type":"EntryPoint","urlTemplate":"https:\/\/lammuseum.wfu.edu\/?s={search_term_string}"},"query-input":{"@type":"PropertyValueSpecification","valueRequired":true,"valueName":"search_term_string"}}],"inLanguage":"en-US"}]}},"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/lammuseum.wfu.edu\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/6361","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/lammuseum.wfu.edu\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/lammuseum.wfu.edu\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/page"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/lammuseum.wfu.edu\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/201"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/lammuseum.wfu.edu\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=6361"}],"version-history":[{"count":8,"href":"https:\/\/lammuseum.wfu.edu\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/6361\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":10971,"href":"https:\/\/lammuseum.wfu.edu\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/6361\/revisions\/10971"}],"up":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/lammuseum.wfu.edu\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/6304"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/lammuseum.wfu.edu\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=6361"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}