The MInnesota Department of Health recently released a fascinating set of safety recommendations for the multi-day Hmong funerals that often draw a throng of participants from around the country.

Along with the typical injunctions — wear a mask, wash your hands, maintain social distance, etc. — the guidance sheet hits some very specific notes on the minimum ingredients that remain necessary for a proper funeral. An example:

1. Spiritual Guide’s song to guide the Decedent’s spirit back to the Ancestors.
2. Reed pipes (qeej) song to acknowledge and confirm the death of the Decedent and prepare the Decedent for the Journey to the Ancestors.
3. Reed pipes (qeej) song to hoist the Decedent onto his/her Winged Steed and to give him/her their offerings to take with them on their Journey to the Ancestors.
4. Reed pipes (qeej) song to accompany the serving of breakfast, lunch and dinner.
5. Reed pipes (qeej) song offering additional spiritual live stocks, if any.
6. Reed pipes (qeej) song offering money to the Decedent from Family members.
7. Reed pipes (qeej) song signifying the departure from the funeral home to the final resting place of the Decedent.

Find Guidance for Hmong Funerals during COVID-19 here.