Safe Hmong Funerals During the Pandemic
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:
- Spiritual Guide’s song to guide the Decedent’s spirit back to the Ancestors.
- Reed pipes (qeej) song to acknowledge and confirm the death of the Decedent and prepare the Decedent for the Journey to the Ancestors.
- 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.
- Reed pipes (qeej) song to accompany the serving of breakfast, lunch and dinner.
- Reed pipes (qeej) song offering additional spiritual live stocks, if any.
- Reed pipes (qeej) song offering money to the Decedent from Family members.
- Reed pipes (qeej) song signifying the departure from the funeral home to the final resting place of the Decedent.
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