whenever i have time, i will be posting a few cultural "explanations" in here for all to know/learn. and hopefully, through these things, we will learn many more things from each other...
long time ago, the arrow was used to "xa xov"...this is why mong still say "ib xib xub ntsia nej qab taw rooj.." this arrow is given to the bride's side of the family. in return another arrow is given (exchanged) to the groom. we do not practice this ritual anymore. however, we still exchange other possessions... such as "diav, riam, cows etc..." the good thing is, although we don't exchange the arrow anymore, this arrow is still used during funerals. in the old days, the groom would keep that arrow until the death of his wife/or himself. that arrow is then, used mus hu qhua...given as evidence of "death" of their daughter and/or vauv...this is why peb mus hu qhua, peb thiaj li coj ib xib xub mus hu qhua (especially niam txiv dab...because that arrow orginally belong to him). niam txiv dab also gave a cow (lub ncauj tsiag given during the wedding) to vauv...and thus niam txiv dab yuav tuaj tu nyuj....
so, vim li no peb mus hu qhua peb thiaj li coj xib xub ntawm hauv pliaj.
yaweh