The topic of Mong New Year and Hauvtoj may be sensitive to some, simply because 99% of all Mong in the US are misinformed by so-called "elders" and "scholars"--this is why I tend to not read many books written for a "degrees" and “fame.”
Before 1960, both rituals/practices were celebrated correctly, primarily because Mong were still backward and unknown to the outside world. General Vang Pao then came into power--and Mong pib muaj plhu tuaj, concentrating on fun rather than yearly rituals based on obligations and traditions. Eventually, the two practices became one. Now, in America, Mong took these two events to the next level, and now the younger generations have no idea what a new year is--thinking that it is a Hauvtoj.
Traditional Mong New Year and Mong Hauvtoj each has different purposes, meaning, and most importantly, time (in terms of when to celebrate them). Since they are so close together in terms of time, this may be the problem why the younger generations are so confused on what they are. Maybe I should not say "younger" generation because even the elders are referring to them wrongfully.
The following accounts are from "legends/stories/matrimonial songs/death songs" as taught and practiced--hince they are not from books. Again, this is why I do not read books regarding issues like this because those books are also from "stories" told by elders (or misinformed elders). Also keep in mind, I referred to most "elders" now as "misinformed" because Mong who were borned after 1950 were already "misinformed" when fun was their main goal during Vang Pao’s power since the 60s. So just because we are calling them elders now, it does not mean what they say is true. Also, many scholars now are “interviewing” these so-call elders for guidance; however, many of their explanations are just simply wrong.
Although both rituals (per legend) began with SivYig's followers, they are not the same. In essence, to refer to a Hauvtoj as a New Year is a mistake and likewise, to refer to a New Year as a Hauvtoj is also a mistake.
New Year originated (from legends) from Txoov Siv Yig; and Hauvtoj began from Txiv Yawm’s remaining army after he got killed (many variations of the name, but the most known one is Txiv Yawm or Txij Yawm). The two traditions are totally different. However, our “New Year” date may have been wrong if compared to the Mong of China—it seems the true date would coincide with the Chinese New Year. Why the difference? No one really knows, except the Mong who migrated down south seems to have only 28 days in their calendar—meaning that every 2-3 years, they “repeat” months. Due to this reason, those who do not repeat months will celebrate their new year 2-3 months earlier—and this seems to be our issue right now…meaning this is why our new year begins sometimes in November. The other reason is, possibly, we tend to practice our new year celebration right after rice harvesting. I am not aware of when rice is ready to be harvested in China, but in Laos it is usually in November—and rice is the main dish of the New Year.
Anyway, the story goes like this: Once a upon a time, in China, there was a Mong Kingdom being terrorized by a Monster. Some call it Loob Nyug, some say it is just a monster of some sort. This entity killed and ate many people, causing great confusion and terror, so many Mong fled the area. Then, entered Txoov Siv Yig (Note: There are two great followers of the SivYig from Heaven: Txoov Siv Yig and Tooj Nchai Siv Yig). Because the demonic entity had mesmerizing eyes and a cry that can killed any living being—Txoov had to “cover” his face and beat his shield to nullify the enemies cry and eyes. Txoov eventually killed the beast—and it happened during rise harvesting. When Txoov killed the beast, the cloth he used to blindfold himself was stained with blood—hence, some say Txoov was of the Vang Clan or “Vug” clan.
The Mong celebrated a time of great accomplishment for Txoov and the Mong. The celebration is to “begin” a new year (after all the bad things that caused by the demon) and 3 days of celebration is to be performed—3 days of celebrations—10 dishes per day = NOJ 30…the receiving dish of the new year.
THIS IS NEW YEAR CELEBRATION—THE MAIN PURPOSE. Just because I did not list other things, does not mean this is all we do at new year.
Hauvtoj is a little different. It began with the death of Txiv Yawg. The remaining generals fled to a nearby mountain side. Those who were not captured or killed were lost. The generals then cut down two trees—one was mounted on top of the mountain with Txiv Yawg’s flag to let the remaining people know where to gather, and the other pole was to be mounted down the valley where the group will meet. These two poles are called “ncej ntxheb” and “ncej ntxhoo.” Some call it ncej paag.
After the generals realized that there was not enough soldiers to counter attack, they began to flee south—raising the two poles every chance they get to let Mong know where the main group was. When they finally realized that they were not being chased, they stopped raising the flags/poles. Eventually, people got busy with life and no time for the frequent ritual anymore. Mong decided that, only one “raising” flag should be perform each year only—and the only time available was during the 3 days of New Year. So, the ritual was placed during New Year—it can be before or after new year and usually uphold by “Xeev Laus.”
Hauvtoj is a time of unity for all Mong, with bull fights, badminton (tis qaib…some call it tshav qaib), and LUGTXAJ to tell about the misery of life (ntuj teb taag quas ncua…). Over time, those who came south discovered “ball tossing” and adopted it from “Ncuav.”
It is good to evolve cultures for the survival of an ethnic group. However, when we start calling a ritual something else and claim that “we have always done it like this for thousands of years,” there is something wrong.
In summary: New Year is more “religious” related, involving making offerings to ancestors, calling souls, txi xwm kab, inviting special guests for “tsab” or “30,” pe tsiab, etc These things includes tso plig of both dead relatives and dead animals sacrificed over the years. Most importantly, new year is celebrated (supposed to anyway) during a specific date (Mong date that is…). Most importantly, new year is always in house because it involves any entities in the house.
Hauvtoj involves unity of the Mong as a whole, involves fun, ball tossing, checking out chicks, etc. Anyone can organize the practice anytime they want because it does not depend on a certain date..in other words, it is not a new year. Most importantly, it occurs outside (at a mountain side) with NCEJ NTXHEB AND NCEJ NTXHOO. It just sickens me to see “educated” Mong on stand with a sign saying “happy new year” on it. What worst, it is sad to hear educated people saying “we have always done it like this for hundreds of years.”
More later
Topic: Mong New Year vs Mong Hauv Toj (Read 7043 times)