PebHmong Discussion Forum

General Category => Hmong Culture & History => Funeral Rituals & Customs => Topic started by: hmongperson on February 25, 2011, 04:35:35 PM

Title: What is more important for a funeral; cows or rooster?
Post by: hmongperson on February 25, 2011, 04:35:35 PM

Would someone enlighten me as to which one is more crucial.

My understanding is that the cows are used as companions for the dead, but not a necessity. The rooster, on the other hand, is crucial because it helps guide the way for the dead. I believe they tell the dead to hide uner the wings of the rooster if the weather gets to unbearable. That's my understanding, correct me if I'm wrong.

Title: Re: What is more important for a funeral; cows or rooster?
Post by: Reporter on February 25, 2011, 05:54:11 PM

The rooster is more important. Indeed, it serves the purpose you are stating: guiding the dead home. 

I didn't know the rooster could block the rain out, too. Isn't it a sunny way back? That's why the dead must decide whether to drink the pond of memory or not. Correct?

The bull/cows just serve as companion on the lonely path. They don't do anything else.

Title: Re: What is more important for a funeral; cows or rooster?
Post by: yuknowthat on March 01, 2011, 10:10:00 PM

rooster is more important...th e cow is just use to kill for all the helpers and funeral staffs to eat to help out giving the dead person a proper burial