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Care
Page Hmong society is based primarily on the clan and extended family. All members of the same clan have communal ties, particular duties, and special taboos, which are very important during traditional ceremonies of ancestor worship and particularly during funeral rites. The Hmong always try to live near their clan, while maintaining close ties with those from other clans from which they have taken wives. Here is a list of common Hmong clan last names:
Hmong traditionally give their last name first, then their first name. Some men, typically those who are married and have a family, will have honorary name which is usually a prefix to their name. For example, Mr. Tong Lee or Lee Tong will become Mr. Cheu Tong Lee. It is common for men to be addressed in both names. Ê Married women retain their own last names. Some Hmong following the American system of naming may have changed their names around accordingly, and will give their name to Americans contrary to their traditional manner.Ê Males and females who have the same clan name are brothers and sisters; because of this, no man and woman with the same clan name are allowed to marry. The popularity of clan names as surnames is changing for some. The most common alternative is to use the name of a prominent ancestor combined with the clan name. Other changes in Hmong naming patterns are happening. Some Hmong women who marry may take their husbandÕs name upon marriage to replace their own clan name. Many Hmong women often now use three names, their given name, and their husbandÕs clan name. To be effective in working with Hmong families, professional needs to understand some of the Hmong cultural beliefs and influences on their behaviors. This includes family roles and responsibilities, religious beliefs, attitudes towards hospitals and western medicine, etc. This knowledge can help you talk with families and other professionals to get Hmong elders and caregivers support more tailored to what is acceptable and needed. There are many websites that can begin help you learn more about Hmong culture. Ê Contact the Hmong Cultural Center, Saint Paul, MN 55104-4796 (USA) Phone: (651) 917-9937 or visitÊ http://site.yahoo.com/hmongcultural/index.html Excerpts from and modifications of: Hmong Forum, published by Haiv Hmoob, Inc, PO Box 11314 Minneapolis, MN 55411; Assistance from staff of Neighborhood House, a social service agency in St. Paul, MN, whose mission is to build doorways of opportunity for vibrant, diverse communities. Over one-third of Neighborhood HouseÕs staff is bilingual in either Spanish or Hmong. Visit www.neighb.org
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