Hmong Institute hosts pre-New Year celebration

MADISON, Wis. (WMTV) - Members of the Madison Hmong community gathered Thursday to celebrate the coming new year.

The annual Noj Tsiab Celebration was hosted by the Hmong Institute before the upcoming Hmong New Year. Noj tsiab is a meal held the night before the Hmong New Year.

Activities at Thursday night’s event included traditional music and dancing, a meal with family and friends, and the hu plig soul calling ritual. Community members say its a great way to share their culture with other people.

“Diversity is the fabric of what makes us unique, what makes us special,” Peng Her, CEO of the Hmong Institute, said. “So us by showcasing the Hmong culture, our religion, our beliefs and our food, is a great way to make new friends and neighbors, but also expose those who don’t know about us and know about what our beliefs are.”

The Noh Tsiab event gives thanks to ancestors’ spirit for a good harvest and keeping their family healthy, as well as is a time to reflect on the past year.

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