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The Hmong kinship system consists of a set of specific kinship terms, definitions, assignments of rights and duties, and codes of appropriate behavior to specific kinship positions or roles. At an early age, children to learn and use appropriate kinship terms as words of relationship and respect. These words are used to address their consanguine relatives in their clans and other clans, including friends of their parents, elderly strangers, neighbors and acquaintances.
In my interview with Mr. Moua’s daughter Serena, I asked about her feelings towards her culture. “I am proud to be Hmong,” she said. She also is proud that her father is a Hmong and English teacher. Serena has always known that she was going to end up in her father’s class because, as her father stated, “Serena has always been interested in the Hmong culture.”
Growing up, Serena always had that connection with her Hmong culture because she has always been comfortable and in balance with her Hmong and American lifestyle. Her mother’s side spoke only Hmong and her father’s side spoke both Hmong and English.
[pullquote_right]Her family members also kept her connected with their Hmong traditions. Serena keeps in tune with her culture by participating in Hmong events, addressing her grandparents in Hmong, having Hmong meals and also participating in “spirit calling.”[/pullquote_right]
Even though she learned English and spoke it to her family, she still never lost herself or who she is. She always had her father who encouraged her to speak Hmong with her family members. It built a “Hmong connection by speaking each other and understanding it,” according to Serena.
Her family members also kept her connected with their Hmong traditions. Serena keeps in tune with her culture by participating in Hmong events, addressing her grandparents in Hmong, having Hmong meals and also participating in “spirit calling.” If a family member falls sick it is believed that their spirit has left their body and wandered off, so to bring it back families often do a spirit calling. Hmong New Year is a big event in Hmong culture because it is one time of the year where extended family come together to celebrate their heritage. Serena participates by wearing her traditional hmoob kuab kluag (Hmong clothes).
Like respect in Hmong culture, for many people, a large part of Mexican culture is attached to religion. Mexico is one of the most Catholic countries in the world. According to the Catholic Almanac in 2002, 90% of all Mexicans were raised Catholic. I grew up believing that if one does a bad action punishment comes right after but if one does a good deed, they are acknowledged by God and rewarded. Persignar (to cross oneself) is done when one wakes up, goes to sleep, at church or when going on car or plane to a faraway place. I know because ever since I could remember I have been persignada by everyone from my mother to my grandparents wishing me a safe trip back home when I am done visiting Mexico. When one crosses oneself it symbolizes that God’s presence is with you, looking after you and protecting your wellbeing.
