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The students and staff at Prosperity Heights Elementary were treated to a Hmong New Year presentation in the afternoon of Tuesday, Nov. 21. Guided by the knowledge and talents of Mr. Ge Moua, Educational Assistant, and Ms. Maydoua Vang, 1st Grade Teacher, approximately 16 Hmong students dressed in traditional Hmong clothing made for the New Year celebration.

Most boys wore white shirts with either a very colorful vest or dark colored jacket over it. Some vests were decorated with real silver coins indicating the wealth of that family. The pants were black and tied at the waist with a bright pink or red sash. One boy wore a black cap, which is very traditional. The girls wore elaborately embroidered and decorated jackets, with intricately pleated and colorful skirts. Over this they wore a magnificently decorated apron. Their outfits included a beautifully decorated belt with a solid color sash underneath it. Silver coins were attached to some of this clothing, indicating the wealth of that family. Some girls wore traditional hats of dark purple. These hats included a band of white and dark colored stripes, indicating that the girl is not married. Newer, modern headdresses were also displayed. Some girls wore elaborate, heavy silver necklaces that may be worth as much as $600.

The students demonstrated the ball tossing game. Traditionally, boys would receive a small hand made ball from their mother, or use an orange or a grapefruit. Boys would stand in one line and face a line of girls. They would then toss balls back and forth. One custom that some follow is that if you drop the ball you must sing. To our delight, Mr. Moua sang a traditional Hmong song for the duration of ball tossing event.

Another custom sometimes followed is that a boy might ask a certain girl if she would like to keep the ball overnight. If the girl accepts, it usually means that the girl likes the boy. Our thanks to all who participated in bringing awareness of the Hmong culture to the students and staff.