Thailand Culture

Posts Tagged ‘hmong show part 2’

Hmong Show (in Chiang Mai, Thailand, Continued)

Hmong Show #3: The “KLENG” Piper

“KLENG” in Hmong language is one of the Hmong symbols. But not all Hmongs could play this bamboo pipe organ as it has to be trained. The movement of the body is important. KLENG is played only on special events such as New Year, a rebirth ceremony and also at a funeral. The Hmongs believe the sound of the KLENG is a means of communication with the Otherworld.

Hmong Show #3 review: This KLENG Piper Hmong show is interesting but short and becomes boring after a few minutes. You will watch a Hmong old man with his wooden KLENG piper organ. He moves with the sound of the organ in an interesting way.

Hmong Show #4: Wedding Ceremony

This is how the Hmongs got married. After the bride and the bridegroom agree to marry each other, the parents of the bride will demand some gifts from the bridegroom’ s parents. It is regarded as a compensation to the bride’s family for the lost of one helping hand. The gifts normally are pigs, chickens, and some valuable materials.

Toasts are proposed to the bride and bridegroom and their ancestors. The bridegroom shows respect to the bride’s parents and relatives by bowing to each one of them when their names are called. Afterward, the elder of the bridegroom will sing a song asking for the bride’s hands and the bride’s senior responds also in a song offering.

Hmong Show #4 review: This is the worst Hmong show this evening. All you see is two old men (Hmong elder of the bride and groom presumably) taking quietly and having drinks together while the bridegroom listens and serves them. You don’t hear anything (not that you will understand it – everything is in Hmong language) and there is no show – just two people talking.

Hmong Show #5: The Klui Piper

KLUI, bamboo flute, is one of Hmong musical instruments and is played in support of the dancers during the celebrations, festivals, and the receptions of honorable guests.

Hmong Show #5 review: not memorable.