My Family's Beautiful Tradition

My family have been Christians since they were still living in Laos.  When they moved here to the States, my family adopted new Western Christian traditions and kept a few traditions from the hmong culture.  

My uncle passed away two weeks ago, and he was not a strong follower of Christ.  My grandparents were preparing for a Hmong Christian funeral, but also included my uncle's wishes at the very end of the funeral.  (I did not and do not object, as I wanted my uncle's wishes to be granted, and as the funeral was not my own).  Hmong Christians do not beat a drum, or play the "qeej".  Instead,  we have a service, sing hymns, and prayer.
One thing my family has kept from the hmong tradition is the act of bowing or "pe" for any monetary gifts from friends, other family, and even strangers.  It is a sign of giving thanks to those who donate, and is done by the male family members.  There is a little announcement which includes the name of the person, the event (funeral of person), and the donation (money/gifts), and at the end, a saying that lets the men know that they should bow.  I sat up by my uncle and watched as the men from my family bow every time someone donated.  At one point of the funeral, the bowing went on for an hour straight.  Talk about leg day.  But, they all did it without complaint for 3 days.  I am proud of my uncles, my cousins, my husband, my brother in laws, my father, my brothers, and for the men who has yet married into the family (but will, hopefully one day soon) for stepping up and carrying through. 

It is an act done in funerals, but as well as weddings.  I don't know the proper way of bowing.  But, my cousin (who practices Shamanism) tells me there is a slight difference from bowing in funerals and bowing in weddings.  I can only recall her saying that the arm/hand gestures are different. 

The funeral went well.  God blessed and protected the funeral so all went within our favor.  The Hmong Mennonite Church was gracious enough to prepare our meals for my family and our guest.  My family is truly bless to have them.  For everyone who came to support us emotionally, physically and financially, thank you.  

"Ua tsaug rau nyaj tshav ntuj."