Lakeland Mirror

Issue date: 4/24/03 Section: News

The Hmong American Student Association of Lakeland College joined numerous local area organizations in celebrating Sheboygan's 150th anniversary at the Sheboygan Armory, Apr. 5. This was the first time HASA was asked to present at the Armory, though they have taken part in activities there with other organizations.

"HASA was honored that the City of Sheboygan invited us to be part of their celebration," said President-elect Linda Aroonsvath. The organization plans to grow in memberships, diversity, and involvement in the next year, she said. "This was a stepping stone in our expansion and growth."

HASA members held a booth at the Armory and displayed articles and artifacts documenting Hmong history in Sheboygan and talked with visitors. In the booth were photographs of Hmong history in Sheboygan. One photo, a black and white from 1976, showed the first Hmong family in Sheboygan. Near it, another photo showed the first Hmong baby born in Sheboygan, also in 1976.

President Kou Vang also demonstrated an instrument called the qeej (roughly, "cane"), a mouth organ made of bamboo pipes and wood. Different notes, Vang said, speak different words. If you know the instrument well it's like speaking and hearing a language, he said. The qeej is a very old and traditional instrument in Hmong culture. One of its most important uses is in funeral ceremonies. It's also played at festivals and other special occasions.

There were examples of paj ntaub, a type of hand-made needlework, on display as well. The pieces represented animals of the Laos region. Some paj ntaub tell stories, Vang said.

Aroonsvath said, "Overall, the culture is being preserved by some individuals but not by all. I believe that the young people are the ones who are losing touch with their culture, mainly because of the necessity to adapt to the American culture. However, the elders are still trying to pass on the traditions and preserving them."

At 10 a.m., Hmong dancers performed traditional dances in colorful, hand-made costumes on stage. For the rest of the day HASA remained to answer questions and educate the general public on Hmong culture and heritage.

HASA has been a Lakeland organization since 1992, according to Aroonsvath.

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