Thuam Txiv Xaiv = Comparing this Hmong Funeral Ritual Song to Others

Thuam Txiv Xaiv = Comparing this Hmong Funeral Ritual Song to Others. Performed by Tswj Fwm Lis. Videographer Mitch Lee.
This orally recited song performed in the opening part of the funeral ceremony is intended to provide the listener with information about how the songs performed at this particular funeral compared to those performed at other traditional Hmong funerals. The reciter modestly acknowledges in the song that he may not have the greatest voice or be the most talented performer but that he has been chosen by the immediate family to perform to his best ability.
This orally recited Hmong funeral song is performed as part of the traditional Hmong Funeral Ceremony and taught as part of the Funeral Song class curriculum at Hmong Cultural Center in Saint Paul, MN.
This project has been supported by grants from the National Endowment for the Arts and a Folk Arts grant from the Minnesota State Arts Board, this activity is made possible by the voters of Minnesota through a grant from the Minnesota State Arts Board, thanks to a legislative appropriation from the arts and cultural heritage fund.