Txiav Ntshua Ntawm (Cutting Spirit Money)

Ntshua Ntawm is a type of spirit money that is used mostly in shaman rituals. You will see these most used during a healing ritual or ua neeb kho. They can also be used for other rituals such as a cleansing ritual or sometimes even a hu plig or soul calling. Traditionally these are not cut but Txaug. Txaug is a process or form in which the joss paper is hammered by a special metal coil which creates coiled or round edges. Some believe the number of coils is an important factor when creating the spirit money. These spirit money or ntshua ntawm can be cut in different styles. Some cut it shorter, some like it longer; the unique thing about spirit money is that it can be individualized. Spirit money that someone makes is special to each and every person who creates it.

Below is a short video for anyone interested in how to cut spirit money. I do apologize for the audio and for my bad Hmong-lish speaking skills! Next time you go to a shaman ritual you can volunteer to cut spirit money.

Video link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZTuG8YhHnR8