Dab Nqus Ntshav - Hmong Vampires P. 2
In recent years, Hmong vampire folklore has not resurfaced in the collective narratives of the community. However, in the early 2000s, stories of Hmong vampires sparked speculation and gossip. These vampires were known by various names—casket watchers, bloodsuckers, demon bloodsuckers, the pale ones, and others. In the Hmong language, these creatures are referred to as "Dab Nqus Ntshav," which translates to "blood-sucking ghosts."
The origins of these tales remain contested. Some claim the rumors began at a Hmong funeral in Michigan, while others suggest Minnesota as the site of inception. In the early 2000s, rumors began circulating within the Hmong community, sparking a wave of fear about the return of Hmong vampires. Some claimed to have witnessed these entities at funeral homes, allegedly crouching over the casket to drain the souls of the deceased. Stories emerged of strange, pale Hmong-like figures attending funerals, their demonic eyes glinting as black, snake-like tongues extended toward the bodies of the deceased. Some even say it has the power of deception, deceiving family and friends at the funeral home as a blanket and disguise while they drain the soul of the deceased. Some allege that these Hmong vampires walk with a hop or on their tip toes, almost like a floating-like manner.
However, the roots of Hmong vampire folklore stretch back much further, predating the late 1990s and 2000s. The origins can be traced to the Qing Dynasty in China. Within Hmong belief, if a body is left unburied, the soul of the deceased would be unable to rest, causing bad luck and misfortune for generations. During the Opium Wars, many Hmong and Miao soldiers perished on the battlefield, their bodies left behind, never to receive proper burial rites. Consequently, Hmong families and war generals sought the aid of necromancers and shamans, who would perform rituals to raise the dead and guide them home, a practice that contributed to the belief in what became known as Chinese vampires. A necromancer is someone who practices black magic and dark arts. The most well-known necromancer in Hmong history was tswv xyab, the man who shapeshifted into a tiger and started a generation of fear and spiritual warfare among our ancestors.
These rituals were conducted at night, utilizing bamboo instruments (qeej) and drums (nruag). The nocturnal performance ensured that the sight of reanimated corpses would not incite widespread panic. Villagers who heard the drums, bamboo instruments, and bells believed these sounds heralded the approach of hopping corpses, which inspired the creation of Chinese vampire lore. Bodies of the deceased were strapped on flexible bamboos, imitating hopping of corpses. Similarly, clothing attire during the Qing dynasty most resembles traditional Hmong clothing for the deceased, long black garments, clothing made from hemp, pointed shoes, and large hats/caps. Depending on the distance from the battlefield to their home, the bodies would travel for several days, sometimes as long as two weeks. In modern times, the Hmong have preserved some aspects of this tradition by using the qeej (a bamboo wind instrument), drums during funeral rites, and the taw kev (leading the corpse home) chant. In traditional Hmong funerals, the presence of family members serves not only to mourn but also to safeguard the body and soul from potential psychic attacks. Altogether, traditional funerals practiced by our ancestors could also last several days to thirteen days, in order to guide the deceased’s spirit home. In the taw kev chant, the master of song (txiv taw kev) first begins their chant by asking the deceased if they are really dead or if they are pretending. If you are really dead, "yog koj tuag tiag..." they would say, then to turn an ear and listen to the song and the mourning and grief of your loved ones. But if you are just pretending, "yog koj tuag dag li tuag cuav...." they would say, then to wake back up and return home. Imagine, a corpse waking up at that moment with the thirst for blood!?
Whatever the folklores may be, vampirism has had its place in many cultures. The conception of the Hmong vampire may have evolved over time, shifting away from traditional blood-drinking creatures toward the notion of psychic vampirism. Rather than consuming blood, these figures drain the life force or soul of their victims. Psychic vampires, as they are called, can take many forms, from black magic practitioners and shamans to ordinary individuals who steal or absorb energy from others. We all may even know of some people in our lives who are energy vampires. There are two main categories: Unconscious Psychic Vampires and Conscious Psychic Vampires.
Unconscious Psychic Vampires are unintentional energy parasites—individuals who, often unknowingly, drain those around them. These individuals are typically needy, controlling, or emotionally manipulative, leaving others feeling physically and mentally exhausted. Their toxic behavior creates emotional and spiritual depletion in those they encounter, often without conscious awareness of the damage they cause.
In contrast, Conscious Psychic Vampires deliberately seek to drain energy from others. These individuals are aware of their actions and often target vulnerable people, including children with special needs, the elderly, or even the deceased. Among the Hmong, some shamans have been accused of practicing psychic vampirism, manipulating their followers and community for personal gain. Students of such shamans may experience spiritual blockages, bad luck, and deteriorating health after prolonged association with these energy thieves. In some cases, these students become so entangled that they are unable to complete their spiritual journey or are financially exploited, constantly paying their masters without spiritual advancement. Conscious Psychic Vampires also prey on the dying or recently deceased, draining their energy or even their souls during moments of vulnerability.
The consequences of psychic vampirism are significant. Victims often endure chronic fatigue, headaches, nausea, emotional turmoil, and even physical ailments. Those ensnared by these energy predators may also experience recurring nightmares involving the psychic vampire or find themselves inexplicably fixated on them, unable to shake thoughts of the individual from their mind. This obsessive preoccupation can further deepen the victim’s emotional and spiritual exhaustion. Additionally, misfortune and spiritual disturbances frequently accompany these symptoms, compounding the victim's distress.
For shamans and necromancers who engage in psychic vampirism, keeping their community in a state of illness becomes a means of sustaining their power and financial gain. The more sickness and spiritual disarray within the community, the more individuals seek their services for relief. Unfortunately, such practitioners are more common than is often recognized, exploiting the vulnerability of those who seek spiritual or physical healing.
To protect oneself from psychic vampires, several defensive strategies exist. Removing toxic individuals from one’s life is the most straightforward solution, but other superstitious methods include standing at an angle during conversations to minimize the flow of energy or crossing arms and legs to contain one's energy. Additionally, keeping the mouth closed to prevent energy loss through breath can be an effective technique. For more serious cases, people can try the following practices:
Tying an enchanted string blessed by a shaman may offer protection against these energy leeches
Traditional cleansing methods also include deep-drying garlic and pepper throughout the house and using this as an essential oil
Tying enchanted red and white strings on entry and exit doors in the house
Putting up a holey-bamboo mat (ntxais xyoob) on your door indicates a restriction (kev caiv), only allowing certain family or people to enter the home
Traditional cleansing of the home with joss paper or a tree branch
Shaman healing ritual
Below are some strategies to deal with energy vampires you may encounter:
1. Set Boundaries: Energy vampires thrive in relationships without boundaries. Set clear emotional, physical, and conversational limits.
2. Limit Exposure: If possible, reduce the amount of time you spend with energy vampires. Whether it’s minimizing social engagements, reducing work-related interactions, or taking breaks from conversations, limiting exposure can help preserve your energy.
3. Practice Emotional Detachment: While it’s natural to feel empathy, don’t let energy vampires manipulate your emotions.
4. Engage in Energy-Cleansing Practices: After encounters with an energy vampire, practice cleansing techniques that help you recharge.
5. Strengthen Your Own Energy: Develop a strong sense of self-worth and emotional resilience. When you are secure in your own energy, it’s harder for others to drain you.
Consider what relationships are worth maintaining and worth the investment. If someone continually drains your energy despite setting boundaries and limiting exposure, it may be time to walk away. Ending toxic relationships is often difficult, but it can be a powerful step towards reclaiming your energy. In truth, vampirism teaches people about toxic relationships. It tells us that people may seem pleasant and mesmerizing at first, but their end goal is to suck the life force out of you and keep you as their energy source. You become a slave to the manipulation of a vampire. Psychic vampires are encountered more frequently than their blood-sucking counterparts from folklore. These individuals drain emotional and spiritual energy, leaving others feeling depleted and exhausted. As a result, it is vital to remain intentional about the company we keep, mindful of the energy we invest in others, and who we invite in.
TFL Hmong Shaman
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