Khaub Ncaws Laus - Traditional Hmong Funeral Clothing
Traditional Hmong funeral clothing, also known as "Khaub Ncaws Laus" varies depending on the specific Hmong cultural subgroup and regional customs, but there are some general characteristics. In traditional Hmong culture, funeral attire is a requirement, reflecting the seriousness of the occasion and the importance of the afterlife.
Traditional khaub ncaws laus should be made from 100% hemp. In Hmong, we call hemp "ntaub maj." If hemp is not available, 100% cotton is also an option. Most modern khaub ncaws laus today are black/white-dyed hemp with Hmong embroidery. More traditional clothing remains its original hemp tan-like color.
Photo Credit: Billy's Hmong Shop via Facebook
Khaub ncaws laus for men and women are similar, but differences set them apart. Most notably, a women's attire has the dab tsho or square flap behind the neck (as do normal Hmong shirts for women). The difference is the funeral attire has a dab tsho that is 3-4X bigger as compared to a normal everyday wear. Funeral attire for the men can have different collar styles, depending on preferences.
Photo Credit: Billy's Hmong Shop via Facebook
These is the hlab liab (red), hlab ntsuab (green), used as belts.
Photo Credit: Billy's Hmong Shop via Facebook
There are two layers to the shoes. The first layer is known as the khau noog (this is the soft fabric). The second layer is the "khau maj" and this is the hard hemp material that wraps underneath the soft fabric. It is tightened by hlua maj or also called hlua ntuag / saws ntuag (hemp shoelace).
So, what is its significance? Why does clothing play such a big role in traditional Hmong funerals? These garments may have symbolic significance within the context of religious beliefs and rituals. Traditional Hmong funeral attire is an identity marker. It allows ancestors to recognize the loved one when they arrive. It allows their passage to their ancestors. It is a rite of passage for the person as living entity to spirit form. Khaub ncaws laus also serves as the last gifts the loved one will receive from their family.
Funeral shoes also play an important role. Traditional Hmong people believe that a deceased soul must go through a series of realms and passageways to get to where they need to. The txiv taw kev and txiv qeej lead the soul of the deceased through many different stops and realms in the underworld. Shoes assist the deceased in these realms. Without these funeral shoes, the deceased will not be able to get to their final resting place.
Traditional Hmong people believe that the funeral clothing must not contain any metal, copper, plastic, or foreign substances. During the funeral process, family members keep a close eye for foreign materials penetrating the deceased person's clothing or coffin. Should any foreign object such as metal remain with the deceased, traditional Hmong people believe this will cause the spirit to be unable to move forward and cause havoc upon their family.
Traditional Hmong people believe that without a complete set of khaub ncaws laus, the individual won't be able to rest peacefully and will wander as a vengeful spirit, causing misfortune to their family. Although there are more complex steps in the funeral clothing, this is the general purpose and significance of the clothes. As a side note, funerals are not my area of expertise. I have very limited knowledge on the funeral process and am learning with you all as we go. If you notice any corrections to be made, please provide me with that feedback.
TFL Hmong Shaman