HISTORY

The Hmong people are an ethnic group who have maintained their own language, customs and ways of life, while adopting the ways of the country they live in, since the Hmong do not have a country of their own. The Hmong New Year Celebration was created to give thanks to ancestors and welcome a new beginning. This is the biggest festive holiday celebrated where Hmong communities exist. Traditionally, this celebration lasts for ten days, but has been shortened in the U.S. Everyone dresses in traditional Hmong clothing and enjoy traditional food, dance and music. One very popular part of the Hmong New Year is, ‘Pov Pob’ tossing ball between two people, a form of courtship.

About H.A.W.

Established in 1983, the Hmong Association of Washington (H.A.W.) is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization that exists to serve the Hmong community in the Puget Sound region (King, Pierce, Snohomish). The Hmong people are an underrepresented minority group within Southeast Asian countries and H.A.W’s mission is to serve the Hmong community in the greater Seattle area. Throughout the year, H.A.W holds community events that are open to the public in which they provide cultural and educational activities year round.

HAW’s mission is to serve the Hmong community in these ways: (1) to preserve and promote the culture, (2) to advocate for the Hmong people, and (3) to promote education in the community.

Your donations are tax-deductible and go toward (a) cultural programming for the annual Hmong New Year Festival, (b) educational awards to promote higher education within our community, and (c) educational/cultural community events.

We are always accepting volunteers, donations, and ideas to help our community.

Email H.A.W. at hmong.of.washington@gmail.com with any questions or comments.