Madison Reporter

Mayor Satya Rhodes-Conway invites Madison residents to participate in the Hmong celebration of Hmoob Kaj Siab Noj Tsiab.

Noj Tsiab is a special event, pronounced as "naw chia" during which Hmong families invite others to the celebration so that they can have a meal together and they can give their thanks to the leaders, elders and the spirits.

“All are welcome! Hmoob Kaj Siab Noj Tsiab (Pre-New Year) Celebration will take place Nov. 18 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at The Hmong Institute on Femrite Drive,” tweeted Mayor Rhodes-Conway.

This event is free and anyone is welcome to attend. It is a Thanksgiving meal in which Hmong families reflect on their gratitude to elders, leaders and spirits for a bountiful harvest and the health of their families. The event will include traditional Hmong food, including eggrolls, and participants can try making their own Hmong mochi. The Hmong ball-tossing game is also a common activity that people partake in during these festivities. It is mainly for adolescents and is, in fact, one of the most recognizable things about this celebration. Boys and girls form two separate lines in pairs that are directly facing one another toss a cloth ball (or tennis ball) back and forth.

The Hmong people are an ethnic group primarily from China and Southeast Asia.

The Hmong Institute in Madison has served the Hmong and refugee communities for over 35 years. They provide learning opportunities for those interested in the Hmong heritage, as well as cultural competency programs.