nature spirits and a led by a shaman. Altars are found in every Hmong home.
Hmong village are typically located at higher altitudes. Unlike other hill tribes, the Hmong houses are not stilted and rest on the ground. While a few Hmong have embraced the Thai style homes which tend to be expensive and more comfortable, most prefer the traditional home with a root cellar for storing food and a main floor that is not at ground level. Most
Hmong homes have a dirt floor with typically more than two bedrooms. Extended families often live together.
The work in Hmong households is divided with the men primarily doing the majority of the work. Musical instruments, crossbows for hunting and other products are made by the Hmong men. Manufacturing guns and black smith work are also popular trades for Hmong men.
Opium is a popular crop among the Hmong and has led to a high level of addiction. Rice and corn are also staple crops of the Hmong people.
The Hmong are fiercely independent people and strictly practice their traditional ways.
Ceremonies celebrating the sky spirit are led by the shaman and an important part of the Hmong culture.