Hmong Khi Tes

Relationship: Child of im/migrant
Khi Tes string on a table
Khi Tes string on a table

When it was the start of a new year, my grandparents tied a white string around my wrist. I was told that it symbolized good luck and that it was a blessing. When tying the string onto me, my grandparents chanted a few words, when i asked family members what were they saying, they said that it was about good luck and prosperity. When i learned that it was a blessing form my grandparents I never took it off, because it was good luck from them, and it became a good luck charm to me. When I was younger I didn't know what this spiritual practice was called, only until I grow older I learned that the name of this practice was called a "Khi Tes" or in English "hand tying". When doing the "Khi Tes" practice people often say a few good words to bless the person receiving the string. This spiritual practice is a branch to the a main spiritual practice called "Ua Neeb", this spiritual practice is used to help protect families from bad things. The causes of "Ua Neeb" are when there is a new year, or when something bad has happened. "Khi Tes" is one of the objects that is used in the "Ua Neeb" practice.
That is why when I did the "Ua Neeb" Practice I was given the "Khi Tes" string as a form of blessing for my protection.

 

Place(s): Laos, United States

– Keng-Ethan

Relationship:  Child of im/migrant Child of im/migrant