Many Hmong are part of Christian denominations and tend to see things as not mutually exclusive, Hickman said. They don't draw boundaries in religions to say only one is true and all others are false.

Behind her, the shaman struck his gong repeatedly, unfurling a wall of sound. If she had spirit guides, they would confirm her calling as a tvix neeb, or Hmong shaman, by causing her body to shake ...

Chad Lee explains his role as a Hmong shaman in front of the altars in his house in St. Paul, Minnesota, Nov. 16, 2023. For New Year, the altars will be redecorated with new paper designs.

For many Hmong elders and spiritual leaders, ... Chad Lee explains his role as a Hmong shaman in front of the altars in his house in St. Paul, Minn., on Thursday, Nov. 16, 2023.

Shoppers look for pleated skirts and other clothing for Hmong New Year for sale at the stall of Elisa Her, left, in the Hmong Village covered market in St. Paul, Minn., on Thursday, Nov. 16, 2023.

During new year, celebrated in November-December, Hmong American community leaders work to share knowledge of their animist traditions so they won’t be lost for their children’s generation.

Celebrations include calling back the household souls, renewing shamans’ healing spirits and eating 30 different dishes while wearing new embroidered clothes.

During new year, which is celebrated mostly in November and December among Hmong Americans, shamans send off their spirit guides to regenerate their energy for another season of healing.