Create Something! Part 1.2 - Hmong History Timeline in Indochina

This timeline of Hmong in Southeast Asia will overlap each other due to the various events that occurred in each country.

1800AD - 1900AD:

It is believed that by 1810-1820, Hmong started residing in northern Laos. By 1868, 10,000 Hmong were reported to be living in Tongkin, northern Vietnam. In 1880, it was reported that there were Hmong residing in Nan Province of Thailand.

From 1848 and onwards, many Hmong moved southwards in hopes of entering the opium trade with the French and British governments.

Laos: First war with French colonists

In 1896, the Hmong in Nong Het revolted against the French government due to their heavy taxations. This revolt was successful because the French then gave Moua Chong Kai the position of kiatong (canton chief). He became the first Hmong kiatong of Laos.

Create Something! Part 1.1 - Hmong History Timeline in China

The following post is a project for my English class where we get to choose to work on any project that we want to. Originally, deciding on what I wanted to do as my final project for English class was a very difficult decision. There were so many things that I wanted to do. Finally, I thought, "why not just do everything I want and post it onto my blog?" Thus, I decided that my project will be a compilation of Hmong history timeline, Hmong mythology/folk tales tying in with culture/customs, and a short story. This is just the first half of my Hmong history timeline, about 1/3 of my entire project.

I've always been interested in Hmong history (hence, my blog title of Operation Fobbiness) and I'm appalled at how far we have come from being a tribal people that are constantly oppressed to a much more modernized people with the freedom that we've yearned for thousands of years. This research on Hmong history has broadened my horizons. I've come to realize that much of our history is broken into pieces, waiting to be pieced together.

Hmong mythology and folktales have been a fascination of mine. The endless stories are amazing. Yet, what’s even more amazing is how mythology ties in with the Hmong culture/customs. For example, the siv ceeb (black and white striped cloth) often used for marriages is based on the myth that the Old Dragon (Zaj Laug) gave it to a pair of siblings, the only survivors of the Great Flood. The pair of siblings got married in order to repopulate the Earth and the siv ceeb is said to provide protection and shield the newlywed from harm. There’s a reason why the Hmong do the things that they do, and I think mythology is one of many answers to the culture and customs.

By doing research on Hmong history and mythology, I will be able to write a short story that takes place in Ancient China and possibly throughout the span of Hmong history. My creativity would be used as I dig deeper into my roots.

NOTE: Miao is a term used for multiple groups of people and is often perceived as derogatory. Its definition is widely known as barbarian. Hmong only makes up about ⅓ of what is considered Miao. Therefore, Hmong is also included in much of the history regarding the Miao.

3000BCE - 2700BCE:

Miao's King Chiyou
Photo courtesy of hmongkingdom.com

An Overly Concerned High School Student: Hmong Achievement Gap in SPPS

Before I start off, I'd like to point out that I am a current student in the St. Paul Public School System. As a senior, I have seen that the Hmong students are often neglected. My first point that I will be about the Hmong student population, particularly the achievement gap. (My second point will be posted later) While my main focus is on the Hmong, some of my data is based solely on Asian American students in SPPS. However, of the 31% of Asian American students in SPPS, 20% of them are Hmong. Therefore, data based on Asian American students will closely reflect on the Hmong students.

For Love or For Money: C-Movie review

I came across the trailer for Bi Rain's movie with the popular Chinese actress Crystal Liu Yi Fei. Honestly, I was never too fond of Liu Yi Fei. She was highly known as a "flower vase actress" who happened to be extremely beautiful. I have to admit, I can definitely see the beauty in her. Sometimes she looks like your average next door girl but when she gets into ancient Chinese clothing, she's like a goddess. Anyways, I was sort of iffy about the movie since her acting has always been bad. But upon seeing the trailer, I was quite amazed at how much she has improved (The last film/drama of hers that I've seen was Return of the Condor Heroes). I decided to give her a chance. I've never really watched Rain's works before so it was something new for me too. Don't hate me. Lol,

Loving, Never Forgetting: C-drama review

            Merry Christmas and happy holidays! Before I start, I'd like to point out that I usually avoid watching modern Chinese dramas because the ones I come across usually have the same story line and I’m more fond of ancient series. However, I took the chance to watch a drama called Loving, Never Forgetting. I knew how heart breaking it would be due to a video that I came across on YouTube. 

                I guess you could say it’s your typical rich boy (Li Zhong Muo played by Jerry Yan) – poor girl (Wu Tong played by Tong Li Ya) love story. Li Zhong Muo comes from a rich family and built a successful business by himself. He is known to be ruthless and emotionless even though he is dating the famous celebrity Zhang Man Di (played by Feng Jing). Li Zhong Muo has a one night stand with Wu Tong and quickly forgets about her. 5 years later, she comes back into his life announcing that he is the father of her child (Wu Tong Tong). Thus, he fights for the custody of his child.