Past and Present Funding Sources

Merced Lao Family Community, Inc.

855 W. 15th Street Merced, CA. 95340. Phone: 209. 384-7384

The Histrory of Hmong New Year

The Hmong New Year celebration has existed thousands of years and in recent years has changed considerably. The heritage of this unique celebration was celebrated on the last day of the 12^th Lunar Moon each year. Hmong ancestors celebrated this event in their native country of Laos through many traditional activities.

a. The beginning ceremonies in the Hmong villages in Laos included all family members to pass under a vine symbolizing leaving behind all that was evil and welcoming all that is good

b. Families would conduct a soul calling ceremony which would eliminate all bad spirits and provide only good to enter their home

c. A cleansing of their bodies were then completed

d. Immediately after Midnight the women would go to water wells to collect the “new and clear water” for their families

e. Village populations would not work for three days and would partake in special New Year activities-Top (Tuj Lub), and cultural dances. Hmong folk music and song, traditional ball tossing, and other special events

Since immigration to the United States and for the past 23 years, the Hmong population has celebrated their annual New Year in Merced County. Many traditional and cultural activities have changed and the New Year celebrations have lost its original meaning for the young generation. The original purpose of the Hmong New Year celebration was to gather family and friends together for days of rest and relaxation; to bring young generations together; and to call for a prosperous New Year. The New Year celebration is a most important time for the Hmong population and is a very special event in the social lives of the Hmong in Merced County.

2008-09 Merced Hmong New Year:

1. Download Booth Application
2. Map #1
3. Map #2

2006-07 Merced Hmong New Year Celebration was held on December 15-18, 2006 at Merced County Fairgrounds. A heartfelt, thank you to our sponsors, donors, and individuals for continued to support the great success of our Merced Hmong New Year Celebration 2006-2007.

GOLD SPONSORSHIP:
PG&E

SILVER SPONSORSHIP:
Golden Valley Health Center
Werner Company

BRONZE SPONSORSHIP:
AAA California Auto Association
Blue Cross of California
Comcast
Dole Package Foods, LLC
Sierra Beverage Company/Bud light
WCSL

SPONSORS:
Gene the Florist
Merced Screw Products
Merced Sun-Star

DONORS:
All Stop Mortgage & Real Estate Service, Inc.
Asia Market
Chang Chiropractic
Cold Stone Creamery
Cha's Auto Repair
Dr. Joao F. Chang & Thida Mahasucon, DDS
Five Star Auto Service
Great Spaces USA
Kia Lee Market
Law Office of Paul C. Lo
Leap/Carpenter/Kemps Insurance
Lee's Merced Community Food Market
Mer-Save Market
Merced School Employee Federal Credit Union
New York Life Insurance
Orchard Supply Hardware
Orient Market
Roberta Flanagan Realtor, Inc
Sam's Café
UC Oriental Market
Western & Southern Financial Group
Yong Va Yang
www.asianrealty.net

2005-06 Merced Hmong New Year Celebration was held on December 16-19, 2005 at Merced County Fairgrounds and sponsored by the following businesses, companies, and agencies. A big thank to the businesses and organizations, contributing booths and individuals for all their support in making this wonderful Hmong New Year 2005-2006 Celebration possible.

Hosted by: Merced Lao Family Community, Inc

Sponsored by:
AAA
Blue Cross of California
City of Merced
Comcast
Gold Sombrero Card Room
Golden Valley Health Centers
Merced Screw Products
Pacific Gas and Electric Company
STAPLES copy & print center

Donors:
Asia Market
Cha’s Auto Repair
Chang Chiropractic Clinic
Cold Stone Creamery
Dole Packaged Frozen Foods, Inc
Five Star Auto Service
Kia Lee Market
Lee’s Merced Community Food Market
Mer-Save Market
New Asian Market
Orient Market
Sam’s Café
UC Oriental Market

2004-05 Merced Hmong New Year Celebration was held on December 17-22, 2004 at Merced County Fairgrounds and sponsored by the following businesses, companies, and agencies. A big thank to the businesses and organizations, contributing booths and individuals for all their support in making this wonderful Hmong New Year 2004-2005 Celebration possible.

Blue Cross of California
CHUKCHANSI GOLD Resort & Casino
Merced Lao Family Community, Inc
Pacific Gas and Electric Company
Werner Company

A message from the New Year Chairman, Mr. Kang Yee Xiong:

It is my pleasure to welcome all of our guests to the 2005 Merced Hmong New Year celebration. This is a special time for the Hmong and we are pleased that you are able to join us for all of the festivities. As you are aware, this is an annual celebration which, like the American New Year’s Eve, rigs out the old and welcomes in the New Year. This Hmong custom continues each year thanks to all of your support. We gratefully acknowledge that support in allowing us to promote the recognition of our Hmong cultural heritage here in Merced County. This special occasion brings together relatives, friends, and other community members of Merced County and allows us to pass on to our youger generation, the special activities of our culture.

Please accept our gratitude to all of the sponsors, vendors, and supporters participating in this event and for the continued success year after year. Again, thank you for joining us and we welcome you to have a joyous time in celebrating our 2005 Merced Hmong New Year.

2003-04 Merced Hmong New Year Celebration was held on December 19-22, 2003 at Merced County Fairgrounds and sponsored by the following businesses, companies, and agencies. A big thank to the businesses and organizations, contributing booths and individuals for all their support in making this wonderful Hmong New Year 2003-2004 Celebration possible. Sponsored by: Merced Lao Family Community, Inc

2002-03 Merced Hmong New Year Celebration was held on December 20-23, 2002 at Merced County Fairgrounds and sponsored by the following businesses, companies, and agencies. A big thank to the businesses and organizations, contributing booths and individuals for all their support in making this wonderful Hmong New Year 2002-2003 Celebration possible.

Sponsored: Merced Lao Family Community, Inc.

Co-Sponsored:
Blue Cross of California
Health Net of California
Health Collaborative – Tobacco-Free Future for South East Asians Project

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