The Change of Family Relationships of the Hmong Protestant Immigrants in Dien Bien Province

Abstract

The article presents a part of field research findings collected in the five villages of Hmong protestant immigrants in two districts, namely Muong Nhe and Nam Po (Dien Bien province). This part of field research findings shows that the family relationships of Hmong protestants are expressed in the couples as follows: parents-children; wife-husband and old brothers (old sisters)-young brothers (young sisters). However, having converted to Protestantism, the worldview of protestant followers has changed. Therefore, the first and foremost relationship of individual family members is given to the God (Vang Chu) - the Creator who gifts them life, at the same time, rescues and protects them. The other relationships, even the respect and filiate piety to grandfathers, grandmothers and parents also have been put under the relationship to the God and have been expressed by showing gratitude to them when they are still alive. This is an essential different point of family relationships of Hmong protestantsin comparision to Hmong people who still have maintained their traditional beliefs. Sometimes this point also has led to contraditions between Hmong people who follow and unfollow Protestantism