QEEJ INSTRUMENTS & SOUNDS
This vibrating piece inside the qeej creates its distinct “talking” sound.
What is the "Nplaim Qeej"
This is the first major qeej song played to guide the soul and show it “the way.”
What is "Tu Siav"
What is "Ntiv Lwm Qab Nruas"
The main person who blows qeej at the funeral.
What is "Txiv Qeej"
Hmong believe a person has multiple of these, which leave the body at death.
What is "Ntsuj Plig"
This long, central tube of the qeej is the one the player blows into.
What is the "Taub Qeej"
This is the song that everyone plays after the qeej txhiaj txheem is finished.
What is "Nuj Nrws"
A mournful melody describing a life about orphans.
What is "Qeej Ua Ntsuag"
The main person who leads the culture and traditions at the funeral.
What is "Txiv Cuab Tsav"
If a soul wanders, the living perform this ceremony to call it back.
The qeej can “speak” words because each pipe is tuned to match these vocal tones.
What is the "Hmong Language"
This is the first major ritual where the soul is shown its path home.
What is "Qhuab Kev"
This is the first set of "qeej song" that a student MUST learn to begin their journey.
What is "Ntiv"
These individuals are members of the family.
What is "Xyom Cuab"
This object is burned so the soul can take it into the next life.
what is "Joss paper/nyiaj txiag xyab ntawv"
This action, done by the player’s chest and controls volume and meaning.
What is the "Breathing Control"
This final destination is where the soul waits to be reborn.
What is "the afterlife"
This specific and important part/qeej song is what every qeej player has to end with.
What is "Tuag Luav"
The person that comes and kill the cow if the "sister" is dead.
What is "Txiv Dab Laug"
This object is used to receive fortune and blessings.
What is "Xyab / Joss sticks"
These six bamboo pipes work together to form full random melodies.
What is "Riam Zaj"
This final ritual ensures the spirit does not return to bother the living.
What is "Tso Plig"
This set of funeral songs often sing with the txiv qeej at the beginning called by this phrase “farewell music.”
What is "Nkauj Tu Siav"
The main person who sings all night about blessings and fortune.
What is "Txiv Coj Xais"
This large ritual, often done yearly, renews protection for the whole family.