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Culture
Stone Soup Fresno has become a place to preserve and extend culture. A place to organize and inform. To collaborate and create mutual benefit. A place where individuals are empowered in their own identities, and enthusiastic to be part of something much bigger.
Culture is the lens through which we exchange views of our worlds. It is how we come to grasp, sometimes little by little, the deeper values beneath the surface of outward appearance and expression.
Though they have long been a transitional people, the Hmong maintain a solid identity with deeply held values and traditions. A resilient culture that transcends geographic boundaries. In our work day by day, we see the chance to embrace these emerging Americans and the richness and beauty of the culture they bring. To make our broader community that much more vibrant.
Extending and Preserving Traditions
Passing along the tools of tradition. Sustaining a sense of identity and connection. We have Masters teaching young men with wisdom and skill of ritual chants and musical instruments for traditional weddings and funerals. In our Cultural Academy and Pa Ndau, folktales and history are kept alive as Hmong speakers learn to read and write their native language, and as women stitch intricate, colorful story-telling quilts (56k video or 300k video). From matters of history and ancestry to matters of the soul, young and old share respect for one another as they share the wisdom of their heritage.
Unifying Generations
Appreciating the old. Embracing the new. Participating together. Men of all ages come together to play Top Spin, or Tujlub. Teams and competition give this ancient game of skill and practice a popular and modern role in Hmong culture – creating common ground among a group once difficult. Butterfly Girls dance intricate steps in colorful clothing, learning from elder dancers to express the culture of their families’ homeland with a contemporary touch of American culture blended in.
Nurturing and Healing
A spiritual connection and a practical cultivation. Beyond a place to grow food, our community gardens are a venue for gathering and a place for healing. A strong connection to the land and earth. And a means for greater independence. In basket making and sewing, Lao and Hmong women also come together to find relaxation while industriously sharing their creative skills. In upholding all these traditions, nurturing a strong sense of family and community helps to sustain body, mind and soul.
Merging Cultures
Tearing down walls and building understanding. Facilitating connections across cultures. Stone Soup Fresno coordinates and collaborates with many nonprofit organizations serving local residents. Together, we are a welcome resource to businesses and organizations throughout our region. Together, we are sharing our gifts and talents to realize the goals of true culture and community.