Hmong women wear necklaces like this one during New Year celebrations and other special occasions such as marriage ceremonies. This piece was collected in 1987, but similar pieces are available in local Hmong stores.

One of my favorite events in St Paul is Hmong New Year. In late November, thousands of people converge across the street from The Science Museum of Minnesota to participate in Hmong culture. Full of traditional food, dancing, and arts, New Year observations are the most important celebrations for the Hmong.
-Tilly Laskey, Curator of Ethnology