The finest needlework is devoted to marriage and death. Hmong are buried in full costume to ensure recognition in the afterlife. The New Year festival is another special event, the harvest is in and a new year is ahead. It is believed that wearing old clothing at the festival may cause bad luck in the coming year. This is why Pa Ndau is such an important history-telling tool about the heritage of the Hmong people.
Designs seen today on ethnic costumes and commercial products are centuries old.
Today, Pa Ndau is a dying art because younger generations are more interested in education and learning other trades in order to improve their lives. To the Hmong, Pa Ndau represents the Hmong's freedom banner. It is really history in the making. Elders say the story cloth is important for young Hmong Americans who have few ties left to the highland culture. Although still a large part of Hmong culture and special event costumes, Pa Ndau made for commercial markets are becoming scarce making them something to be treasured.