THE HMONG BELIEVE IN MANY SUPERNATURAL BEINGS: GODS, SPIRITS OF PLACES, HOUSEHOLD SPIRITS, MALICIOUS SPIRITS, AND SPIRITS OF THE DEAD. THEY ALSO BELIEVE THAT MEN AND ALL LIVING THINGS HAVE SOULS WHICH RETURN TO AN AFTERWORLD WHEN THEY DIE, AND AWAIT REINCARNATION. THESE BELIEFS AFFECT HMONG LIFE FROM BIRTH TO DEATH. THE SHAMAN IS THE ONLY PERSON WHO CAN COMMUNICATE EFFECTIVELY WITH THESE SUPERNATURAL BEINGS, AND THUS PLAYS A VERY IMPORTANT ROLE IN SOCIETY. AS A RITUAL SPECIALIST HE IS UNIQUE IN HIS ABILITY TO GIVE AN 'ECSTATIC PERFORMANCE', INVOLVING SPECIAL CHANTS, PHYSICAL ACTIVITY, AND ACHIEVEMENT OF STATE OF TRANCE, DURING WHICH IT IS BELIEVED THAT HE IS IN COMMUNICATION WITH SUPERNATURAL BEINGS. EVERY VILLAGE MUST HAVE AT LEAST ONE SHAMAN; OTHERWISE PEOPLE WILL NOT FEEL SECURE, AND THE VILLAGE MIGHT NOT CONTINUE TO EXIST.