Traditions and Customs of Myanmar

Myanmar is a country rich in its culture. Our ICS 101 class today gave us a glimpse of that richness.

One example is how the Lisu Ethnic Tribe passes on their history. They do it from one generation to another in the form of a song. Today, the song is so long that it can take more than a week to sing.



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Another example is the Let-Sar-Like which can be roughly translated to "Lending a Hand." When someone in the community needs help in repairing a roof, or in digging a well, or in harvesting or planting, the people actively engage themselves in the work.

When there are schools to be built, houses to be established, roads and bridges to be constructed, the people of Myanmar display the traditional Loke-Aah-Pay which is a voluntary contribution of labor. It is believed that such acts will assist in the merit of a person, both in the present life and the next. Loke-Aah-Pays were often accompanied by music and dance, as well as a feast of glutinous rice, grilled dried fish, and plain tea.




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The Novitiation Ceremony is important, as a majority of the people of Myanmar are Buddhists. This happens when a young son is put into Buddha's order of the Sangha. It is a matter of great pride to the parents when their son becomes a novice to improve in their religious training. As a result, there is a big celebration when the Novitiation Ceremony occurs. Just how big the celebration is depends on the family status. Some Novitiation Ceremonies include entertainment through their culture orchestras. Others include parading the novice-to-be in the streets.



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Perhaps one of the most important events in the culture of Myanmar is when a wedding takes place. The people of Myanmar celebrate "12 auspicious occasions" and the wedding is one of them. Everything, from the food to the location to the clothes of the bride and groom is given much care.

A website says:

With her hip-length jacket….long-length silk or satin “ htain-me-thein”, the bride looks somewhat like a princess of the Royal Court in the olden days of the Myanmar kings. And the bridegroom surely looks elegant an handsome in this traditional Myanmar men's attire which consists of a head-dress called “ gaung baung”, a long sleeve stiff collared shirt, a double length men's silk longyi called a “ taung shay longyi”, a traditional men's jacket and a velvet slipper.
- Myanmar Travel Information 2009

In the old days, guests were serenaded by the "traditional glass mosaic embedded gold-gilded Myanmar Orchestra." Nowadays, the instruments are modern, but the significance of the whole celebration still remains the same.

At the start of the ceremony, special verses composed by the families of the bride and groom are read. Blessings and wishes for the couple are stated.

Before the bride and groom make their entrance, a flower girl scatters flowers on the path where they will walk. This is a good omen—one that signifies their life-long union as husband and wife. A website writes, "Upon reaching the stage and before seating themselves, they turn towards the guests and with hands clasped together; pay their respects with their heads bowed." After that comes the "garlanding" where the bride and group are decked with flowers.

After the ceremony, food is served and the newly married couple thank the guests for attending their wedding. In turn, the guests wish the newly married couple a long and prosperous and happy life. The celebration ends in a most unique way:

The "gei-bo" negotiating begins once the couple tries to enter their bridal chamber which by then is blocked by rows of friends and relatives, holding gold chains asking for "gei-bo" which is pocket-money. A lot of boisterous bargaining and negotiating follows until both sides agree to a negotiated amount. After passing through this last obstacle, the married couple will carry on with their life in building a long lasting and happy marriage for themselves!
- Myanmar Wedding

Pictures: Courtesy of SilkRoad Group