Skip to content

Traditional Myanmar

Traditional Myanmar

By Amrita Kundu

With the amalgamation of 135 ethnic groups, Myanmar is a mix of various culture and tradition. Aside from that, the country boasts a number of unique traditional products and customs which are excellent options to explore for a tourist.

Thanaka

In Myanmar, you will often see women with yellow paste on their cheeks. It is called Thanaka, a paste made from the bark of several trees that grow in Myanmar. The barks are ground on a flat circular stone to make the paste. However, today, thanaka powders and creams are readily available for easy applicability as Thanaka prevents the skin from sunburn and radiates a healthy glow.

Hand-Woven Products

Weaving is a common practice among the locals of Myanmar. From fine silk to cotton, one can find a variety of woven industries in Myanmar. However, the most unique among them is Lotus Weaving – a traditional handicraft practised by the inhabitants of Inle Lake. Lotus stems are taken and the fine threads are extracted before being woven into beautiful garments.

Traditional Dress

Each of the 135 ethnic groups has their own traditional dressing. Generally, most locals wear Longyi, a versatile cloth that can be wrapped around the waist. However, there is a distinct difference for wearing the garment between men and women.

Men wear the Longyi (locally known as Paso) by making two folds and tucking it in the waist. Pasos are usually striped or checked. The women wear their Htamein (the local name for Longyi worn by women) with just one fold and match it with a fitted blouse. Htamein is usually available in floral and coloured designs.

Puppet

Another integral feature of Myanmar is puppets. The culture of puppets in Myanmar date back to around 11th century – 15th century when wooden puppets were used as a major form of entertainment by the royals of the country. Myanmar has regular traditional puppet shows featuring mythological stories and modern-day plays.

Chinlone

Chinlone is the national sport of the country where there are no opposing teams. A group of people play this together where they try to keep a cane ball off the ground as long as possible. It is a fun and non-competitive game which is enjoyed by all.

Pathein Umbrella

This unique umbrella is specific to Pathein, the capital of the Ayeyarwady Region of Myanmar. The canopy of the umbrella is made with silk and cotton where beautiful floral designs are painted on. The rib and the shaft of the umbrella are made from bamboo. This beautiful umbrella is a representation of the feminine beauty of the country, and is an ideal item to pick up as a memento from the country.

Betel Nut

If you roam around Myanmar, you will find betel nut in every nook and corner of the country. Commonly known as Kun Ya, a betel nut is wrapped up in betel leaf along with slaked lime and eaten. The additional items added in the betel leaf vary from one shop to another and can include tobacco, chilli and jam.

Cigars

Cigars or Cheroots is another unique tradition of Myanmar. The roll is made from the dried leaf of Thanet Phat or corn, whereas the inside of the roll consists of dried wood and tobacco. Locals roll the cheroot in their own style, adjusting the tobacco level and the size of the cigars. The tropical zones of Myanmar have an abundance of Thanet leaves.

Exploring the local culture is highly recommended if you are in Myanmar. Try the local products, pick up some mementoes and roam around the country to get a full experience of everything that a tourist can crave for.

People throwing water at each other to welcome the new year

Traditional Myanmar

    Traditional Myanmar

    Myanmar is wealth of different cultures. If you are looking to experience the cultural side of it, we promise to make you happy. There are 135 distinct ethnic groups in Myanmar with their own culture and traditions. It is reflected in everything they do: cuisine, dressing, faith, occupation and much more. We welcome you to enjoy the diversity of Myanmar’s traditions.

    BetelMyanmar Betel or Kun Ya is made up of betel nut, slaked lime and catechu which are then wrapped up in a betel leaf., but the recipe inside the betel leaf changes from shop to shop and some shops input tobacco, chilli and jam. Its taste is a little bitter and has to be savoured while chewing slowly. There are many little betel shops located all over the country. You must try Kun Ya or Betel when you are in the country.

    Betel

    Myanmar Betel or Kun Ya is made up of betel nut, slaked lime and catechu which are then wrapped up in a betel leaf., but the recipe inside the betel leaf changes from shop to shop and some shops input tobacco, chilli and jam. Its taste is a little bitter and has to be savoured while chewing slowly. There are many little betel shops located all over the country. You must try Kun Ya or Betel when you are in the country.
    CigarsMyanmar cigar or cheroot is a roll made with the dried leaf of carbia myx (Thanet Phat) or corn. Insides the leaf is a mixture of dried wood and tobacco. The old people in Myanmar rolled their own cigars to suit their individual taste. Cigars come in different sizes and the smallest one is a little bigger than cigarettes. There are many cigar factories in Myanmar especially in the tropical zone.

    Cigars

    Myanmar cigar or cheroot is a roll made with the dried leaf of carbia myx (Thanet Phat) or corn. Insides the leaf is a mixture of dried wood and tobacco. The old people in Myanmar rolled their own cigars to suit their individual taste. Cigars come in different sizes and the smallest one is a little bigger than cigarettes. There are many cigar factories in Myanmar especially in the tropical zone.
    Novitiation CeremonyThe ceremony is mostly held before July and August, and during the summer vacation between March and May. To become a novice, three stages must be passed - shaving hair, wearing a robe and believing in Buddha. Buddhist parents in Myanmar believes that they will not suffer in hell if their sons become a novice for at least once in their lifetime.

    Novitiation Ceremony

    The ceremony is mostly held before July and August, and during the summer vacation between March and May. To become a novice, three stages must be passed - shaving hair, wearing a robe and believing in Buddha. Buddhist parents in Myanmar believes that they will not suffer in hell if their sons become a novice for at least once in their lifetime.
    Pathein UmbrellaThe beautiful and colourful Pathein umbrella represents the Myanmarese feminine beauty. The canopies of the umbrella are made with cotton, silk and beautiful artistic floral painting on them. The shaft and ribs are made of bamboo which can be obtained from Rakhine Yoma Mountain Range near Pathein.

    Pathein Umbrella

    The beautiful and colourful Pathein umbrella represents the Myanmarese feminine beauty. The canopies of the umbrella are made with cotton, silk and beautiful artistic floral painting on them. The shaft and ribs are made of bamboo which can be obtained from Rakhine Yoma Mountain Range near Pathein.
    PotteryPottery has been the earliest craft in the history of human civilisation. For 2,000 years, the Myanmarese have used pottery to store and cook food. Pots can be produced cheaply and are useful in many ways even though they are fragile. Nowadays, the main pottery workshops in Myanmar are located in riverside towns.

    Pottery

    Pottery has been the earliest craft in the history of human civilisation. For 2,000 years, the Myanmarese have used pottery to store and cook food. Pots can be produced cheaply and are useful in many ways even though they are fragile. Nowadays, the main pottery workshops in Myanmar are located in riverside towns.
    Tea ShopsYou will find tea shops in every street corner in Myanmar. Tea is a common drink for the locals and you must taste it when you are in the country. The traditional tea is a potent combination of strong black tea leaves mixed with evaporated and condensed milk and is delicious.

    Tea Shops

    You will find tea shops in every street corner in Myanmar. Tea is a common drink for the locals and you must taste it when you are in the country. The traditional tea is a potent combination of strong black tea leaves mixed with evaporated and condensed milk and is delicious.
    THANAKAThanaka is a yellowish-white cosmetic paste made from ground bark. You will find the locals, especially women and girls use it extensively on their face and arms. The reference of Thanaka can be found in a poem written by King Razadarit during the 14th century. The wood from different trees can be used to create Thanaka. The trees must be perennials and at least 35 years old to produce good Thanaka.

    THANAKA

    Thanaka is a yellowish-white cosmetic paste made from ground bark. You will find the locals, especially women and girls use it extensively on their face and arms. The reference of Thanaka can be found in a poem written by King Razadarit during the 14th century. The wood from different trees can be used to create Thanaka. The trees must be perennials and at least 35 years old to produce good Thanaka.
    Traditional DressLongyi is the native dress of the Myanmar People. Ideal for Myanmar’s humid climate, this versatile long wrap-around cloth is traditionally worn by both genders with distinct features separating the two. The Longyi worn by men is called a Paso while those worn by women are called a Htamein. A Paso usually comes in stripes or checks and can even be worn inside out while a Htamein comes in countless floral and coloured designs.

    Traditional Dress

    Longyi is the native dress of the Myanmar People. Ideal for Myanmar’s humid climate, this versatile long wrap-around cloth is traditionally worn by both genders with distinct features separating the two. The Longyi worn by men is called a Paso while those worn by women are called a Htamein. A Paso usually comes in stripes or checks and can even be worn inside out while a Htamein comes in countless floral and coloured designs.

    WELL-KNOWN ARTS & CRAFTS

    THE ART OF WEAVING

    SILK & COTTON WEAVING INDUSTRY

    Silk and cotton weaving is one of the main professions of the Amarapura and Bagan People. The cotton is mostly grown in Central Myanmar. First, they make the cotton thread from raw cotton by using a machine, which is operated by hand and weave on the international wooden loom. Over one hundred looms are used to create beautiful and intricate designs and patterns as silk wear is worn in special and ceremonial occasions. Being a famous and interesting cottage industry, this is something you should definitely experience.

    LOTUS WEAVING AT INLE LAKE

    One of the highlights from Inle Lake is the lotus weaving industry. Lotus weaving is the main profession for many people who live near Inle Lake. Many years ago, women from Inle began weaving textiles using fabrics obtained from lotus flowers. There are many villages where this art is practiced out of which Phaw Kone and Kyaing Khan Villages are most famous. You can visit these villages to understand how this art is done.

    The whole process from the beginning to the end is really amazing. Most old women cut the lotus stem into small pieces and extract fibre by hand using a knife. Then these fibres are moistened and rolled together to obtain threads. To finally produce the long, fine threads used to weave lotus, the above process is repeated again and again. Workers need to be very patient because all the processes are equally important. This industry is very labour intensive and hence lotus weaving products are among the most expensive textile products in the world. They are ideal for gifting.

    MUSICAL INSTRUMENTS & TRADITIONAL DANCE

    TRADITIONAL DANCES AND FOLK DANCES OF MYANMAR

    Dance has always been an intrinsic part of the culture of Myanmar. The movement of the human body and the discipline of form and posture often characterise local dance techniques. From inaugurating capital cities to the commencement of a battle, all royal functions began and ended with a dance. Today, dance is still an integral part of daily life, be it at weddings, pagoda festivals or Shinbyu (novice monk initiation ceremonies). It plays a vital part in celebrating each occasion. Pwe or dramatic dance performances set to music often add colour to local pagoda Festivals.

    TRADITIONAL DANCE

    Traditional dance in Myanmar is supple, graceful, elaborate, well-refined and floral. What makes it even more unique is that every dance movement draws inspiration from flowers. A flower is believed to resemble a dancer. The bloom is the head. The leaves are the hands and the stem the body. In the gust of a gentle breeze, the flower comes alive and dances to the accompaniment of nature. This purity of movement often forms the foundation of traditional dance in Myanmar.

    FOLK DANCE

    Based on the changing seasons and fertile lands, folk dance in Myanmar has always been an integral part of farming communities. As such, most folk dances reflect everyday life with songs and lyrics that flow with the movement of the dancer. A popular folk dance is U Shwe Yoe, a comic act that portrays the dancer dressed as a typical Myanmar gentleman with a long neatly trimmed moustache holding a Pathein Parasol, a scarf around his neck, a spotted turban or headgear, and a square patterned sarong around his waist. In the dance, he makes comic faces as he holds a lady’s gestures that dramatize his search for a young attractive girl. Always a popular act, his antics are an eagerly anticipated item on every agenda.

    CHINLONE

    Chinlone, also known as cane ball, is the traditional, national sport of Myanmar and a combination of sports and dance. It is a completely non-competitive game, with typically six people playing together as one team, with no opposing teams. Although there is no competition, it is a highly demanding sport that requires skill and teamwork. The ball they use is usually made from hand-woven rattan (called Chinlone). It is played by individuals passing the ball between each other within a circle, without using their hands. One of the six players moves to the centre of the circle while all other players try to assist him or her by passing the ball that he strikes back to him in a single attempt. The important point of the game is to keep the ball in the air without hitting the ground as much as possible. While playing, a traditional orchestra plays motivational songs and the crowd cheers the players to give their best. An Annual Waso Chinlone Festival is held in a small stadium off the famous Maha Myat Muni Pagoda in Mandalay. This festival takes place for a month around the full moon of Waso.

    TRADITIONAL TATTOO

    Tattooed women are one of the main attraction of Myanmar. Each ethnic group has its own pattern which distinguishes them from one another. No one knows exactly how the custom originated, but one theory is that the tattoos began years ago as a form of identification when women were captured or kidnapped by neighbouring tribes. Another legend is that the tattoos were a way of intentionally disfiguring the woman’s beauty so that they would not be taken to marriage by the Burmese King. Most of them got their tattoos when they were around 12 years old. The whole process can take up to 3 days. The tattoo needles are usually made from bamboo skewers or from thorns. The ink is a mixture of ox bile, soot, plants and lard. The Chin Women are famed for their tattooed faces. Although the tradition of tattooing faces is disappearing, it is still prominent in the southern part of the state, particularly in Mindat and Kanpetlet.

    MYANMAR’S PUPPETS

    MARIONETTES

    A traditional artefact of the country and something that the locals are proud of are Marionettes – Myanmarese puppets. Spend a little time and you may find one that has been discarded from a show. Marionettes showcase character and often have their own story to tell. Beautifully handcrafted, these make wonderful mementoes of your adventures in Myanmar. Puppets or marionettes formed the ‘Yoke-the Pew’ or marionette theatre which entertained kings and royalty during the 18th century.

    MARIONETTE DANCE

    A standard troupe consists of 28 puppets comprising of a cast of animals, kings and queens, courtiers, princes, and clowns. Plots are usually taken from the 550 Jatakas, or from the Ramayana handling these marionettes. The puppeteers also provide the essential accompaniments of songs and narrative to make a complete performance. A rare art of form, marionette theatres still exist in small pockets across the country and is a treat you wouldn’t want to miss.

    Popular in Myanmar

    TREASURE OF MYANMAR

    Menu

    GOOD TO KNOW

    Menu

    EXPLORE FURTHER

    Menu

    Contact Us

    Office (33), Ministry of Hotels and Tourism, Nay Pyi Taw, Myanmar

    +95673406458, +95673406247
    +95 673 406 129

    Twitter Pinterest Facebook Youtube Instagram

    © COPYRIGHT 2020. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED