I’ve been to a lot of Buddhist countries but somehow Myanmar (Burma) has remained one of my favorites. There’s just something about Burmese culture and how it’s so intricately linked to Buddhism. Its roots seep its way to the people and its reflected adeptly in all aspects of Burmese society. No place even comes close to the Shwedagon Pagoda that resides in Yangon, the capital city.
Though its not just about the temples, although they are certainly a sight to behold. It’s about the way monks clad in saffron robes wander the streets, receiving alms from locals as part of their daily routine. It’s about the reverence and respect for elders, reflected in the customs and traditions of the Burmese people.
To truly experience Burmese culture is to immerse oneself in its many facets. Even something as simple as sharing a cup of sweet, milky tea with a local can open up a world of insight into their lives.
In the end, it’s the warmth and hospitality of the Burmese people that truly brings the country’s culture to life. Whether it’s the kind smile of a street vendor or the friendly chatter of a passerby, it’s hard not to feel welcome in Myanmar. The country may be going through its own set of challenges, but its rich and vibrant culture remains as strong as ever which is why creating this blog post is so important for me even if I know it’s not on people’s radar as I believe the world should know and shouldn’t forget about Burma.
Cultural Concepts in Myanmar
Face
Like most Southeast Asian countries, the concept of Face is ingrained in Myanmar’s society. In Burmese culture, “Face” refers to a person’s reputation, honor, and dignity in the eyes of others. It is an important concept in Burmese society and affects how individuals interact with each other, especially in social situations. Losing face or causing someone else to lose face is considered a serious offense and can lead to social ostracism or other consequences.
Thanakha
Thanakha is a traditional cosmetic widely used in Myanmar, particularly by women and children. It is a yellowish-white paste made by grinding the bark of the thanakha tree with a small amount of water on a flat, circular stone called kyauk pyin. Walking around the streets of Yangon, I often saw women with Thanakha on their faces and at that time, it really made me wonder about it.
Turns out, the paste is applied to the face, as a natural sunscreen, moisturizer, and beauty treatment. The mild fragrance of Thanakha is also believed to have a cooling and refreshing effect on the skin, particularly during the hot and humid summers. Thanakha has been used for centuries in Myanmar and is considered an important cultural symbol. It is often associated with beauty, cleanliness, and modesty.
Ah-nar-de
Ah-nar-de emphasizes consideration for others. It involves being mindful of others’ feelings and needs, and taking actions to ensure that they are not inconvenienced or harmed in any way. It is a valued trait in Burmese society, and is reflected in everyday interactions and social customs. This is one part of Burmese culture that I was exposed to again and again while I was there, people were very kind towards me and went out of their way to help me even through small ways.
What is the Religion in Myanmar?
Myanmar’s main religion is Theravada Buddhism, which was introduced over 2,000 years ago and plays a significant role in the daily lives of its people. Over 80% of the population practices Buddhism, and it has a profound influence on Burmese culture and society.
Despite the dominance of Buddhism in Myanmar, the country is also home to significant populations of Christians, Muslims, and Hindus. Christianity and Islam were introduced to Myanmar by European colonizers and Indian traders, respectively, while Hinduism has historical roots in the country dating back to ancient times.
What are the Traditions in Myanmar?
Burmese Folklore
Burmese Buddhism incorporates many unique practices and beliefs that are not found in other Buddhist countries. For example, Myanmar has a long-standing tradition of Nat worship, which involves the veneration of powerful spirits that are believed to control human destiny. Many Burmese people also engage in merit-making activities such as donating to monasteries and offering food to monks as a way of accumulating good karma. The Sule Pagoda in Yangon was said to have a Nat King named Sularata residing within.
Numerology
Numerology is also a big deal in Myanmar, maybe even more so that most countries out there. Numbers are believed to have spiritual significance and can be used to determine auspicious days for important events like weddings or business deals. Even the country’s most famous landmark, the Shwedagon Pagoda, is said to have been built on a site chosen for its auspicious numerological qualities.
Astrology
Astrology is also an important aspect of spiritual belief in Myanmar. People consult astrologers to seek guidance on important life decisions and to better understand their destiny. The Burmese even have their own zodiac system called the Burmese zodiac or the Myanmar horoscope. It consists of 12 animal signs that are similar to the Chinese zodiac, but with some differences in terms of the animals used and the associated traits.
Burmese Traditional Music
Traditional Burmese music and dance have been influenced by Indian and Southeast Asian cultures, but have evolved into a distinct art form with its own characteristics.
Traditional Burmese music features a variety of instruments, including the saung (harp), hne (reed instrument), pat waing (drum circle), and si (cymbals). The music is often accompanied by vocals, with lyrics that touch on themes of love, nature, and religious devotion.
Burmese Traditional Dance
The Burmese classical dance, Yodaya, is one of the most refined forms of dance in Southeast Asia. It features graceful movements and intricate hand gestures that tell a story, often drawn from Buddhist mythology. Performers dress in elaborately decorated costumes, with ornate headdresses and jewelry.
What to Eat in Myanmar?
Burmese cuisine is a unique blend of various regional and ethnic influences, including Chinese, Indian, and Thai. It features a rich array of flavors and textures, from spicy and tangy to sweet and savory. Here are some of the must-try dishes while you’re in Myanmar:
Mohinga: Myanmar’s national dish, it’s a rice noodle soup typically served for breakfast. It includes a fragrant fish broth, lemongrass, ginger, garlic, and turmeric, and is often topped with sliced banana tree stems, hard-boiled egg, and crispy fritters.
Oohn no khao swe: A mouthwatering coconut chicken noodle soup. The broth is made with coconut milk, turmeric, and other spices, and is served with egg noodles, tender chicken, and an array of toppings such as crispy fried onions, cilantro, and lime.
Lahpet thoke: Or tea leaf salad, which combines fermented tea leaves, roasted peanuts, sesame seeds, garlic, tomato, and chili.
What is Burmese Language like?
The Burmese language is the official language of Myanmar and is spoken by the majority of the population. It belongs to the Tibeto-Burman language family and has its own unique script called the Burmese script. The Burmese language is tonal and has several dialects, including the Yangon dialect which is the standard dialect used in the media and in education.
The Burmese language is known for its use of honorifics and politeness markers, which are used to show respect for others. It also has a complex system of pronouns, depending on the relationship between the speaker and the person being addressed. The Burmese language has borrowed many words from Pali, the language of Theravada Buddhism.
Useful Burmese Phrases for Travel
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Burmese
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English
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Min ga la ba
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Hello
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Che zu tin ba deh
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How are you?
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Nei kaun ba deh
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I'm fine
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Nei hsaan la ba deh
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Thank you
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Be deh
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Yes
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Ma be
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No
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Khin myay par say
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Excuse me
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Thwa thaut ba deh
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I'm sorry
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Ye thwa ra ba deh
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Goodbye
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Nga deh
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I don't understand
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Tha loat pyan lar?
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Can you speak English?
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Traditional Festivals in Myanmar
Thingyan Water Festival
Held in mid-April and is the Burmese New Year celebration. It is a four-day festival filled with water fights and religious ceremonies, and it is celebrated all over the country.
Full Moon Day of Kason
This festival takes place in May and celebrates Buddha’s birth, enlightenment, and death. It is celebrated all over the country, with the most significant celebration taking place in Yangon.
Taunggyi Tazaungdaing Festival (Festival of Lights)
This festival takes place in November in Taunggyi and is also known as the Festival of Lights. It is a three-day celebration filled with hot air balloon competitions and fireworks. It’s a truly dazzling spectacle and is a must-see!
Thandingyut Festival
This festival takes place in October and celebrates the end of the Buddhist Lent. It is a three-day festival filled with plenty of candle lights and decorations, and it is also celebrated all over the country.
Customs in Myanmar
- In Myanmar, it is important to dress modestly, especially when visiting religious sites. It is recommended to wear clothes that cover your shoulders and knees.
- When entering temples or homes, it is customary to remove your shoes.
- Monks are highly respected in Myanmar, so it is important to show respect to them. Do not touch them, especially if you are a woman, and give up your seat if a monk needs it.
- When sitting in the presence of a monk, avoid sitting higher than them. This includes sitting on a higher chair or sitting with your legs crossed higher than theirs.
- It is considered impolite to use your left hand for eating or giving and receiving items. Always use your right hand.
- It is considered impolite to point with your feet, so be mindful of where your feet are pointing.
- The head is considered sacred, so it is impolite to touch someone’s head even for children.
- Public displays of affection are not customary, so it is best to refrain from holding hands or kissing in public.
- Tipping is not expected, but it is appreciated for good service.
Plan Your Trip to Myanmar | Best Travel Resources
Book Your Accommodations
- Booking.com – the world’s leading online booking platform for accomodations around the world, they have an extensive amount of available listings with zero booking fees and best price guarantees.
- Hostelworld – a backpacker’s best friend, Hostelworld has the largest collection of hostels and guesthouses for affordable prices.
Don’t Forget Insurance
- SafetyWing – from Nomad Insurance, an insurance by nomads for nomads. They understand our lifestyle well and have really comprehensive and flexible plans that cater to any traveler.
Find Cheap Flights
- Kiwi.com – my go-to for booking and finding the cheapest flights and it’s helped me save tons of money. They do virtual interlining which is connecting flights from airlines that do not codeshare, so you can find routes that you wouldn’t be able to find normally.
Join Tours & Activities
- GetYourGuide – is one of the best places to find unique tours and activities. I found that it’s an excellent way to meet fellow travelers and create fond memories. They are not only limited to tours as they also offer niche services such as skip-the-line tickets or private transfers.
Catch a Ride
- Rentalcars.com – nothing beats the freedom of the road, Rentalcars.com is the world’s largest online car rental service. They operate across 160 countries so they’re the perfect partner to work with if you find yourself wanting a ride.
