Myanmar People and Society - South East Asia

Religion

Language

Food

Culture and Crafts

Education

Myanmar has around a hundred different ethnic groups living here- quite a creditable number, considering that the country isn't all that big. Around 65% of the population consist of ethnic Burmese, while the remaining 35% are tribal and other ethnic groups are the Shan, the Karen, the Rakhine, the Chin, Kachin, and the Mon. In addition, there are pockets of Chinese and Indian (Assamese) immigrants, many of whom have lived in Myanmar for generations, altogether. Much of the country's population is rural and is occupied in agricultural activities; many ethnic groups are still largely untouched by Western civilisations and have rich cultural traditions because of the remoteness of the areas they inhabit.

Myanmar's people are amongst the friendliest and most accommodating in South East Asia, and most would look upon the faux pas of an ignorant foreigner with a tolerant eye. However, that doesn't mean you can do just as you please- it doesn't hurt to respect the sentiments of the people. Basically, mind your manners- pushing and shoving in a crowded bus is all right, but yelling at people isn't. Keep your skimpy clothing well packed away, or flaunt it only on beaches- mini skirts, shorts and tank tops are definitely not 'on', especially if you're visiting a place of worship. Shoes or sandals should be taken off at temples or pagodas, and while you're in a religious place of any kind. You should make it a point not to do anything that could be construed as offensive, such as talking loudly, or climbing onto a religious statue to be photographed.

Religion

Buddhism had come to Myanmar centuries ago from neighbouring India, and it soon took root as the predominant religion in the land. The most common form of Buddhism today in Myanmar is Theravada Buddhism. The religion has extensively influenced Myanmar's culture- some of the country's most beautiful (and spectacular) art and architecture are Buddhist in Buddhist in inspiration and origin: the world-famous pagodas of the country are a case in point.

Other than Buddhism, the other religions that have followers in Myanmar are Christianity, Islam, Hinduism and Animism, but all four are minority religions,

Language

The main language in Myanmar is Burmese, or Myanmar, as it's now called. The bulk of the population uses this language, but considering the fact that Myanmar has so many ethnic groups, it's hardly surprising that the country has a number of other languages and dialects too. Each of the country's hundred-odd ethnic groups has its own dialect; the more common ones being Kachin, Chin, Karen, and Shan dialects. In urban areas, English is also widely used, particularly in commerce and the tourism trade,

Food

Myanmar's borders touch two of Asia's largest countries- India and China, two nations that can lay claim to great cuisines of the world. It, then, is hardly surprising that many of Myanmar's inhabitants have their roots in either India or China and that Burmese food is basically a clever- and very appetising- blend of Chinese and Indian foods.

As in much of South East Asia, rice is the staple, and it's supplemented with an impressive array of vegetables, meats, poultry and seafood or freshwater fish from rivers. Lots of herbs and spices are used, and most dishes are highly flavoured, although with much less heat (thankfully!) than that of, say, Thai cuisine. The most commonly used flavouring is a seasoning called ngapi, a dried and fermented shrimp paste. The best-known Burmese dish is On-no-khaukswe, a chicken curry based on coconut milk, served with plain boiled rice or egg noodles. Meals usually incorporate soups and curries and are often finished off with fresh fruit, of which Myanmar has no scarcity. Tea- whether the home grown, sweet and milky concoction or the Chinese variety- is very popular, as is sugarcane juice. Alcoholic beverages include 'jungle liquor', 'white liquor', orange brandy, and litchee wine,

Culture and Crafts

Myanmar is one of the least developed countries of the region, and a large number of people still live in much the same way as their forefathers did. The people of the country are divided into nearly a hundred ethnic groups, each with distinctive cultural traditions of their own. Many of the tribal groups have cultural traditions dating back hundreds of years- you can see it in the excellent handicrafts they produce, in their dances, their music and their way of life. And in some very unusual customs too- like the tradition of the 'long-necked women' who, as a sign of beauty, wear metal bands fitting around their necks- so many bands, that their necks get stretched unnaturally long.

Among non - tribals, culture has been greatly influenced by the dominant religion, which is Buddhism. Some of Myanmar's most beautiful buildings are its Buddhist pagodas; some of its most exuberant festivals are Buddhist religious days. Even today, Buddhism is one of the most important guiding forces in the lives of the common people.

Myanmar has a rich cultural heritage and the country is famed for its precious stones, its wood (especially teak) and its textiles. It's hardly surprising that Myanmar's jewellery, woodwork and fabrics are amongst the most beautiful in South East Asia. The country is especially known for its exquisite rubies, sapphires and jade- and the local artisans craft lovely jewellery in gold and silver using these fabulous gemstones. Silk and cotton, as bolts of cloth and in the form of garments and bags are also specialties.

Other than these, Myanmar is known for its tapestries- look out for 'kalagas' (wall hangings), in which sequins, metallic threads, silk cloth and threads are used on a cotton base to produce intricate designs. Other popular handicrafts of Myanmar include lacquer ware (the main centre is Bagan), rattan, and puppets,<

Education

A large portion of Myanmar's population is rural, and many of the ethnic groups are hill tribes who live in the remote mountain territories of north and east Myanmar- places where formal education is non-existent. Most colleges and universities are confined to large cities like Yangon and Mandalay, and outside urban areas, even schools tend to be few and far between. According to the government's official statistics, however, Myanmar's literacy rate is an extremely impressive 83.1%, with male literacy at 88.7% and female literacy at 77.7%. These figures are very questionable, and most external sources estimate the functional literacy rate to be around 30% or slightly higher.

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Around 65% of the population consist of ethnic Burmese, while the remaining 35% are tribal and other ethnic groups are the Shan, the Karen, the Rakhine, the Chin, Kachin, and the Mon. In addition, there are pockets of Chinese and Indian (Assamese) immigrants, many of whom have lived in Myanmar for generations, altogether. Much of the country's population is rural and is occupied in agricultural activities; many ethnic groups are still largely untouched by Western civilisations and have rich cultural traditions because of the remoteness of the areas they inhabit. Myanmar's people are amongst the friendliest and most accommodating in South East Asia, and most would look upon the faux pas of an ignorant foreigner with a tolerant eye. However, that doesn't mean you can do just as you please- it doesn't hurt to respect the sentiments of the people. Basically, mind your manners- pushing and shoving in a crowded bus is all right, but yelling at people isn't. Keep your skimpy clothing well packed away, or flaunt it only on beaches- mini skirts, shorts and tank tops are definitely not 'on', especially if you're visiting a place of worship. Shoes or sandals should be taken off at temples or pagodas, and while you're in a religious place of any kind. You should make it a point not to do anything that could be construed as offensive, such as talking loudly, or climbing onto a religious statue to be photographed. Religion Buddhism had come to Myanmar centuries ago from neighbouring India, and it soon took root as the predominant religion in the land. The most common form of Buddhism today in Myanmar is Theravada Buddhism. The religion has extensively influenced Myanmar's culture- some of the country's most beautiful (and spectacular) art and architecture are Buddhist in Buddhist in inspiration and origin: the world-famous pagodas of the country are a case in point. Other than Buddhism, the other religions that have followers in Myanmar are Christianity, Islam, Hinduism and Animism, but all four are minority religions, Language The main language in Myanmar is Burmese, or Myanmar, as it's now called. The bulk of the population uses this language, but considering the fact that Myanmar has so many ethnic groups, it's hardly surprising that the country has a number of other languages and dialects too. Each of the country's hundred-odd ethnic groups has its own dialect; the more common ones being Kachin, Chin, Karen, and Shan dialects. In urban areas, English is also widely used, particularly in commerce and the tourism trade, Food Myanmar's borders touch two of Asia's largest countries- India and China, two nations that can lay claim to great cuisines of the world. It, then, is hardly surprising that many of Myanmar's inhabitants have their roots in either India or China and that Burmese food is basically a clever- and very appetising- blend of Chinese and Indian foods. As in much of South East Asia, rice is the staple, and it's supplemented with an impressive array of vegetables, meats, poultry and seafood or freshwater fish from rivers. Lots of herbs and spices are used, and most dishes are highly flavoured, although with much less heat (thankfully!) than that of, say, Thai cuisine. The most commonly used flavouring is a seasoning called ngapi, a dried and fermented shrimp paste. The best-known Burmese dish is On-no-khaukswe, a chicken curry based on coconut milk, served with plain boiled rice or egg noodles. Meals usually incorporate soups and curries and are often finished off with fresh fruit, of which Myanmar has no scarcity. Tea- whether the home grown, sweet and milky concoction or the Chinese variety- is very popular, as is sugarcane juice. Alcoholic beverages include 'jungle liquor', 'white liquor', orange brandy, and litchee wine, Culture and Crafts Myanmar is one of the least developed countries of the region, and a large number of people still live in much the same way as their forefathers did. The people of the country are divided into nearly a hundred ethnic groups, each with distinctive cultural traditions of their own. Many of the tribal groups have cultural traditions dating back hundreds of years- you can see it in the excellent handicrafts they produce, in their dances, their music and their way of life. And in some very unusual customs too- like the tradition of the 'long-necked women' who, as a sign of beauty, wear metal bands fitting around their necks- so many bands, that their necks get stretched unnaturally long. Among non - tribals, culture has been greatly influenced by the dominant religion, which is Buddhism. Some of Myanmar's most beautiful buildings are its Buddhist pagodas; some of its most exuberant festivals are Buddhist religious days. Even today, Buddhism is one of the most important guiding forces in the lives of the common people. Myanmar has a rich cultural heritage and the country is famed for its precious stones, its wood (especially teak) and its textiles. It's hardly surprising that Myanmar's jewellery, woodwork and fabrics are amongst the most beautiful in South East Asia. The country is especially known for its exquisite rubies, sapphires and jade- and the local artisans craft lovely jewellery in gold and silver using these fabulous gemstones. Silk and cotton, as bolts of cloth and in the form of garments and bags are also specialties. Other than these, Myanmar is known for its tapestries- look out for 'kalagas' (wall hangings), in which sequins, metallic threads, silk cloth and threads are used on a cotton base to produce intricate designs. Other popular handicrafts of Myanmar include lacquer ware (the main centre is Bagan), rattan, and puppets,< Education A large portion of Myanmar's population is rural, and many of the ethnic groups are hill tribes who live in the remote mountain territories of north and east Myanmar- places where formal education is non-existent. Most colleges and universities are confined to large cities like Yangon and Mandalay, and outside urban areas, even schools tend to be few and far between. According to the government's official statistics, however, Myanmar's literacy rate is an extremely impressive 83.1%, with male literacy at 88.7% and female literacy at 77.7%. These figures are very questionable, and most external sources estimate the functional literacy rate to be around 30% or slightly higher.
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