Traditional Myanmar

Myanmar is a 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.

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.

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 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 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.

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 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.

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 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.