Burma painting has always taken an important part in world history of painting. An introduction to Burma painting would necessarily have to start with the prehistoric Paleolithic Age. The man of Stone Age era has left ineffaceable concrete proof of his creative insight and aptitude in different regions of Upper Myanmar. Thus it can be said that a historical record of the progress of Myanmar painting should start from this dawning of the artistic drive of our ancestors. They occupied this land of ours. These are well mentioned as the wall paintings of Padalin Cave.
Some of the wall paintings that are discovered in Padalin Cave near Ywangan village in southern Shan State are duly examined. After examination it has been proved that the people of this area had same calibre as the cave paintings of other Stone Age men of Europe. Even it has also been seen that the artists of this era were employing the same techniques. The paint used in these paintings was derived from a solution of clay. This was dissolved in some kind of animal fat where the colours were mainly brown, black, and orange. Scholars of that time thus concluded that the paint was most likely obtained by heating animal fat and then well mixing the components. This is done to achieve the desired shade and also color.
Various pictures that are painted and drawn on the limestone walls of the cave are almost ten to twelve feet high. The height is calculated from the ground. In some of the paintings the depictions of the fish, a cow, a human palm, calf, elephant, deer, wild boar, sun and bison can be seen. The technique comprised of line drawings overlaid with thick paint. They appear to convey a feel of identification with nature. Force and pride were also present in the paintings. These are some of the earliest paintings found in Burma or Myanmar.
Some more traditional arts in Burma
Burma or Myanmar is popularly known as The Land of Pagodas or The Golden Land. Along with rich natural resources the country is equally rich in traditional crafts, arts and its heritage.
Some of the popular traditional arts of Burma are mentioned below. All of these are very rich in quality and represent true arts of Burma.
Panpu i.e. the art of sculpture: The art of Panpu i.e. sculpture means the one which makes floral designs and figures made of ivory or wood. The artisans make the figure of human beings and also animals. Sometime they make very beautiful floral designs.
Pantamault i.e. the art of sculpting with stone: The art of Pantamault or stone sculpture can be said as the one stones curving. The artisans make Buddha images pole for sima. They also make leograph, pillar, deer, elephants, pestle and mortar, circular flat stone, and table.
Panpoot i.e. the art of turning designs on the lathe: The art of Panpoot is an endeavor to make wooden utensils. They eventually turn on turners lathe. Such as making table legs, shaft of umbrella, legs of bed and turnery posts for Pavilions, etc.
Panchi i.e. the art of painting: The art of Panchi or painting is also very beautiful. This is the one which give instances of inanimate objects and also living animals. They use different colours while doing this. The artists paint the figures of different animals, human beings, objects, designs, scenery, and cartoons.
Panyun i.e. the art of making lacquer ware: The art of Panyun or Lacquer ware means a handicraft. This produces products made of wood, bamboo and thick black varnish. The artisans of Lacquer ware produce bowl for monk, alms food bowl, and bowl of pickle tea. Drinking cup, lacquer vessel, betel box, and cheroot box are also prepare out of this.
Some of the popular traditional arts of Burma are mentioned below. All of these are very rich in quality and represent true arts of Burma.
Panpu i.e. the art of sculpture: The art of Panpu i.e. sculpture means the one which makes floral designs and figures made of ivory or wood. The artisans make the figure of human beings and also animals. Sometime they make very beautiful floral designs.
Pantamault i.e. the art of sculpting with stone: The art of Pantamault or stone sculpture can be said as the one stones curving. The artisans make Buddha images pole for sima. They also make leograph, pillar, deer, elephants, pestle and mortar, circular flat stone, and table.
Panpoot i.e. the art of turning designs on the lathe: The art of Panpoot is an endeavor to make wooden utensils. They eventually turn on turners lathe. Such as making table legs, shaft of umbrella, legs of bed and turnery posts for Pavilions, etc.
Panchi i.e. the art of painting: The art of Panchi or painting is also very beautiful. This is the one which give instances of inanimate objects and also living animals. They use different colours while doing this. The artists paint the figures of different animals, human beings, objects, designs, scenery, and cartoons.
Panyun i.e. the art of making lacquer ware: The art of Panyun or Lacquer ware means a handicraft. This produces products made of wood, bamboo and thick black varnish. The artisans of Lacquer ware produce bowl for monk, alms food bowl, and bowl of pickle tea. Drinking cup, lacquer vessel, betel box, and cheroot box are also prepare out of this.
Burma Traditional Arts
Burma or Myanmar is really rich in its traditional arts, crafts and also heritage. In Burma some of the traditional arts are very popular. The names are discussed below for your convenience.
Panbe i.e. the art of blacksmith: The art of Panbe or black smith can be mentioned as the tempering of iron. It is done in the furnace to make necessary items. The artisans make different items such as ox cart oxle, tyre, ox cart iron, digging hoe, hammer, scissors, hatchet, pickaxe, adze, knife, axe and mattock.
Pantain i.e. the art of gold and silver smith: The art of Pantain i.e. gold or silver smith is a project of making gold and silver items. We can describe the art of Silver smith as the making of receptacle bowl, drinking bowl, shield, prize-cup and belt. The art of making ear-drops, bracelet, finger-ring, ear-plug, pendent, ear-ring that too with a screw-on back piece and necklace in gold is known as goldsmith.
Panyan i.e. the art of bricklaying and masonry: The art of Panyan or mason is an venture where the artisans constructs the buildings using stones, bricks, and cement. The masons build Pagoda, brick houses, bridges, etc.
Pantin i.e. the art of bronze casting: The art of Pantin can be discussed as a project where materials are prepared of bronze, copper or brass. The artisans make triangular brass gong, gong, and brass bowl for monk. They also make tray, weights in the shape of brainy ducks, cup bowl, copper pot, bell, cymbal, jingle bell and small brass gong.
Pantaut i.e. the art of making floral designs using masonry: The art of Pantaut or stucco sculpture usually means a skill of making ornamental floral designs in relief with stucco. The artisans make different figures such as dragons, lions, and floral designs with stucco.
Panbe i.e. the art of blacksmith: The art of Panbe or black smith can be mentioned as the tempering of iron. It is done in the furnace to make necessary items. The artisans make different items such as ox cart oxle, tyre, ox cart iron, digging hoe, hammer, scissors, hatchet, pickaxe, adze, knife, axe and mattock.
Pantain i.e. the art of gold and silver smith: The art of Pantain i.e. gold or silver smith is a project of making gold and silver items. We can describe the art of Silver smith as the making of receptacle bowl, drinking bowl, shield, prize-cup and belt. The art of making ear-drops, bracelet, finger-ring, ear-plug, pendent, ear-ring that too with a screw-on back piece and necklace in gold is known as goldsmith.
Panyan i.e. the art of bricklaying and masonry: The art of Panyan or mason is an venture where the artisans constructs the buildings using stones, bricks, and cement. The masons build Pagoda, brick houses, bridges, etc.
Pantin i.e. the art of bronze casting: The art of Pantin can be discussed as a project where materials are prepared of bronze, copper or brass. The artisans make triangular brass gong, gong, and brass bowl for monk. They also make tray, weights in the shape of brainy ducks, cup bowl, copper pot, bell, cymbal, jingle bell and small brass gong.
Pantaut i.e. the art of making floral designs using masonry: The art of Pantaut or stucco sculpture usually means a skill of making ornamental floral designs in relief with stucco. The artisans make different figures such as dragons, lions, and floral designs with stucco.
Some important festivals in Burma
If you are planning to visit Burma or Myanmar, you can enjoy some excellent festivals but the thing is that you should be aware of the festivals. Here I am trying to give an overview about the most celebrated festivals.
In the month of April, the Water Festival or Thingyan is celebrated. People enjoy for three long days which introduces the Myanmar New Year. People arrange different things such as makeshift pavilions with stages for dancing and singing. The barrels are usually filled with water. Young generation dance and sing on the stages while throwing water on all. It is believed in Burma that being drenched with Thingyan water washes all sins and bad luck of people. In procession you can also see decorative floats.
In the month of May, the Kasone Festival takes place. Buddha was born in the Myanmar month of Kasone that falls on the full-moon day. Buddha also attained Enlightenment and passed away in this month. Buddha had attained Enlightenment when meditating under a Bodhi tree. The grounds of pagodas and monasteries are planted with many such trees. On this auspicious day, people carry water in earthenware pots. They water the Bodhi trees. In the temple ground processions are held in a colorful way.
The Waso Robe-Offering is another festival of Burma. This is performed to mark Buddha’s first preaching. This one falls on the full moon day in the month of June or July. At pagodas, free meals are offered to the monks.
In October, full-moon day of Thadingyut, the Festival of Lights is celebrated. This is done to mark the descent of Buddha from Tavadinsa. On this day, buildings, pagodas, houses, and public parks are decorated with strings of electric bulns. Candles, oil lanterns are also used for the decoration. Young people gift their elders some cakes, fruits, or pieces of textiles.
In the month of April, the Water Festival or Thingyan is celebrated. People enjoy for three long days which introduces the Myanmar New Year. People arrange different things such as makeshift pavilions with stages for dancing and singing. The barrels are usually filled with water. Young generation dance and sing on the stages while throwing water on all. It is believed in Burma that being drenched with Thingyan water washes all sins and bad luck of people. In procession you can also see decorative floats.
In the month of May, the Kasone Festival takes place. Buddha was born in the Myanmar month of Kasone that falls on the full-moon day. Buddha also attained Enlightenment and passed away in this month. Buddha had attained Enlightenment when meditating under a Bodhi tree. The grounds of pagodas and monasteries are planted with many such trees. On this auspicious day, people carry water in earthenware pots. They water the Bodhi trees. In the temple ground processions are held in a colorful way.
The Waso Robe-Offering is another festival of Burma. This is performed to mark Buddha’s first preaching. This one falls on the full moon day in the month of June or July. At pagodas, free meals are offered to the monks.
In October, full-moon day of Thadingyut, the Festival of Lights is celebrated. This is done to mark the descent of Buddha from Tavadinsa. On this day, buildings, pagodas, houses, and public parks are decorated with strings of electric bulns. Candles, oil lanterns are also used for the decoration. Young people gift their elders some cakes, fruits, or pieces of textiles.
Death rituals in Burma
In Burma, people like keeping relation with family members. They always try to help people when they are in real need. The relatives and friends are always informed when a person is seriously ill. When they get the information, the friend or relative always try to visit the sick person. It is advisable to take some fresh fruits or canned cereals at such times. You can also take something according to the patient’s choice.
There are some persons who are really reluctant to be admitted into hospitals. But with the changing situation i.e. with the improvements in medical science their attitude becomes changed. In case a person dies at home, the body is then bathed. He then dressed in the best cloth of that person. A monk will be there to do the chanting and prayers. After three or five days of the death the funeral will usually take place. In the meanwhile, a wake will be held. During this wake period, members of the dead person’s family keep watch during the nights. The guests who come to visit the dead person’s home are served tea and black melon seeds. In case the person dies in a hospital or anywhere else, the remains of the dead body placed in a morgue. In that case also the wake will be held at the home of the deceased.
In Myanmar, Burial is still common. But in most of the cases cremation is performed. The recitation is also performed in some cases. The monks are part and parcel of a funeral as their recitation take a very important part. It is necessary to send at least telegram or a letter if informed about a relative’s death. Try to do this otherwise they can think it as an insult to them. Donations can also be given if the family is financially unstable. Try to avoid wearing bright dresses in a dead man’s family.
There are some persons who are really reluctant to be admitted into hospitals. But with the changing situation i.e. with the improvements in medical science their attitude becomes changed. In case a person dies at home, the body is then bathed. He then dressed in the best cloth of that person. A monk will be there to do the chanting and prayers. After three or five days of the death the funeral will usually take place. In the meanwhile, a wake will be held. During this wake period, members of the dead person’s family keep watch during the nights. The guests who come to visit the dead person’s home are served tea and black melon seeds. In case the person dies in a hospital or anywhere else, the remains of the dead body placed in a morgue. In that case also the wake will be held at the home of the deceased.
In Myanmar, Burial is still common. But in most of the cases cremation is performed. The recitation is also performed in some cases. The monks are part and parcel of a funeral as their recitation take a very important part. It is necessary to send at least telegram or a letter if informed about a relative’s death. Try to do this otherwise they can think it as an insult to them. Donations can also be given if the family is financially unstable. Try to avoid wearing bright dresses in a dead man’s family.
Some ceremonies celebrated in Burma
In Burma people are very friendly. They like to celebrate their favorite occasions with friends and family. In Burmese culture births, engagements, and marriages are considered to be auspicious occasions. These are called tha ye i.e. happy occasions while death and sickness fall into nga ye i.e. sad occasions. When a woman gives birth to a child, her friends and colleagues give gifts to the mother as well as the baby. The usual gifts are feeding bottles and beautiful clothes. Gifts should be only given after the baby’s birth. Some women are superstitious about the fact that these gifts will bring misfortune to the baby. On the hundredth day of the baby, a name-giving ceremony is usually organized. Monks are invited to be present there and chant some prayers. They bless the baby where meals are offered to all the members present there.
The couples who are getting engaged are expected to throw a party for the friends and family members. The couple who have long and also happy marriages is regarded as guests of honour at such parties. When these parties are organized the male guest of honour gives a speech to praise the qualities of the bride-to-be. This should be done on behalf of the bridegroom’s parents. If someone calls you in an engagement party, it is up to you that you bring any gift or not. In Burma or Myanmar, the couples are married by registering. This is organized in front of the registrar of marriages. This can also be done by going through a ceremony conducted by a respectable couple at a grand hotel. Sometimes no ceremony is organized by mutual consent.
You can choose different gifts according to your choice and also budget. Sometimes you should also see the couple’s status. If they are young and not that financially stable. You can think about cash gift. Electrical appliances, crockery, and sometimes pieces of cloth also make excellent gifts.
The couples who are getting engaged are expected to throw a party for the friends and family members. The couple who have long and also happy marriages is regarded as guests of honour at such parties. When these parties are organized the male guest of honour gives a speech to praise the qualities of the bride-to-be. This should be done on behalf of the bridegroom’s parents. If someone calls you in an engagement party, it is up to you that you bring any gift or not. In Burma or Myanmar, the couples are married by registering. This is organized in front of the registrar of marriages. This can also be done by going through a ceremony conducted by a respectable couple at a grand hotel. Sometimes no ceremony is organized by mutual consent.
You can choose different gifts according to your choice and also budget. Sometimes you should also see the couple’s status. If they are young and not that financially stable. You can think about cash gift. Electrical appliances, crockery, and sometimes pieces of cloth also make excellent gifts.
Religious Beliefs in Burma
In Burma almost ninety percent of the people are Buddhists. Burmese are the majority and the proportion is higher among them. Burmese follow one special form of Buddhism and that is the Theravada form. This is also known as Hinayana Buddhism. In Theravada Buddhism, each can think individually to seek salvation and achieve nirvana. It is believed that Buddhism has been introduced to Burma by missionaries. Indian emperor Asoka sent them in the third century. Buddhism is also followed by many non-Burmese ethnic groups in Burma.
Most of the groups follow Theravada Buddhism. Some differences are there between the practices and in beliefs of those of the Burmese. Animistic elements are included in Buddhist beliefs. All total three percent of the population adheres solely to animistic religious beliefs. Another four percent of the population is Christian. Out of which three percent is Baptist and one percent is Catholic. Among the total population four percent is Hindu, four percent is Muslim, and one percent is animist.
In the nineteenth century the Christian missionaries began working in Burma. They had little success among Buddhists but successfully converted many among the minority groups.
Buddhists have different beliefs about death and rebirth. They think that those who die are reborn in a form that they accumulated while alive. The cycle of rebirth and death is believed to continue till ignorance and craving remain. Personal wisdom and elimination of desire can break this cycle. Cremation and burial are the usual way of funerals. In this ceremony a procession of mourners and monks included. The coffin is accompanied to the cemetery or crematorium, with the monks performing rites and chanting. Funerals for monks are usually organized as elaborated one. On the other hand, those who have died a violent death usually are hurriedly buried with little ceremony. This is done as their spirits are believed to linger as malicious ghosts.
Marriages among Burmese
The traditional dress of the Burmese is called longyi. This is actually a sarong worn by men as well as women. In earlier days, Bamar men wear a collarless jacket that too short over a white mandarin collared shirt. Bamar women wear a shawl and a blouse. All of these are mostly worn on formal occasions. In most of the urban areas, pants and skirts are becoming more common. The young generation likes it a lot. On male privates they wear Hwein Shu.
Burmese marriages are really interesting. Traditional Burmese marriages are religious, extravagant, secular or sometimes simple. A marriage can also be recognized with or without a ceremony. In these marriages the man’s paso or sarong hangs from a rail of the house. It can also be understood when the couples eat from the same plate. Dowries are usually not taken. Burmese do not like to perform arrange marriage. Many Burmese couples opt for extravagant affairs.
In Burma, marriages can be conducted without the presence of Buddhist monks. They need not be there to conduct the wedding and also solemnize the marriage. Months are required to arrange an extravagant wedding. Astrologers are also consulted about choosing the auspicious time and also setting of the event.
A Brahman is usually the master of ceremonies. He is normally hired to preside over the ceremony. There you can see the cushions as sitting arrangement for the bride and groom. At the beginning, the Brahman is seen blowing a conch shell. This is done to start the ceremony. He then joins the palms of the couple and enfolds them in white cloth. The joined palms are then dipped into a silver bowl. This is followed by chanting some Sanskrit mantras. After taking out the joined palms, the Brahman blows the conch shell. This signifies that the ceremony ends here. Entertainers perform and the guests of higher social status give some speeches. In most of the urban areas, marriage reception is held at a hotel.
Burmese marriages are really interesting. Traditional Burmese marriages are religious, extravagant, secular or sometimes simple. A marriage can also be recognized with or without a ceremony. In these marriages the man’s paso or sarong hangs from a rail of the house. It can also be understood when the couples eat from the same plate. Dowries are usually not taken. Burmese do not like to perform arrange marriage. Many Burmese couples opt for extravagant affairs.
In Burma, marriages can be conducted without the presence of Buddhist monks. They need not be there to conduct the wedding and also solemnize the marriage. Months are required to arrange an extravagant wedding. Astrologers are also consulted about choosing the auspicious time and also setting of the event.
A Brahman is usually the master of ceremonies. He is normally hired to preside over the ceremony. There you can see the cushions as sitting arrangement for the bride and groom. At the beginning, the Brahman is seen blowing a conch shell. This is done to start the ceremony. He then joins the palms of the couple and enfolds them in white cloth. The joined palms are then dipped into a silver bowl. This is followed by chanting some Sanskrit mantras. After taking out the joined palms, the Brahman blows the conch shell. This signifies that the ceremony ends here. Entertainers perform and the guests of higher social status give some speeches. In most of the urban areas, marriage reception is held at a hotel.
Etiquette maintained in Burma
Burmese are very respectful to their elders to whom age represent wisdom and experience. Parents are teachers are always paid obeisance at special times of the year such as beginning and end of lent, Thingyan, etc. Burmese always pay obeisance before one leaves on a journey. Burmese eat together where elders are served meals first. If any elder is absent, a spoonful of rice is put aside in the pot. This is done as a token of respect i.e. oocha just before serving the meal. Young people never sit on a higher level than the elders. They don’t even passing in front of the elders unless unavoidable. When passing they tread softly with a slight bow. When passing something to elders both the hand should be together. While sitting on a chair men should cross their legs. They also do it when sitting on a mat but women generally don’t do this.
Children are always taught from young age to give respect to the elders and should always be kind to the young and weak. Parents regarded as solely responsible for their children’s behavior. This is reflected by the expressions mi ma hsoumma, hpa ma hsoumma i.e. undisciplined either by mother or by father and ami youk tau hnoukkyan, ahpa youk tau ko amu-aya kyan i.e. bad language from bad mother and bad body-language from bad father. You should not say ‘thank you’ in Burma among friends and within the family.
One should not touch the head of another person as because that part is the highest in anyone’s body. According to them feet is the lowest part. Pointing fingers in Buddha image is regarded as inauspicious. But these customs are slowly changing. Don’t forget to take off your shoes while entering in a house or temple. The Burmese perambulate clockwise around a pagoda. But they counter clockwise. Lovers should show any public affection on roads. It is allowed among family members and friends of same gender.
Children are always taught from young age to give respect to the elders and should always be kind to the young and weak. Parents regarded as solely responsible for their children’s behavior. This is reflected by the expressions mi ma hsoumma, hpa ma hsoumma i.e. undisciplined either by mother or by father and ami youk tau hnoukkyan, ahpa youk tau ko amu-aya kyan i.e. bad language from bad mother and bad body-language from bad father. You should not say ‘thank you’ in Burma among friends and within the family.
One should not touch the head of another person as because that part is the highest in anyone’s body. According to them feet is the lowest part. Pointing fingers in Buddha image is regarded as inauspicious. But these customs are slowly changing. Don’t forget to take off your shoes while entering in a house or temple. The Burmese perambulate clockwise around a pagoda. But they counter clockwise. Lovers should show any public affection on roads. It is allowed among family members and friends of same gender.
Celebrated festivals in Burma
Burma is a cultural country. In the traditional Burmese calendar twelve months are there. In these twelve corresponding months twelve festivals are celebrated. All of these festivals are related to Burmese Buddhism. You can see that in any town or village the local pagoda festival is celebrated with pomp. People enjoy all these festival and most of them are very meaningful to them. They feel all these carry happiness to their life. The well-known festival in Burma is Thingyan. This is a four-day celebration organized in the coming lunar New Year. This festival is usually held previous to the Burmese New Year. This can be mentioned as first day of Tagu i.e. around 17 April. This is similar to other Southeast Asian New Year festivals such as Songkran. In Songkran festival people splash water on one another. But in this aspect I can say that Thingyan has religious significance. This marks the days in which Buddhists are anticipated to observe the Eight Principles of Buddhism.
For the Buddhists in Burma, festivals are a central part. Most of these festivals coincide with full moons of the lunar calendar. Central Burma is the hub where the majority of festivals take place during the month of March, July to September, December and also during Buddhist lent. They do both the things. Usually they either start or finish on the full moon day. Some of the major festivals that can be mentioned include Full Moon Day of Tabaung in March, Water Festival and Myanmar New Year in April, Buddhist Lent in the month of July-August and Light Festival in November.
The official holidays include Independence Day on January 4, Union Day on February 12, Armed Forces Day on March 27 and Martyrs’ Day on July 19. Foreigners authorize Burma as the ‘Golden Land’ for the warmness and fun-loving of the people.
For the Buddhists in Burma, festivals are a central part. Most of these festivals coincide with full moons of the lunar calendar. Central Burma is the hub where the majority of festivals take place during the month of March, July to September, December and also during Buddhist lent. They do both the things. Usually they either start or finish on the full moon day. Some of the major festivals that can be mentioned include Full Moon Day of Tabaung in March, Water Festival and Myanmar New Year in April, Buddhist Lent in the month of July-August and Light Festival in November.
The official holidays include Independence Day on January 4, Union Day on February 12, Armed Forces Day on March 27 and Martyrs’ Day on July 19. Foreigners authorize Burma as the ‘Golden Land’ for the warmness and fun-loving of the people.
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