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.