TSENG, PEIYI P.

BSITTM-HT130
CULTURES AND TRADITIONS POF MYANMAR
BACKGROUND
The culture of Myanmar (also known as Burma) has been heavily influenced by Buddhism and the Mon people.
Burmese culture has also been influenced by its neighbors. In more recent times, British colonial rule and
westernization have influenced aspects of Burmese culture, including language and education.
CUSTOMS
As in all Buddhist countries, the head is considered to be the most sacred part of the body, whereas the feet are
considered dirty and corrupt. For this reason, it is important to never touch anyone's head. Even ruffling a child's
hair will be seen as a grave insult. However, Burmese are very friendly and outgoing people. They give so much
care and respect towards other people/visitors.
WHEN AT HOME
Burmese families commonly all sleep on the floor together. When beds are used people tend to sleep on the sheets
of a bed rather than under them. If visiting a Myanmar home, shoes should be taken off at the door. They believe
that a polite attempt at removing shoes shows enough respect.
WHEN EATING
When eating, it is customary for the elderly to be served first and coughing, sneezing or blowing one's nose at
table is not acceptable. Myanmar dining tables are round and low. Family members sit on the mats around the
table when eating. Food is not served in courses because dishes are served simultaneously with different items
are spread out on the table. People help themselves put food on their plates.
GREETINGS IN MYANMAR
The traditional burmese greeting is “Mingalaba” which means “hello” and “goodbye”, as well as “auspicious
wishes”. Physical contact/touch, such as a handshake, is not the norm in Burma. A slight bow of the head is the
common way to greet others. It is especially frowned upon to touch anyone older than oneself on the top of the
head or to touch anyone of the opposite sex.
DANCE
Dance in Burma can be divided into dramatic, folk/village, and nat dances, each having distinct characteristics.
Although Burmese dance has been influenced by the dance traditions.
CLOTHING
The traditional Burmese dress is Longyi, a wraparound skirt worn by men and women. Men ties theirs in front
and the women fold the cloth over and secure it at the side.

TOP 5 MYANMAR CUISINE

Tea Leaf Salad Shan-style Rice Curry Mohinga Nangyi Thoke

TRADITIONAL SPORT
The traditional and national sport in Burma is Chinlone. It is non-competitive, with typically six people playing
together as one team. The ball used is normally made from handwoven rattan, which sounds like a basket when
hit.
REFERENCES
• http://factsanddetails.com/southeast-asia/Myanmar/sub5_5c/entry-3040.html
• https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Culture_of_Myanmar
• https://www.google.com/search?biw=1366&bih=657&tbm=isch&sa=1&ei=x1_JXI3hFYiB8wX-
1InwBA&q=DANCE+IN+MYANMAR&oq=DANCE+IN+MYANMAR&gs_l=img.3..0i24.4652.8372.
.8573...4.0..0.103.1468.19j1......1....1..gws-wiz-img.......35i39j0j0i67j0i30j0i5i30j0i8i30.mLWwqycf9d0
• https://www.google.com/search?biw=1366&bih=657&tbm=isch&sa=1&ei=NWvJXPeGA5n7wAPKyZHoDA&q=lon
gyi+clothing+in+myanmar&oq=longyi+clothing+in+myanmar&gs_l=img.3...2669.8719..9771...1.0..0.202.3387.0j
26j1......1....1..gws-wiz-img.......35i39j0i67j0j0i24.SvxeZUaDH3o
• http://sanctum-inle-resort.com/top-10-myanmar-food/
• https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chinlone