myanmar

HISTORY

Burma is a nation of the southeast Asia and the largest of the mainland southeast Asian countries. It has sometimes been called the Land of Pagodas, because of the many pagodas, or Buddhist shrines, that dot the landscape.

Although it shares borders with a number of countries, Burma has been isolated for much of its long history. It was shut off first by the mountains that enclose it on three sides, but also by the choice of its ancient kings and some of its recent political leaders. In 1989, Burma's leaders changed its name to Myanmar, which is "Burma" spelled in Burmese, the national language.

THE PEOPLE

The people of Myanmar come from many different ethnic groups, but the burmans are the most numerous, making about two thirds of the population. Their ancestors migrated to what is now Myanmar from the mountains of southern china more than a thousand years ago and mixed with the people already living in the region.

The main non-burman peoples include chin, the kachin , the Shan, the Karen and the Mon. They mostly occupy the mountains and hills and borders areas, and some live in neighboring countries as well. Many have never been under the complete control of the central Burmese government. There are many smaller groups, each of which has its own culture. There are also ethnic Indians, Bangladeshis and Chinese.

Padaung Woman

[RIGHT] Padaung women of Myanmar used to add those brass rings every few years that their necks lengthen up to about 1 feet.

Long Neck Tribe villages can be found at the Northern Border area's-palong.

HEADGEARS

[LEFT] Burmans wear attractive headgears as to complete a traditional clothes. These headgears are very colorful but it is also quite heavy.

They also wear simpler headgears such as a hat when working to protect their heads from the blazing sun.

TRADITIONAL CLOTHES

Traditional clothes in Myanmar are many and may differ from other tribes. This is because each tribe has its own traditional clothes that are worn on special occasion but are rarely worn nowadays.

Traditional clothes are completed with unique headgears or hairstyle. The shoes also may differ. Many of the tribes do not wear shoes or they wear shoes that resembles sandals that makes feet movements easier.

They also wear accessories such as necklace, jewelry and flowers that they put on their heads.

[LEFT-TOP TO BOTTOM] Bamar tribe, Kayah tribe, Mon tribe, Shan tribe.

[RIGHT-TOP TO BOTTOM] Chin tribe, Kachin tribe, Kayin tribe, Rakhine tribe