Burmese culture

The Burma culture has always been greatly influenced by Buddhism. More recently, British imperialism has influenced various aspects of Burmese culture, such as language and education.

Art

Historically, Burmese art was based on Buddhism and Hindu myths. There are several regional styles of Buddha images, each with certain distinctive characteristics. Temple architecture is usually made of brick, and pagodas are covered with a type of gold called gold leaf. Burmese literature is also influenced by Buddhism. Since orthodox Buddhism banned fiction, many works are non-fictional literature. An ancient form of dance called yodaya ( ယိုး ဒယား ) is an imitation of formal Thai dance, in which a woman uses only her hands and feet to express her emotions. The name yodaya most likely derives from the name of the Thai kingdom, Ayutthaya. The pop style currently dominates Burmese music. Other forms of Burmese music use a series of traditional musical instruments, brought together in an orchestra. Singing is part of several legends in Pali.

Literature

Burmese literature begins with fragments of Pyu texts, tribes that occupied the Iranvadi basin in the 19th century. SAW; These are Buddhist texts in púli, engraved in baked earth, stone and gold sheets. Immediately comes an important set of ancient religious literature, canonical and extra-canonical, annals, chronicles, epigraphy, engraved with a stylus on palm leaves, parchments, copper sheets with writing in black lacquer; the Páli Canon texts use the old Páli alphabet; Exegetical literature is written in a common script from a South Indian alphabet. The most active Buddhist center was Thaton, where, according to legend, Buddhaghosa lived and died in the 17th century. V. The Játakas, the previous lives of Buddha, were the most popular. On the whole, this traditional and canonical literature has no originality.

Burmese historical literature contains numerous annals, chronicles and legendary stories where the wonderful anecdote has a predominant place; These chronicles, despite their inaccuracies, are important historical sources on the various reigns of Burma (Pagan, Pegu, etc.). The monarch Anawrahtha, who reigned from 1044 to 1077, a great conqueror and pious Buddhist, has filled annals and inscriptions with his great deeds. After him, the texts abound in fictional anecdotes and palace scandals. The chronicles recount the capture of Pagan by the Mughals in 1287, the arrival of the Thais, the founding of new capitals and the reign of the Ava dynasty in the 19th century. XVII and XVIII. Technical literature, especially legal literature, originates from India; Professor Maung Shvay Kyú has recently compiled a compilation of these texts.

Poetic and novel literature is inspired by Buddhist and Hindu legends; They are novels in verse, pseudo-historical, where the intervention of the gods is a precept. Maung Kyi and Thin Hsaya, novelists specialized in Buddhist themes, and Punna, in historical themes, can be cited. Burmese poetry is very complex; It includes interior and final rhymes where musicality and rhythm are essential; Popular songs are an example of this style. The theater is presented in the form of pantomimes based on recited or sung texts; The historical and religious themes of the dramas are frequently drawn from the Játakas and the Ramayana, as seen in the works of Mya Hsaya and Paw Nyan. Stories constitute the most authentic background of popular expression; There are didactic ones, of Hindu origin, translated into Burmese in verse or prose; There are stories inspired by Indian, Mongolian and Thai folklore, translations of the fables of Jitopadesa and Pancha-tantra; The Burmese tales of the poet Suddhamma Chari on this subject are widely circulated.

Music

Traditional musical instruments include: brass se (triangle type), hne (oboe type), bamboo wa, saung (boat-shaped harp), pat waing (circle of 21 drums) and kyi waing (circle of gongs).

Religion

Burma is a predominantly Theravāda Buddhist country. The second most widespread religion is Christianity (3% Burmese Baptists, 1% Catholics). Other religions practiced are Islam and a form of animism called nat worship.

Kitchen

Burmese cuisine is a fusion of Indian and Chinese cuisine. It is relatively known throughout the world, and is characterized by having a slightly spicy flavor, with the use of spices. The most famous Burmese dish is mohinga and rice noodles in a curried fish soup. The Burmese traditionally eat with their hands, although the use of Western cutlery has become dominant.

Sports

The most popular sport in Burma is soccer. Chinlone, an indigenous sport, uses a rattan ball, and is played with the hands, head, and feet. A form of Burmese martial arts called taing (similar to kung fu) is also practiced. Other traditional sports are Lethwei, Bando, Banshay, and Pongyi thaing.

Parties

Customs

The traditional Burmese clothing item is called longyi, a sarong worn by both women and men. In urban areas, skirts and pants become more common. The language to use depends on the age of the person. Elders and monks are spoken to in a different and more respectable way. It is considered rude to touch a person's head. It is also considered taboo to touch the feet, or point with the feet, because the feet are considered the lowest. Shoes are always removed before entering homes and temples. When eating, it is very impolite to put food in your mouth with a fork, since it should only be used to push the food onto the spoon that will be put in your mouth.