National traditions of Myanmar-Burma. Habits, mentality and the way of living

The history of Myanmar started several thousand years ago. The country was colonized by the British in the 19th century. The country had another name, Burma, at that time. Myanmar remained a colony for many decades. Burmese people managed to drive the British out in the 30s of the 20th century, but soon the country already suffered from the Japanese invasion. The occupation by Japan didn’t last long, and the Burmese became an absolutely free nation in 1948. After that, the military government ruled the country for decades, but those events are in the past now. Nowadays, the country has changed its official name to the Republic of the Union of Myanmar, and it is open to tourists.

Many new hotels have appeared in the country in recent years, and the tourist industry is developing. Currently, there are still not many tourists in Myanmar, and this fact makes the country particularly appealing to travelers in search of authentic places. Mountains, lush tropical flora, and countless pagodas create an inimitable look of the country. These pagodas are parts of Buddhist temples, many of which shine bright during the daytime, looking like giant spiked golden tents or even bells built right in the middle of cities and forests. Indeed, local pagodas are reminiscent of bells.

Buddhist temples are covered with gold as this material has a color similar to the sun. Buddhist monks wear orange clothing as this is the color of happiness. When communicating with locals, foreign tourists often mention that local people have a cheerful, “sunny” personality and are filled with joy – such state of mind is unusual for Europeans. Burmese has been the official language of the country over the three last decades. Chinese is also widespread in Myanmar. In the past, when Myanmar was a British colony, English was the official language in the country. Many people still remember it, which is very convenient for foreign guests as it is much easier to communicate with locals. Many people in the countryside use the official language and local dialects. Copyright www.orangesmile.com

Burmese people make up the majority of the country’s population – around 70%. The term “Burmese” is of a colonial origin, local people usually use the word “Bamar” when describing themselves. Besides the dominant ethnic group, there are also Shan, Rakhine, Karen, Mon, Chin, Kachin, Kayin people – according to one source, there are more than 135 different ethnic groups in Myanmar, and more than 150 ethnic groups in accordance with another source. All of these peoples keep their customs and dialects to some extent. All ethnic groups have a limited area where they live, usually within the geographic region that was historically associated with that group. For example, the Kachin live near the border with China, the Shan live close to Thailand, the Chin – in the mountains in the western part of Myanmar, and Karen – in Lower Burma.

These traditional areas of different ethnic groups are reflected in the official division of the country into seven national states and seven regions. These states are named after the nations that inhabit them – Chin, Mon, Shan. Every ethnic group consists of numerous smaller sub-groups. Each ethnic group has a different development level and maintains its traditions and usual lifestyle. Due to this fact, groups that are aware of the latest developments of humanity peacefully coexist with people who do not use cell phones and don’t even know about the borders of the country that they live in. The latter is particularly true about small ethnic groups that live in the mountain region. They can freely cross the border between Myanmar and Thailand or Laos and do not pay much attention to the rules and permissions of people from the flatland.

These national states are not the best destination for foreigners. Tourist infrastructure is mostly developing in other parts of the country, namely, 7 regions (Taing). The biggest cities in the country – Yangon, Mandalay, and the capital city of Naypyitaw – are located in the three regions. These central regions are also the location of the majority of religious landmarks connected with the main religion of the country – Buddhism. Roughly 90% of the population is Buddhists; Islam, Christianity, and Judaism are not widespread.

Locals have much respect for astrology. They use it to select names and the best time for different events, both on individual and country level. For example, when the country got its independence and changed its name from Burma to Myanmar, it was also decided to change the capital from Yangon to Naypyitaw. It was astrologists who selected the best time to change the capital.

Locals communicate with each other in a patient way. They are always friendly and calm. Even if somewhat drunken people have different opinions, they do not fight. Local public transport is always crowded in big cities, but people do to argue. It is common to see drivers give way to other drivers. Situations, when someone tries to cut off other drivers or create other inconvenience, are virtually nonexistent. Myanmar people treat foreigners with the same friendliness. They do not try to trick tourists or get more money from them. Even local taxis have moderate prices.

Endless diligence is the major trait of the national character. Despite a simple and modest lifestyle, it is safe to call Myanmar people happy. They know how to smile in a trouble-free way. Smile is usually the first thing that European tourists mention when they describe locals. Kind and cheerful smiles create a festive atmosphere and this is how Myanmar leaves a trace in memories of all guests as a wonderful and authentic country.