The Burmese New Year

Presented by

Thida Aung

3.3.2000

Structure of the talk

Background on Burma (Myanmar)

The Burmese calendar

Celebrations during the New Year periodThe Water Festival - leading to the New Year’s DayThe New Year’s Day Feast

Burma (Myanmar)

The Burmese calendar

Used for religious purposes and traditional festivals

Consists of 12 lunar months (28 days each)

The current year is 1362

The New Year begins in April

The New Year Period

Known as “Thingyan” in Burmese

Coincides with the entry of the Sun into Aries

Celebration of the annual visit of “Thingyanmin” (the King of the Angels) to the Earth

Lasts for 4 days ( April 14 to 17 ) 14 April – Day of Arrival 17 April – Day of Departure – The New Year’s Day

The Water Festival Celebrated by throwing

water to each other

Purpose is to get rid of sins and misfortunes of the past year

Has become a fun event, popular with the younger generation

The Water Festival

The Water Festival Temporary stages (called pandals)

set up in streets For water throwing For displays of traditional dances,

theatre and concerts

Parade cars visiting these stages around the town – very boisterous

Everybody gets drenched ! Except monks, the elderly, the

infirmed and pregnant ladies

The New Year’s Day

A complete halt to the Water Festival

The theme of purification continues with the New Year’s Day FeastWashing hair in a specially prepared shampooBathing in scented waterPutting on the newest and finest clothes

The New Year’s Day

People on their best behaviourShowing respect and

giving presents to parents and elders

Following the religious precepts

Visiting pagodas and monasteries for worship

Freeing captured fishes and birds

Summary Purification ceremonies are performed

during the Burmese New Year

The New Year begins on the 17th of April

Celebrations start 3 days before

April 14 to 16 - The Water Festival

April 17 – The New Year’s Day Feast

Thank you for your attention.