the burmese new year presented by thida aung 3.3.2000
TRANSCRIPT
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.