Myanmar - Burnet Middle School

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CultureGrams
Kids Edition
Republic of the Union of
2014
Myanmar
Pyidaungzu Myanma Naingngandaw (Burma)
Aung San Suu Kyi, a political leader, was placed under house arrest in 1989. She won the Nobel Peace Prize in
1991, while still under house arrest, for her efforts to bring democracy (government by the people) to Myanmar.
Myanmar weddings can be performed by any respected person in the community who is married and has several
children.
Myanmar has one of the world’s highest death rates from snakebites.
Bhandanta Vicitsara of Myanmar set the world record for memorization when he recited 16,000 pages of Buddhist
writings from memory.
Myanmar do not have last names. First names are usually preceded by the word Daw (for older women), U (for
older men), Ma (for younger women), or Ko (for younger men).
Myanmar is home to the smallest known species of deer, the leaf deer. At less than two feet tall, many say it got
its name because it is small enough to be wrapped in a leaf.
All musical lyrics released in Myanmar must be approved by the government. Lyrics that criticize the government
are banned, but artists may even be required to make lyrics more cheerful.
Flag
The flag of Myanmar was most recently adopted on 21 October 2010 and consists of
the triband colors the nation used 1943–45, during the Japanese occupation. The
yellow strip symbolizes solidarity (unity), the green is for peace and tranquility, and the
red represents courage and decisiveness. The white star stands for the union of the
country.
National Image
The Ayeyarwady is Myanmar’s most important river. The 1,350-mile (2,170-km) river
runs through the center of the country, connecting northern and southern Myanmar.
People use the river to travel to different parts of the country and to transport goods
from place to place. The river also provides water for many of Myanmar’s rice fields.
Land and Climate
Area (sq. mi.): 261,228
Area (sq. km.): 676,578
Myanmar is about the same size as Afghanistan or the state of Texas. Forests cover
about half of the country. Myanmar’s most important river, the Ayeyarwady, starts in
northern Myanmar and flows down to the Andaman Sea. Before the river reaches the
sea, it forms a delta (triangle-shaped landform at the mouth of a river), dividing into
eight main branches and many more tiny streams. This area is sometimes called
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Myanmar’s “rice bowl” because the flooding and receding of the delta waters makes the
soil fertile and good for growing rice. Southeast Asia’s highest mountain is found in
northern Myanmar. Mount Hkakabo Razi stretches 19,290 feet (5,881 m) high.
Myanmar has three seasons: rainy (mid-May to mid-October), cool (mid-October to
mid-February), and hot (mid-February to May). Some areas of the country get as much
as 200 inches (508 cm) of rain each year. During the hot season, temperatures often
sometimes climb as high as 113°F (45°C)! Sometimes Myanmar experiences extreme
weather, such as the 2008 cyclone that killed thousands of people and destroyed
homes and farmland.
Population
Population: 55,167,330
Sixty-eight percent of Myanmar are Burmese. Twenty-two percent are Shan, Kayin (or
Karen), Kachin, or Mon. In addition to these groups, there are also more than 100
smaller groups. Since ancient times, many groups have migrated to the area we now
call Myanmar. Most of these groups came from central Asia. The most recent
immigrants were the Chinese and Indians, which make up 5 percent of the population
today. With each wave of migration, Myanmar became more diverse. Most of these
groups still remain distinct today, with their own customs and languages.
Language
Myanmar’s official language is Burmese. It is used in schools and in the government.
Burmese is a tonal language, so words and syllables can have different meanings
depending on which of the language’s four tones is used. The language is written with
both consonants and vowels. The vowels can be placed in front of, above, below, and
next to the consonant characters, with each arrangement indicating a different sound.
Burmese has more than 10 vowels, twice as many as English. Besides Burmese, more
than 100 other languages and dialects (ways of pronouncing or speaking) are spoken in
Myanmar. Many speakers of these languages also speak Burmese.
Can You Say It in Burmese?
Hello
Mingala ba
(mingala ba)
Goodbye
Thwa ba oun me
(THWA ba OHN meh)
Please
Ceizu pyu ba
(kyay zu pyu ba)
Thank you
Caizu ba
(Kyay zu tin ba deh)
Yes
Hou ke
(HOUQ keh)
No
Mahou pabu
(ma HOUQ bu)
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Religion
Most Myanmar are Theravada Buddhists. Buddhists attempt to achieve nirvana (the perfect state of being) by having
right views, right thought, right speech, right action, right livelihood, right effort, right mindfulness, and right
concentration. Buddhists value kindness, compassion, honesty, moderation, and joy. Monks play an important role in
Myanmar culture. They are the most respected members of society. Members of the community donate food to
monasteries, and most boys are expected to become temporary monks for a few weeks or months before they are
grown. Monks are often active politically, sometimes protesting against the government. In 2007, monks (along with
ordinary citizens) participated in protests against the government. Many were jailed or killed when the government
acted to stop the protests. Some Buddhists also worship nats (spirits). Each Buddhist home contains a shrine, where
people place pictures or statues of the Buddha, fresh flowers, and food or water.
Time Line
1000
1057
King Anawrahta gains control of the Mon city of Thaton, bringing
together most of what is now Myanmar (but was called Burma until
1989) under the capital at Pagan
1200
1287
Mongols led by Kublai Khan invade Pagan; Burma is broken into
several small states
1500
c. 1531
The Toungoo dynasty begins
1700
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1752
Myanmar
Rebellion breaks out and the Toungoo dynasty falls; the Konbaung
dynasty is formed soon after
1800
1824
The first Anglo-Burmese War begins when Burma attempts to expand
its territory to include parts of British-controlled India
1826
The war ends with the Treaty of Yandabo, which gives parts of Burma
to Britain
1852
The second Anglo-Burmese War begins when Britain attempts to
access valuable teak forests in Burma and take control of parts of the
coastline; the war ends later in the year with Britain controlling more of
Burma’s territory
1885
Britain conquers the rest of Burma; rebellions break out throughout the
country
1900
1942
Japan invades and occupies Burma during World War II
1945
World War II ends and the Japanese leave Burma
1948
Burma gains its independence from Britain
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1958
Violent rebellions erupt in various parts of the country; a military
government is set up to stabilize the country
1962
A military group led by General Ne Win overthrows the government
and starts the country on “the Burmese Way to Socialism,” which
includes taking over the economy, banning people from speaking
against the government, and outlawing independent newspapers
1982
A law is passed that defines people whose ancestors were not from
Burma as “associate citizens” and limits their rights
1987
The government decreases the worth of the Burmese currency,
destroying many people’s savings and prompting anti-government riots
1988
Riots continue, and thousands are killed when the government
attempts to stop the protests; the State Law and Order Restoration
Council (SLORC) is formed to stabilize the country; pro-democracy
(government by the people) campaigner Aung San Suu Kyi and other
activists found the National League for Democracy (a political party that
opposes the military government)
1989
The SLORC announces that it will hold elections; Aung San Suu Kyi is
put under house arrest; the SLORC changes the country’s name to
Myanmar
1990
The National League for Democracy easily wins the election, but the
SLORC arrests many of the leaders and says they cannot govern until
a new constitution is written
1991
Aung San Suu Kyi, still under house arrest, is awarded the Nobel
Peace Prize for promoting peaceful change in Burma
1993
SLORC announces that a new constitution will be written but that it will
give the military control of the country; representatives from the
National League for Democracy and SLORC begin meetings to write
the constitution
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1995
The National League for Democracy leaves meetings to draft Burma’s
constitution, saying that the meetings were not being run
democratically; the constitution remains unwritten
1997
The SLORC is reorganized and becomes the State Peace and
Development Council (SPDC)
2000
2007
Buddhist monks and citizens hold anti-government protests, which are
quickly and violently put down by the government
2008
The government announces a new constitution to be voted on, which
keeps much of the power in military hands and bans Aung San Suu Kyi
from the government; shortly before the vote, a cyclone strikes Burma;
thousands are killed but the voting is still held; the government claims
the constitution passed the vote
2010
The nation adopts a new national anthem, flag, and official name; Aung
San Suu Kyi is released from house arrest
2012
Pre-publication censorship is outlawed, meaning reporters no longer
have to submit their writing to the government for approval before
publishing it
2013
Four private daily newspapers appear for the first time in almost 50
years
PRESENT
Early Myanmar
Archeologist believe that people first settled the area now called Myanmar about 11,000
years ago. These early Myanmar made tools using stone and fossilized wood. They
probably gathered food from the land around them rather than farming. Eventually the
groups shifted from gathering food to growing their own.
Between 1 BC and AD 800, a group called the Pyu began to establish kingdoms in
southern Myanmar. Chinese tradesman who visited recorded that the Pyu lived in
well-organized cities with buildings built of wood and topped with roofs made of metal or
glazed tile. Ornate decorations adorned the cities. Women wore jewels in their hair, and
men dressed in rich blue robes and jeweled hats.
The Mon lived to the south of the Pyu. They were related to the Khmer, who live in
Cambodia. The Mon had contact with Indian traders and adopted many aspects of
Indian culture. They left behind examples of sculpture and architecture. The Mon
culture became the dominant culture in the area and its influence spread to neighboring
cultures.
The Burmans lived in northern Myanmar. This powerful culture would play an important
role in bringing together the cultures that make up Myanmar today.
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Uniting Myanmar
In the ninth century, the Nanzhao, an invading force from southwestern China, conquered the Pyu capital city. The
Burmans then swept in, forcing out the Nanzhao and adding the Pyu territory to their kingdom.
In 1057, the Burman King Anawrahta conquered the Mon civilization and united most of the area that is now Myanmar,
bringing together the different groups living there. King Anawrahta spread Theravada Buddhism throughout the
kingdom and commissioned many Buddhist temples to be built. He also began what would become Myanmar’s longest
dynasty (a series of related rulers). This dynasty would continue until 1287, when the kingdom was conquered by the
Mongols. From that time until Myanmar gained its independence from Britain in 1948, Myanmar was divided and
controlled by many different groups.
British Rule
In the 17th century, European nations such as Britain, France, and the Netherlands
began establishing trading companies in Burma because of its convenient location
along trade routes. Britain fought three wars with Burma (in 1824, 1852, and 1885)
before conquering it and making it part of India, which they controlled. The British made
many changes in Burma. They got rid of the monarchy, sent Burma’s royalty into exile,
and separated the government and Buddhism (which had been closely connected since
the country was formed). The economy was completely reorganized, with most profits
from Burma’s resources going to the British. Many Burmese resented British rule and
wanted independence. When Japan invaded in 1942, many of those who were against
British rule joined with the Japanese to fight the British. Later in the war, when Japan’s
forces were weakening, many Burmese resisted the Japanese government and
installed their own leaders. A few years after the war ended, in 1948, Burma became
independent.
After Independence
Burma had many challenges to overcome after gaining independence. Many of the
ethnic groups in Burma wanted to break off and form their own countries, and different
groups disagreed on how the country should be run. In 1958, violent rebellions broke
out in different parts of Burma. The military took temporary control in order to stabilize
the country. Two years later, elections reestablished a democratic (by the people)
government. However, in 1962, the military took over again, this time by force. The
leaders wanted to cut Burma off from the outside world and institute socialism (a type of
government in which private property is not allowed and business are owned by the
government). Newspapers and libraries were tightly controlled, and those who
protested against the government were killed or imprisoned.
In 1988, the government quickly and violently put down riots against its economic
decisions. Thousands of protesters were killed or arrested. Soon after, Aung San Suu
Kyi, whose father was a leader in the fight for Burma’s independence, formed the
National League for Democracy (NLD), a political party that opposed the military
government. In 1989, Aung San Suu Kyi was arrested and placed under house arrest.
In 1990, the government was reorganized and renamed the State Law and Order
Restoration Council (SLORC). The SLORC changed the country’s name to the Union of
Myanmar. Because this change was not made by an elected government, some
countries have refused to recognize it and continue to call the country Burma. In 1990,
elections were held. Although the government restricted campaigning and arrested
leaders of the NLD, including Aung San Suu Kyi, the NLD won the elections by many
votes.
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Myanmar Today
As the NLD prepared to take office, the military government intervened, claiming that a
new government couldn’t be formed until a new constitution was written. Meetings to
write the constitution were unsuccessful, and the newly elected government was never
allowed to govern. Aung San Suu Kyi stayed under house arrest on and off for years at
a time, and many other political activists were imprisoned.
In 2007, protests broke out when the government raised the price of fuel. Many of the
protestors were Buddhist monks who opposed the State Peace and Development
Council (SPDC, which was called the SLORC until 1997) and its policies. The SPDC
responded with force. Many protesters were killed or injured, and many more were
arrested. In 2008, Cyclone Nargis struck Myanmar, causing disastrous flooding. More
than 130,000 people were killed or reported missing after the cyclone hit. The
government at first refused to accept help from other countries (which Myanmar
desperately needed), although it later gave in and allowed foreign assistance. The
government had been planning for people to vote on the new constitution shortly after
the cyclone hit. Despite the cyclone, the SPDC went ahead with the vote and declared
that the constitution passed. Today, many countries have placed sanctions (restrictions
on trade) on Myanmar, refusing to do business with Myanmar until its human rights
record improves. The first elections in 20 years were held in 2010. Some worry that the
elections were once again manipulated by the government. Aung San Suu Kyi was
released from house arrest the same year. The government also changed the official
name of the country, the flag, and the national anthem. Today, the nation's leaders are
allowing gradual reform and progress.
Games and Sports
The most popular sports in Myanmar are soccer and chinlon, a traditional sport in which
people try to keep a ball in the air without using their hands. Myanmar also enjoy
kickboxing competitions. In kickboxing, fighters may use any part of their body except
the head. Some matches are accompanied by bands of drums, cymbals, and bamboo
clappers. As the match gets more intense, the band plays faster and faster.
Kids play htote si toe. First, a large rectangle is drawn on the ground. More lines are
drawn inside the rectangle, dividing it into quarters. One team stands on the outside
borders of the rectangle while the other team stays on the lines inside. The team inside
tries to cross the outside borders and then return to the center. The team on the border
lines tries to tag the other team when they try to cross the borders.
Holidays
Myanmar’s holidays are based on the lunar calendar. The months on this calendar do
not line up with the months on the Gregorian calendar (which Western countries use),
so the dates of Myanmar’s holidays are different each year on the Gregorian calendar.
Each of the 12 lunar months has its own festival. In addition to these, Myanmar enjoy
celebrations like Thingyan (a water festival) and others.
Thingyan celebrates the Myanmar New Year, which starts in April or May. As part of the
celebration, young people throw water on each other, sometimes a few sprinkles,
sometimes buckets full! The water represents a chance to wash away the negative
things from the old year, just in time for a new year to start. The water fight continues
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until New Year’s Eve. On this day, Myanmar celebrate by freeing animals like fish,
cattle, and birds. Many older people celebrate the New Year quietly at peaceful places
like monasteries.
Food
Myanmar nearly always eat rice with curry for lunch and dinner. A meal usually includes
soup, as well. Most dishes are flavored with many herbs and spices. If meals contain
meat, it is usually fish or seafood. People also enjoy fermented vegetable preserves,
chilies, and salads made of tomatoes, grapefruit, noodles, or eggplant. Mohinga is a
popular fish-and-noodle soup often enjoyed for breakfast. After the meal, it is common
to eat la hpet thouq (a pickled tea salad made by preserving tea leaves in salt, lime
juice, and oil). Fruits and vegetables grow well in Myanmar, so they are an important
part of many meals. Mangoes are a favorite fruit. One of Myanmar’s more unusual fruits
is the jackfruit, which can weigh up to 80 pounds (36 kg). People scoop out the sweet
yellow flesh inside, and the seeds are big enough to be eaten like nuts. Chinese and
Indian immigrants have also contributed to Myanmar food choices. Many of the spices
used in Myanmar food come from India, and Chinese snacks like spring rolls and
steamed buns are popular. For dessert, people often eat fresh fruit, rice pudding, or
sweets made with tamarind, a sour fruit used for flavoring.
Schools
Adult Literacy: 89.9%
Children are required to attend school from ages five to nine. Students don’t pay tuition,
but they may have to buy their own uniforms, books, and supplies. They may also have
to pay extras fees to teachers and schools. Children whose families cannot afford these
costs can receive free schooling at a monastery. All schools share a common uniform:
a white shirt with green pants or a skirt. The only language allowed in public schools is
Burmese. It is illegal to teach in any of Myanmar’s ethnic languages. For children who
don’t speak Burmese very well (or at all), this can be a serious challenge to receiving
an education. Those students who finish primary (elementary) school may go on to
secondary (high) school. At age 16, after tenth grade, students take exams that
determine if they can go to a university and, if so, which one.
Life as a Kid
Children in Myanmar are greatly valued by their families. Relatives often spoil them with
treats and easily excuse their troublemaking. Friends, neighbors, and relatives all help
keep an eye on children playing outside. Kids are expected to show respect for adults.
They call adults saya (teacher), or they may refer to them as aunt or uncle, even if they
are not related. Many children wear thanaka (a yellow-brown paste made from tree
bark) on their faces for decoration and to protect them from the sun. It’s common for
kids to draw shapes (like hearts and Mickey Mouse) and make fun designs out of
thanaka. Buddhism is an important part of Myanmar culture, and most Buddhist
children are expected to become temporary monks. They live at the monastery for a
week to several months, and some choose to become monks permanently.
In the countryside, kids spend their time outside. They enjoy activities like swimming
and fishing. Many families, especially in the countryside, can’t afford a television, so
people gather at restaurants or tea shops to watch television there. In cities and towns,
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kids also enjoy playing outside and flying kites. Many children help out on the family
farm, with household chores, or by selling things on the street.
Government
Capital: Naypyidaw
Head of State: Pres. Thein Sein
Head of Government: Pres. Thein Sein
After 1962, Myanmar was ruled by the military. A 1988 uprising brought the State Law
and Order Restoration Council (SLORC) to power. The SLORC later became the SPDC
(State Peace and Development Council). Although the people of Myanmar elected a
government in 1990, the SPDC did not allow these leaders to govern. The SPDC tightly
controlled the country. It censored (examined) all media produced in Myanmar,
including television, radio, music, books, and newspapers. The government also
determined what people could access on the internet, limited travel, and controlled the
country’s economy. Slow reforms are beginning to relax the government's tight control
over freedom and information.
In 2011, Myanmar elected a president. The two houses of Parliament and the military
nominate a candidate for the presidency. The candidate with the most votes becomes
the president, while the two other nominees become vice presidents. The president
serves a five-year term. Parliament has two houses: the 224-seat Amyotha Hluttaw
(House of Nationalities) and the 440-seat Pyithu Hluttaw (House of Representatives, or
People’s Assembly). Members of Parliament serve five-year terms. At least 51 percent
of registered voters must vote in an election for the results to be valid. The voting age is
18.
Money and Economy
Currency: Kyat
Myanmar has many valuable resources, but most people are poor because the country
and economy are poorly managed. Many nations refuse to trade with Myanmar
because of the way the government treats the people. The government and the upper
class keep most of the wealth generated from the country’s resources. More than half
of all Myanmar are farmers. They grow crops like rice, wheat, maize, millet, beans,
oilseeds (seeds from which vegetable oil can be extracted), cotton, jute (plant fibers
used to make fabrics), rubber, sugar cane, tobacco, and spices. The economy also
depends on oil, gas, mining, and the sale of illegal drugs. Because Myanmar’s
economy is tightly controlled by the government, there is a large and active black
market, in which people buy, sell, and trade goods illegally.
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Getting Around
In Myanmar’s cities, people get around by car, bus, taxi, and trishaw (a three-wheeled,
pedal-driven cart in which passengers ride). In the countryside, motorcycles, bicycles,
and horse or buffalo carts are the most common forms of transportation. In some areas,
people use small dug-out boats to travel between villages. People use the Ayeyarwady
River to transport goods to different parts of Myanmar and to neighboring countries.
When people need to travel long distances, they usually travel by train, car, or boat.
Days of the Week
Myanmar runs on a different time system from the rest of the world. Myanmar Buddhists have an eight-day week.
Wednesdays are divided into two 12-hour days. So, each week has the same number of hours but more days! The first
half of Wednesday (from midnight to noon) is called Bohdahu. The second half (from noon to midnight) is Yahu. Each
day is also assigned a planet, an animal, and a direction on the compass. For example, Tuesday’s planet is Mars, its
animal is the tiger, and its direction is southeast.
The day of the week someone was born often decides what letter their name will start with, and people often take
figurines of the animal assigned to their birthday to Buddhist temples. Buddhist temples have eight areas for people to
worship according to the day they were born. Each worship area points in the direction assigned to the day of the
week. Saturday is considered an unlucky day, so the worship area for people born on Saturdays is usually the most
crowded, with people praying and performing acts to avoid bad luck. Many people are superstitious about birthdays
and believe that the day of the week on which you are born can determine things like personality traits, who you will
marry, and if you will be successful.
Learn More
Contact the Embassy of Myanmar, 2300 S Street NW, Washington, DC 20008; phone (202) 332-3344; web site
www.mewashingtondc.com.
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