Culture |
|
... LET'S INTRODUCE HERE SOME ITEMS ON MYANMAR
CULTURE ALONG WITH ITS FESTIVITIES AND NATIONAL
HOLIDAYS ... |
MYANMAR DAYS
In Myanmar sense, perhaps from an
astrological point of view, a week comprises
eight days as Wednesday is divided into two days-
before and after noon - and hence there are
altogether eight days in a week. In fact, this
belief comes originally from Hinduism and
deeply rooted in Myanmar lives for hundreds of
generations. A Myanmar people is tolerant of
traditional beliefs, tribal customs, and ancient
rites so long as they do not clash with the basic
teachings of Buddha.
These birthdays information
is very important for Myanmar for some issues
- say, to name, to choose a spouse or business
partner, etc. - have to be decided upon these facts.
"Days of the Week/ Directions/ Distinct Features"
are designated as the planetary post at the Pagoda
and the corners are divided into eight place which
represent with the symbols of animals for those who
was born that of seven days.
|
Days of the Week |
Animal Symbol |
Direction |
Guardian Planet |
Distinct Features |
|
Monday |
Tiger |
East |
Moon |
Strong sensibility Strong
jealousy |
|
Tuesday |
Lion |
Southeast |
Mars |
Bravery, Courage Arrogance |
|
Wednesday (before noon) |
Elephant (with tusks) |
South |
Mercury |
Intelligence Short-tempered |
|
Wednesday (after noon) |
Elephant (without tusks) |
Northwest |
Rahu |
Easy-going Close-hearted |
|
Thursday |
Mouse |
West |
Jupiter |
Warm-hearted Hypocrisy |
|
Friday |
Guinea Pig or Mole |
North |
Venus |
Deep concentration
Greediness |
|
Saturday |
Serpent or Dragon |
Southwest |
Saturn |
Solemnity Pessimism |
|
Sunday |
Garuda bird |
Northeast |
Sun |
Activeness, Greediness |
|
 |
MYANMAR CALENDARThe Myanmar calendar subscribes to both the solar and lunar months, thus
requiring an intercalary 30-day 13th month every second or third year.
Therefore, the full moon days may change from one month to another in the usual
calendar. The Myanmar months are
|
Myanmar Calendar |
Gregorian Calendar |
|
Tagu |
March / April |
|
Kason |
April / May |
|
Nayon |
May / June |
|
Waso |
June / July |
|
Wagaung |
July / August |
|
Tawthalin |
August / September |
|
Thadingyut |
September / October |
|
Tazaungmone |
October / November |
|
Nadaw |
November / December |
|
Pyatho |
December / January |
|
Tabodwei |
January / February |
|
Tabaung |
February / March |
|
|
|
MYANMAR FESTIVALS
There are numerous festivities in Myanmar throughout
the year that are mainly related to religion but
some to paying homage to powerful Nats. The table
below reveals some of the significant festivals held
annually throughout the country.
More
details........ |
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MYANMAR PUBLIC HOLIDAYS
The dates mentioned below refer to 2007 and may vary
from year to year as they are based on Myanmar Lunar
Calendar. |
|
Date |
Name |
Particulars |
|
January 4 |
Independence Day |
Myanmarhas regained her
independence since 1948
after more than a
century under British
colony. |
|
February 12 |
Union
Day |
All leaders of the
states were reunited
under the guidance of
General Aung Sun to sign
the Ping Long agreement. |
|
March
2 |
Peasants' Day |
To honor the peasants
who are majority of the
country |
|
Full
Moon Day of Tabaung |
According to Myanmar the
day is assumed the best
time to build a Pagoda.
The festival is
particularly held in a
grand scale at Shwedagon
Pagoda. |
|
March
27 |
Armed Forces' day |
On that day in 1945,
General Aung San and his
comrades decided to
fight back the Japanese
who were occupied the
country at the time. |
|
April 13-16 |
Water
Festival
(Thingyan) |
4-days festival ending
16th April.
The water festival is
held prior to Myanmar
New Year to cleanse away
evil deeds of the past
year with water. Youths
go out for enjoyment
while elders take
retreat in monasteries
and pagoda precincts to
perform meritorious
deeds. |
|
April 17 |
Myanmar New Year Day |
The very first day of
Myanmar Lunar Calendar. |
|
April 30 |
Full
Moon Day of Kason |
Pouring water onto the
sacred Bo Tree
commemorates Buddha birthday, day of
renunciation, of
Enlightenment, and of
decease. |
|
May 1 |
Workers'
Day (May Day) |
Same as international. |
|
July 19 |
Martyrs' Day |
To commemorate the event
of General Aung Sun and
other 8 leaders were
assassinated by the
British. |
|
July
29 |
Full
Moon Day of Waso (start
of Lent period) |
Young
men and women
particularly in
countryside
pick
various kinds of
flowers and then offer
to Buddha Images.
Similar events are seen
throughout the country.
It also marks the
starting of lent period
of three months. |
|
October 26 |
Full
Moon Day of Thidingyut
(end of Lent period) |
To commemorate the
return of Buddha after
preaching sermons at
celestial realm for
three months of the
Buddhist Lent. It is
welcomed throughout the
country with colorful
illuminations. It also
marks the ending of lent
period of three months. |
|
November 24 |
Full
Moon Day of Tazaungmone |
Having fine weather and
clear sky, and having
the first crop
harvested, Myanmar
celebrate the night with
various kinds of
illuminations. |
|
December 4 |
National Day |
It is
to commemorate the day
in 1920 when students of
Yangon College and
Judson College boycotted
the University Act made
by the British
colonialists. |
|
December 25 |
Christmas |
Same as international. |
|
Basic
Information
