Buddhism has been a major part of Myanmar’s culture since the 1st century and has combined with non-Buddhist beliefs to form one unique culture. Myanmar’s culture also is a combination of royal and common traditions.
Burmese people are hospitable and warm-hearted people. More than 65 % of population live in the rural area and living from agriculture. They live an absolutely simple and ordinary lifestyle
General etiquette
Myanmar etiquette is based on mutual respect for others. When greeting, both hands may be used to shake hands. Myanmar women may prefer to only smile and make a slight nod. It is not allowed to kiss in public.
The right hand is used for eating, and the left for personal hygiene. When visiting a temples, shrines or a mosques, dress conservatively, ie no revealing clothes, and legs and shoulders covered.
Shoes and shocks should be removed before entering any religious site. Travelers should refrain from taking photos of Buddha statues. You should not touch people on the head and avoid pointing your feet at people or religious objects when sitting.
Religion
Buddhism is the most dominant religion in Myanmar with about 87.9% of the population, Christianity 6.2%, Islam 4.3%, and Others contribute 1.6%. Buuddhism in Burma is attached to the Theravada branch which is the oldest and more conservative, following the Buddha’s teachings without modification.
Buddhism is practiced mostly by the Bamar, Rakhine, Shan, Mon, Karen people and Chinese ethnic groups. Some of the Bamar people also practice the folk religion under the name of Buddhism. Ethnic minorities practice Christianity, particularly the Chin, Kachin and Karen people, the Rohingya, Malay, people from Yangon and other minorities practice Islam, and Burmese Indians practice Hinduism.
Food and cuisine
Myanmar cuisine is mainly a combination of cuisines from various regions of Myanmar and has also been influenced by various cuisines of neighbouring countries like China, India and Thailand. Some popular dishes include:
- Ohn no khao swè- this means “noodles with coconut milk” and is a traditional Burmese dish. It consists of boiled egg noodles with pieces of curried chicken in a creamy coconut milk and chicken soup. The soup is thickened with chickpea flour, and comes with a number of different garnishes and condiments. Typical ingredients added to enhance flavor and texture include slices of hard-boiled eggs, lime or lemon slices, ngapi fish sauce, crispy fried noodles, bean or chickpea fritters, fresh cilantro, green onions, soaked yellow onions, and red chili flakes.
- Be kin- is a duck specialty in which a whole duck is marinated in a mixture of sauces, spices, and seasonings, and it is then glazed before being roasted. This makes it crispy on the outside, tender and succulent on the inside, then cut into pieces and served with a glass of ice cold beer, duck sauce, and chili sauce on the side.
- Htamane- is a traditional specialty made of glutinous rice, coconut shavings, peanuts, ginger, sesame seeds, water, and groundnut oil.
- Meeshay- is a traditional noodle dish which consists of rice noodles and a meat-based sauce (usually chicken or pork), along with a variety of toppings
- Dan bauk is a rice dish which consists of long-grain rice that is flavored with typical spices such as saffron, turmeric, star anise, cardamom, cinnamon, garam masala, and cumin. vegetables such as peas, beans, and carrots can also be added. Raisins and nuts can also be sprinkled on top of the rice, and the dish contains pieces of curried chicken, lamb, or mutton. It can be served with an accompaniment of fresh mint, green chili dipping sauce, mango chutney or pickle, and a fresh salad.
Music
Burmese music includes a variety of folk traditions. The traditional folk ensemble used in nat pwe (Burmese theatre, art and festivals) is called the hsaing waing which is made up of different gongs and drums, as well as other instruments, depending on the nature of performance.
There are 5 kinds of musical instruments used in Myanmar which include the kyay which is an alloy containing copper, the kyo which are stringed instruments, tha-yay which is hide, lay which is air instruments and lekkoke which are clappers.
Myanmar musical instruments can be further categorized into two kinds, such as anyeint and saing-waing which means concert and orchestra respectively. Myanmar classical songs are usually referred to as. the Maha Gita, meaning great or royal song.
Sport
Myanmar is a country known for different spectator and individual sports. the most popular sports in the country being football. The country competes competitively at various interntional football competitions. Other sports include golf, martial arts, kickboxing, sepak takraw, and cricket
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