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Shin-pyu
SHIN-PYU
SHIN-PYU - BECOMING A DIGNIFIED HUMAN BEING

The most important moment in the life of a young Burmese Boy is that of his Shin-Pyu, his initiation as a novice in the order of monks. Until a Buddhist has gone through the Shin-Pyu-Ceremony, he is regarded as no better than an animal. To become a "human", he must for a time withdraw from secular life, following the example set forth by Buddha when he left his family to seek enlightenment and later by the Buddha's own young son - Rahula.

A Boy's Shin-Pyu begins with head-shaving in front of his anxious Mother, but little more than an hour after the ceremony begins, he is independent, a full-fledged novice in the Sangha.
DAILY LIFE FROM BIRTH TO DEATH


There are few countries in the world today in which tradition has such a strong influence on everyday life as it is in Myanmar (Burma). The colonial period did not pass without affecting the Burmese; rationalism, science and realism profoundly altered commerce and national affairs, but everyday life still dominated by old values continues today - Let's follow a Burmese on his life's path:

From Birth to Marriage:  Seven days after birth, the baby's parents invite friends to a naming ceremony, the youngster is given a name based on astrological calculations and it need bear no relation to that of the parents.

The child is sent to school at the age of five, when he is nine his Shin-Pyu takes place. Girls of the same age participate in an ear-piercing ceremony called the nahtwin, which also symbolizes a farewell to the unburdened life of the child.

Burmese tend to get married relatively young, the marriage itself requires no religious or civil ceremony, although it should be registered for the purpose of any future division of property. Woman, despite their lower status in Buddhist doctrine have a secure place in society, their rights almost always have been equal to those of men and are guaranteed by an uncomplicated divorce law.

A woman does not change her name when married, if her marriage does break up, she can return to her parents at any time.
Myanmar (Burmese) Couples In Typical Wedding Outfits
WHEN THE MOON IS FULL, ITS FESTIVAL TIME IN MYANMAR (BURMA)

The Burmese are hard-working people, but when festival time rolls around they are also a hard-playing people. Whenever the moon waxes full, there is an all night celebration, its nature varies from season to season; frivolity during the water dousings of the New Year in April, solemnity as Buddhist lent begins in July, joyousness during the October Festival of Lights.

Thingyan (Water Festival): The Changing Over

The year's biggest party is the Thingyan festival in the month of Tagu (March/April).
This is when the Burmese celebrate their New Year. Known as 'Water Throwing Festival' the old year must be washed away and the new year annointed with water. No one, Burmese or Foreigner is safe from the deluges which seem to appear from nowhere out of the hot blue sky.

In medieval times, Thingyan was observed with a public hair-washing ceremony by the Burmese King, a ritual purification.

The Day of Buddha - Kason (April/May) is a month of anticipation for the annual monsoon that could break at any time. During the full moon, the birth, enlightenment and death of Buddha is celebrated.

The Festival of Light: Buddhist lent comes to an end with the long awaited arrival of the full moon of Thadingyut (Sept/Oct) indicating the approach of clear skies and pleasant temperatures of the cool season.

The Weaving Festival: In the month of Tazaungmone (Oct/Nov) the weaving festival is held. Unmarried young girls sit under the full moon in the pagoda grounds, engaged in weaving competitions as they make new robes for the monks. In the early hours of morning their finished products will be ceremoniously presented to the Pongyis in the nearby Kyaung (School).
Pictures courtesy of Myanmar Image Gallery






 

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