The Burmese, Myanmar

Due to its recent isolation, traditional cultures hold strong in Myanmar. Local dress, arts, manners and speech have been little influenced by the globalised world. Yet Myanmar sits between the great cultures of India and China, and was colonised by Britain for many years; and elements of these and other cultures, can be found throughout Myanmar, from food to religion and dress.

The dominant culture in Myanmar is Bamar, who make up 68% of the Burmese population. This is essentially a Theravada Buddhist culture, although it exists in a form that combines those beliefs with indigenous animist beliefs, or Nat worship (local spirits). Elements of other Buddhist schools and Hinduism can also be found. Buddhist stupas dominate the country, and the most important time in a young man’s life is the Shinpyu ceremony after which he will become a novice monk. All males are expected to become Buddhist monks for some period of their livesand monks are widely venerated and supported by society.

Despite the cultural dominance of the Bamars, Myanmar is linguistically and ethnically diverse. Alongside the Bamars, are Shan, Karen, Rakhine, Chinese, Mon, Kachin, Chin, Indian, Kayah and others totalling well over 100 different ethnic groups. Many emphasise that they are ‘Burmese’, but not ‘Burmans’. Between them they speak languages from 4 major groups, and include Buddhists, Christians, Muslims, Hindus and other local religions.