1. The Burmese New Year Presented by Thida Aung 3.3.2000

2. Structure of the talk  Background on Burma (Myanmar)  The Burmese calendar  Celebrations during the New Year period The Water Festival - leading to the New Year’s Day The New Year’s Day Feast

3. Burma (Myanmar)

4. The Burmese calendar  Used for religious purposes and traditional festivals  Consists of 12 lunar months (28 days each)  The current year is 1362  The New Year begins in April

5. The New Year Period  Known as “Thingyan” in Burmese  Coincides with the entry of the Sun into Aries  Celebration of the annual visit of “Thingyanmin” (the King of the Angels) to the Earth  Lasts for 4 days ( April 14 to 17 ) 14 April – Day of Arrival 17 April – Day of Departure – The New Year’s Day

6. The Water Festival  Celebrated by throwing water to each other  Purpose is to get rid of sins and misfortunes of the past year  Has become a fun event, popular with the younger generation

7. The Water Festival

8.  Temporary stages (called pandals) set up in streets For water throwing For displays of traditional dances, theatre and concerts  Parade cars visiting these stages around the town – very boisterous  Everybody gets drenched ! Except monks, the elderly, the infirmed and pregnant ladies

9. The New Year’s Day  A complete halt to the Water Festival  The theme of purification continues with the New Year’s Day Feast Washing hair in a specially prepared shampoo Bathing in scented water Putting on the newest and finest clothes

10. The New Year’s Day  People on their best behaviour Showing respect and giving presents to parents and elders Following the religious precepts Visiting pagodas and monasteries for worship Freeing captured fishes and birds

11. Summary  Purification ceremonies are performed during the Burmese New Year  The New Year begins on the 17 th of April  Celebrations start 3 days before  April 14 to 16 - The Water Festival  April 17 – The New Year’s Day Feast

12. Thank you for your attention.