Do's and Dont's

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Origin of the name “Myanmar”

The name “Myanmar” was used at the beginning of the twelfth century. Despite its still uncertain origin, Myanmar historians believe that this name comes from “Brahmadesh” in English. In Sanskrit, it means “land of Brahma” – the Hindu God of all things.

In 1989, the Burmese Order Restoration Council and institutions changed its English name and renamed “Myanmar”, at the same time as making changes in the English name of other parts of the country. The name of the former capital was changed from “Rangoon” to “Yangon”. In Burma, “Myanmar” is the name of the country, while “Bama” (taken from Burma) is the familiar name.

The European Union uses the two names “Myanmar” and “Burma” while the United Nations uses the name “Myanmar”. The use of the name “Burma” is still very popular in the United States and Great Britain. In English, people still use the word “Burmese” as an adjective.

Orientation

According to the Burmese custom, heading East will bring happiness. It is said that the East is the place where Buddha sought purity. This is why Buddhist statues in Myanmar families are usually placed near the Eastern wall of the main room. So, during sleep, heads should be reclining head first East to West. Therefore peoples feet are facing away from Buddha’s origins.

According to ancient Burmese customs, during the three-month period from 15 April to 15 July each year, monks undertake a special meditation pilgrimage. So, all kinds of big events like marriage cannot be held during this period. In September, October and December there are no wedding ceremonies. It is said that a marriage in September does not end in love. In October the couple will have financial difficulties and a marriage in December will end in a conjugal separation. Today, these customs have disappeared over time, especially in large cities.

For many reasons, about 30% of women in the major cities in Myanmar do not build families. In the workplace, this rate can reach up to 50%. Thus, during your trip to Myanmar, do not ask women questions about the family, husband and children. In addition, Burmese customs do not accept gestures of affection in public. Raising the chin and signaling by using the foot are considered very impolite in Myanmar.

Burmese custom

Buddhism has a great influence on the daily life of Burmese people. People live honestly and preserve national traditions, including strong family ties. They respect elders, practice Buddhist worship and wear simple and casual outfits.
The community spirit is high in Myanmar, whether in urban or rural areas, people treat each other politely. There are rarely quarrels and fights in public. Families or groups of people living along the roads in cities and rural areas often take the responsibility of placing water containers at roadsides so that visitors can drink freely. They regard this action as a form of almsgiving. This is another generous aspect of Burmese culture that bears witness to the exceptional generosity of the people.

Respecting the law conscientiously is also another aspect of social decency. The hunting of animals and the arbitrary cutting of green trees are taboos for the people in Burma. These respectful practices are also influenced by the culture of Buddhism. The occasional offenders are severely punished by authorities.

Voluntarily offering food to monks seeking alms is also a traditional daily ritual. Many Burmese, though poor, are always ready to give food, money and other items to the monks and nuns. During a trip to Myanmar, travelers will groups of young monks and nuns holding a bowl as they walk the streets seeking alms. Local residents wait in front their house or shop to offer alms. In return the monks and nuns will offer a daily blessing.

Taboos in Burmese culture

Some pagodas and temples prohibit women from approaching Buddha statues or entering areas reserved only for men.

The people of Myanmar regard the head as the highest place to show respect. Therefore, people traditional should not touch another person’s head. As a sign of respect, if you see an adorable child, it is best not touch his or her head.
When Burmese donate or gift to the elderly, they use only the right hand and touch their right elbow with their left hand.

Upper and Lower Body Parts

In Buddhism culture the upper body (above the waist) is considered sacred, while the lower part (below the waist) is considered inferior. With this in mind, travelers should bear their body language when interacting with locals.

The head is the highest point on the body and as such it is considered the most sacred part. Touching someone else’s head (or patting it) is seen as a huge insult. A simple gesture such as patting a child on the head is thought to be dangerous to the child’s very wellbeing.

If heads are the most sacred, then feet are the most inferior part of your body. Using your feet to point is considered a rude gesture.

Lifestyle & Home Etiquette

Shoes of any sort should always be taken off before entering someone’s home or building. Even after you have done this, it is still seen as impolite to walk over rugs as these are for sitting on. Shoes should never be left sole facing up.
Receiving a gift of any sort should be done with both hands as a sign of respect.

According to religious beliefs in Myanmar, different sleeping positions have different meanings. If you rest on your right side, this is seen as a positive sign. Conversely resting on your left side is negative. When sleeping in someone’s home, it is important that feet are pointing away from any Buddhist statues or shrines.