In Myanmar, every boy is expected to spend time at a monastery learning about Buddhism. The length of the stay varies, but must be at least three days. Orphans are raised by monks and sometimes poor families will send their children to live at the monastery, but for most boys it's a short stay during summer break. Families organize a noviciation ceremony for the 'novices' that are being brought to the monastery. All of the boys in the extended family will typically go at the same time, so the entire family participates in the celebration. Special outfits are ordered, there is a parade through town, and then each family parades through the monastery, the novices leading, the family following in their finest clothes. There is a lot of fanfare and picture taking. It reminded me of Catholic first communion and Mardi Gras rolled into one. I was fortunate enough to visit during the 'season'!
(Since the girls don't have to be novices, they get their ears pierced as part of the celebration!)
The parade through town
Both the men and women wear the longyi, though they tie it differently
Parading through the monastery
Each family has a different color of dress!
Great timing on your visit! I'm glad I didn't miss it (in pictures). :)
ReplyDelete