The people of Myanmar’s cultural heritage
The people of Myanmar’s cultural heritage is a result of ethnic and other foreign influencers over a long period. The ancient Burmese culture is also influenced by their neighbors Thailand and China. Moreover, Burma’s cultural heritage is attributed to be a product of the British colonization, which represents a significant influence in Myanmar’s education system. The main aspects of Myanmar heritage are religion, culture and architecture, and traditional foods in line with Myanmar festivals. Local masses attend temples or pagoda where Buddhism engrains the Burmese identity and way of life.
Theravada Buddhism is the most practiced religion in Myanmar, even though another proportion of the people practice Christianity and Islam. Myanmar fine arts and music are an integral part of their culture. Popular performance arts take place during festivals, weddings, funerals, and sporting events. Most of the performances are based on Myanmar legends and Buddhist epics. Buddha images convey the creativeness of the artisans as well as their sincere religious beliefs. Graphic art is also drawn in temples using wood, palm, and bamboo or metals. Buddhist temples are a vital architectural feature, as well as worship areas. Burmese food accompanied by ceremonial festivals is also an essential feature of heritage. Special meals such as htamane are served to mark the rice harvest festival. Rice is the staple food in Myanmar accompanied by fruits or vegetables and curries of fish meat. Myanmar religion, culture, and traditional foods and festivals dominate as the main aspects of heritage in Myanmar.
Buddhism in Myanmar plays a vital part in every aspect of life, making it an essential element of study in the Burmese heritage. Myanmar is the most religious Buddhist country in the world, with more than 89% of the population being Theravada Buddhists. Buddhist missionaries from India to teach their religion in the third century BC. Too much respect towards Buddhism should be considered throughout the country, showing its importance in Burmese society. Buddhism is explained to every young man or woman where some are ordained to monks. Monks perform essential functions in the community as counselors or religious practitioners. Other Buddhist practitioners engage in healing and weather prediction.