Fascinating Facts About Myanmar – A Land of Captivating Allures

Tripoto
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Mrsoethuaung, Water Fesitval, CC BY 4.0

Myanmar is a land with much to offer and here are some interesting facts you may not know about this nation which are bound to add to its appeal.

Thingyan - Water Fights!

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juls78, Thingyan, Yangon, Myanmar 1, CC BY-SA 2.0

“Thingyan” is the name given to the country’s traditional New Year and similar to Songkran in Thailand, this event also features huge water fights. Those visiting in April can take part in all the excitement of Thingyan which turns cities and streets into huge playgrounds full of water-filled fun and frolic.

A Pagoda of Gold & Diamonds

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DANIEL JULIE from Paris, France, DSC010 Myanmar Yangon Paya Shwédagon Pagoda Main Golden Stupa (7181923090), CC BY 2.0

The famed Shwedagon Pagoda is around 2,500 years old and those visiting this site from a nearby hotel in Yangon will be amazed at its ornamentation; the 326-foot tall pagoda is covered in gold plates and the stupa features over 2,300 rubies and more than 5,400 diamonds, the largest of which is 76 carats!

Men Wear a Skirt-Like Longyi

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Serinde, Longyi, marked as public domain, more details on Wikimedia Commons

During your sightseeing excursions in Myanmar, you are likely to see men dressed in what may first appear to be a skirt. This is called a “longyi” and it is traditional attire similar to a sarong. While longyis worn by men have the knot in front, women wear it with the knot tucked inside.

Women Apply a Tree-Based Paste

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Garonzi Stefania, Mother and son wearing thanaka, Myanmar, CC BY-SA 4.0

Another sight you are bound to come across is women and children with what appears to be some kind of paste on their faces. This is called “thanaka” which is a mixture made from the bark of a tree. It is applied to provide protection from the sun, while some believe it is good for the skin as well.