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Myanmar, previously known as Burma, is a country with over 135 officially recognized ethnic groups. These groups are divided into 8 major races; Burman, Chin, Kachin, Karen, Kayah, Mon, Arakanese and Shan, based on their geography (Devi, 2021).

Myanmar’s ethnic diversity is a result of its strategic location, being bordered by India, China, and Thailand (Humanitarian Aid Relief Trust [HART UK], 2021). People have migrated and settled in isolated areas over time, preserving their distinct cultures and languages. As a result, there are over 100 languages and dialects. However, the government has historically discouraged minority languages to promote a common national identity, leaving some groups like the Rohingya, Tibetans, Anglo-Burmese and Gurkhas unrecognized and stateless. (Humanitarian Aid Relief Trust [HART UK], 2021).

Devi, P. (2021, December 11). Myanmar’s Ethnic Groups: Their Origins and Traditions. My Travel Diary. https://www.traveldiaryparnashree.com/2021/12/myanmars-ethnic-groups.html

Humanitarian Aid Relief Trust (HART UK). (2021, February 8). A brief overview of the ethnic minorities of Burma. https://www.hart-uk.org/a-brief-overview-of-the-ethnic-minorities-of-burma/

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Myanmar’s Ethnic Groups: Their Origins and Traditions

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What do you know about the ethnic people of Myanmar? This post is dedicated to the ethnic people of Myanmar, their culture, and traditions.

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 Note: Adapted from Heritage line. (2021). Thanaka- The secret to Burmese Beauty. https://heritage-line.com/magazine/thanaka-the-secret-to-burmese-beauty/

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Balancing Elements: Burmese Health Beliefs and Traditional Practices 

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Balancing Elements: Burmese Health Beliefs and Traditional Practices 

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Burmese refugees often have unique health beliefs. They believe in maintaining a balance between "hot" and "cold" elements in the body for good health. For example they use "Thanaka", a paste made from tree bark, to cool the skin when the body is considered too "hot"(Refugee Health, 2012). In Karen culture (an ethnic group of Burmese), food is considered essential for good health, and they believe that "food is medicine and medicine is food." When they are ill, they avoid certain foods, for instance, yellow foods for those with hepatitis, and they believe that papaya can tigger malaria (Refugee Health, 2012). These beliefs influence their approach to health and healing.

Refugee Health. (2012). Refugees from Burma: Considerations for Health Providers . 1. https://www.refugeehealthta.org/wp-content/uploads/2012/12/Burma_Refugee_Health_Profile-1.pdf

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For me, the most important aspect of culturally responsive practice is understanding the unique needs of Burmese refugees. Reflecting on Domain 1: Clinical Expert from Culturally Responsive Clinical Practice framework, I have realised the importance of competency standard 1.1., which emphasises understanding individuality, their beliefs, and their cultural and religious backgrounds (Migrant and Refugee Women’s Health Partnership, 2019). I have enriched my understanding of their beliefs such as the “hot” and “cold” balance, and how these influence treatment decisions (Refugee Health, 2012). This knowledge will be essential in the workplace, as it builds trust and improves patient outcomes. To further enhance my skills, I plan to seek additional training to confidently address diverse cultural needs.

Migrant and Refugee Women’s Health Partnership. (2019). Culturally Responsive Clinical Practice: Working with People from Migrant and Refugee Backgrounds Competency standards framework for clinicians. https://culturaldiversityhealth.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2019/02/Culturally-responsive-clinical-practice-Working-with-people-from-migrant-and-refugee-backgrounds-Jan2019.pdf

Refugee Health. (2012). Refugees from Burma: Considerations for Health Providers . 1. https://www.refugeehealthta.org/wp-content/uploads/2012/12/Burma_Refugee_Health_Profile-1.pdf

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Social Inclusion and Non-Discrimination in Health

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Social Inclusion and Non-Discrimination in Health

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Social inclusion and non-discrimination are non medical factors that influence health outcomes (World Health Organization, 2024). When fairly treated, refugees can access essential services such as healthcare, education and employment, which are vital for their physical and mental wellbeing (Ziersch et al., 2020). For Burmese refugees, building social connection, not only within their community but also with wider Australian population (e.g., through churches), is a key source for overcoming challenges and adapting to life in Australia. This helps manage stress and promote healthy behaviours, improving overall mental health and well-being (Wong et al., 2020).

Wong, C. K., White, C., Thay, B., & Lassemillante, A.-C. M. (2020). Living a Healthy Life in Australia: Exploring Influences on Health for Refugees from Myanmar. International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health, 17(1), 121. https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph17010121

World Health Organization. (2024). Social determinants of health. World Health Organization. https://www.who.int/health-topics/social-determinants-of-health#tab=tab_1

Ziersch, A., Due, C., & Walsh, M. (2020). Discrimination: a health hazard for people from refugee and asylum-seeking backgrounds resettled in Australia. BMC Public Health, 20(1), 1–14. https://doi.org/10.1186/s12889-019-8068-3

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Traditional Burmese Dance- "Ta Bin Taing"

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Traditional Burmese Dance- "Ta Bin Taing"

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"Ta Bin Tiang," meaning "lone" or "the only person," is a traditional Burmese solo dance. It gracefully depicts a royal princess's daily chores, transforming routine tasks into elegant, dignified movements (Acuña, 2022)

Acuña, M. G. (2022, November 9). Traditional Dances of Myanmar. My Virtual World Trip. https://myvirtualworldtrip.com/2022/11/08/traditional-dances-of-myanmar/

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Health Concern among Burmese Refugees: Addressing H.Pylori Infection

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Health Concern among Burmese Refugees: Addressing H.Pylori Infection

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Burmese refugees in Australia face significant health challenges due to migration and past living conditions (Chaves et al., 2009). A major concern is the high prevalence of H. pylori infection, affecting 80% of those tested and is linked to gastrointestinal problems like peptic ulcers and gastric cancer (Chaves et al., 2009).

Routine H. pylori screening is not recommended, except for high-risk groups with a family history of gastric cancer or peptic ulcers. Patients over 50 with H. pylori and symptoms like anorexia or GI bleeding should be further assessed, possibly with endoscopy. Treatment should follow Australian Therapeutic Guidelines, with a follow-up test after 4 weeks and specialist referral if first-line therapy fails (Australian Refugee Health Practice Guide, 2024).

Australian Refugee Health Practice Guide. (2024). Helicobacter pylori. Australian Refugee Health. https://refugeehealthguide.org.au/helicobacter-pylori/

Chaves, N. J., Gibney, K. B., Leder, K., O’Brien, D. P., Marshall, C., & Biggs, B.-A. (2009). Screening Practices for Infectious Diseases among Burmese Refugees in Australia. Emerging Infectious Diseases, 15(11), 1769–1772. https://doi.org/10.3201/eid1511.090777

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Helicobacter Pylori » Australian Refugee Health

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Written by on . Posted in Common health issues, Communicable diseases and immunisation, General population

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The traditional Burmese costume, “Longyi”, is still worn daily by both men and women (Tran, 2019). Men wear the plain or checked “Paso”, tied with a knot, while women wear the patterned “Htamein”, tucked and folded at the waist. Moreover, each ethnic group have distinct “Longyi” styles, indicating its rich cultural heritage (Tran, 2019).

Longyi are easy to put on and take off, and serve as raincoats or carriers for goods (Exotic Voyages, 2019). Unlike other countries, the Burmese dress simply and rarely wear makeup. This everyday practice highlights the simplicity that define the Burmese society (Exotic Voyages, 2019).

Exotic Voyages. (2019). Traditional costumes of Myanmar. Exotic Voyages. https://www.exoticvoyages.com/blog/traditional-costumes-myanmar-34520.html

Tran, C. (2019, November 7). The story of Longyi - An impressive Myanmar traditional dress. Indochina Voyages. https://www.indochinavoyages.com/travel-blog/myanmar-travel-guide/whats-special-traditional-clothes-myanmar

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In most Asian countries, people rarely wear their traditional outfit every day. Be it Kimono, or Ao dai, etc., they only remain as a symbol of tradition and only used on special occasions. However, it is different in Myanmar. Longyi - as how Myanmar traditional costume is called, is still surprisingly ubiquitous. Longyi Myanmar must have had such a strong bond with Myanmar culture that it is not replaced by western clothing.

In this article, we will deepen into insights of Myanmar traditional clothes and how it remains popular in this modern society.

A history of Longyi Myanmar

It was not until the British colonial area that Longyi was introduced to Myanmar. Its predecessor is called Paso (for men) and Htamein (for women).

Men's Paso was a long piece of 30 feet (9.1m), and women's Htamein was 4.5 feet (1.4m). During this pre-colonial times, the type and amount of clothes greatly represented social status. The more fabric one had, the more affluent they were like to be.

However, ever since its introduction, Longyi had been quickly adopted due to its convenience. Until now, it has become an unmistakable part of Burma culture.

Since people did not wish to wear excessively abundant clothes anymore; and silk, once an expensive material, became cheaper, Longyi is no longer a social indicator. Presently, people, rich and poor alike, can afford decent Longyi(s).

Longyi variations and its reflection over native culture

Each ethnic tribe in Myanmar seems to have its own Longyi style. Therefore, knowing the difference, you can easily tell where people come from based on the traditional clothes they wear. It's such a great way to understand more about Burma's rich traditional culture.

Materials

Cotton is the basic material for this Burmese clothing. But elegant materials like silk are popular for special occasions.

Weaves and patterns

There are numerous styles which are associated with particular ethnicities.

Kachin is known for its diamond-shaped patterns, whereas zig-zag pattern is Bama's signature.

Inle tribe love to have artistically floral patterns which are also popular among ladies.

In the town of Yaw, Ayeyarwady River, central Myanmar, people pride themselves on their Longyi patterns. They include checked patterns with dots and squares. The latter is famous for men.

The most sophisticated Longyi pattern is acheik of Amarapura region. People there weave longyi with attractive and elaborate wave pattern in different color combinations. These fabrics are often used at weddings when the bride and groom would wear them in matching colors.

These unique designs are passed down from generation to generation of minor ethnic communities. More importantly, they are handwoven. Thus, it can be said that the designs are not just a moment of artistic creation, it's connected to Myanmar's past.

Longyi Myanmar's widespread popularity

It does not stay in the country, but it gains popularity among Asia regions. Locals in India, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, Thailand, Malaysia, and Indonesia also wear Longyi. In these places, the cylindrical dress is called by different names such as lungi, longi, kaili or sarong. Nevertheless, there are not many places that it's as widely used as Myanmar.

Longyi makes its way into Myanmar people

How men and women wear Longyi in Myanmar

It is not a unisex costume. Each gender has its own signature fabric pattern. Also, how to wear Longyi differs between men and women.

Men

Burmese men wear Longyi with plain, checked or striped patterns. The dress can be worn upside down and inside out alike. Normally, people will tie a knot to hold Longyi in place. The knot is often more or less the size of a tennis ball. However, sometimes Longyi is worn without a knot too. In other times, Myanmar male fold their Longyi up to wear it like a short.

You can easily find how to wear Myanmar traditional dress in this video:

Women

Women's Longyi (Htamein) often has more vivid and diverse patterns. The floral pattern is also popular too. Unlike Paso (male's longyi), dress for women has a black band around the waist. Thus, it can only be worn one way. To fixate Longyi, Burmese women often pull all of the fabric to one side of their waist. Then they fold it at the hip and tuck it into the other side.

When to use Longyi

You will be surprised to see how versatile Longyi Myanmar can be. No wonder why Myanmar people can wear this dress every day with little convenience.

For men, this Burma traditional dress can be used for agile activities, even sports games. In this case, you can pull the front part of the dress backward between the dress, then tuck it up in your back waist. This is how Burmese men used to wear when they did farming or other labor activities. In ancient times, soldiers also wore this way.

As they are cylindrical, it can be washed and ironed easily. Moreover, it is pressable, foldable, and easy to hang. Therefore, Longyi does not take a lot of space in your wardrobe.

Changing Longyi is also easy and convenient. One can effortlessly put on a new Longyi without having to remove the old one in advance. Thus, you need no closed space to change. This is how Burmese women usually change their clothes.

Moreover, Longyi makes it simple to wade in the water. Without much worries of getting wet, people can walk in water just by pulling their Longyi a little bit.

In rural regions, men and women wear Longyis when bathing in public for the sake of modesty. On this occasion, you can wear it in the way that you wear your bath towel: wrap it around your torso and tuck it under your armpit.

How Longyi means to Myanmar people

To many elderly Myanmar people, Longyi makes them feel "comfortable, simple, gentle and attractive". This is the reason why people love to wear every day.

It is the uniform for all students from elementary schools to universities. While some kids prefer to wear modern western clothing, a lot of them still happily wear Longyi to school every day. They have stated that "It is because Longyi is part of Myanmar's unique culture".

Let us see pictures of Myanmar people in their meaningful costumes

Where to buy Longyi Myanmar

Should a foreigner wear Myanmar traditional dress?

If you are worrying about whether to wear Myanmar traditional dress on your Myanmar itinerary, you can chill now. To Burmese people, they like it when they see foreign visitors wearing their traditional costumes. It's an act of respect for the indigenous culture. Therefore, Longyi can be our ice-breaker to Burmese people's hearts. It would help travelers blend in and understand Myanmar's local culture more.

In the same way, if you are given a strange look by Myanmar people while wearing Longyi, do not be nervous. They just find it unusual and impressive.

Where to buy Longyi

You can easily buy Longyi at any shop in Yangon. Some recommended place is Scott market, so-called Bogyoke Aung San Marke t. They have decent tailors who can help you choose Myanmar clothes fitting your appearance.

It can vary in price, depending on patterns, waves, and materials. However, a common dress normally costs US$15-30.

One more tip for you is since Longyi can fall off if it's tucked by your feet or any sharp objects, safety pins can save your life.

Longyi meets the modern world

Although indeed, Longyi can still be seen everywhere in Myanmar, in recent years, young people have been using it less. Modern fashion with various shapes and sizes give them more choice than a cylindrical dress. It's the same problem of tradition and modernity. Whether Myanmar traditional dress can keep its position or will it be replaced by modern clothes like in other Asian countries? Only time can answer.

Chi Tran - Travel Specialist

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The story of Longyi - An impressive Myanmar traditional dress

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Let's take a brief look to understand how Longyi has mingled with Burmese life and some suggestions to buy this Myanmar traditional costume...