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December ▼
In
December
(Nadaw)
Nadaw
'Nadaw ' is the name of the ninth month on the Myanmar
calendar corresponding to December of the calendar in
International use. The actual spelling in Myanmar characters
transliterates as Nattaw Nat is a general term applied to
Spirit God, Deva or Deity and Taw is honorific signifying
'respect'. In the time of Myanmar Kings, it was a month for
oblation to deities of Nats, hence thename of the month.
Actually, it is not that the Myanmar people are animists
paying homage to Nats, but Animism that had taken roots from
very early times had persistently survived, though in very
limited spheres, when the Theravada Buddhism reached Pagan
in the 11th century (C.E.) and King Anawrahta accepted it
and made it the religion of his kingdom, suppressing all
corrupt form of worship including animistic sacrifices and
unwholesome
practices that existed in Pre-Buddhist Pagan.
In this month, there are also ceremonies of conferring
titles and honors to distinguished figures in Myanmar
literati.
In the Independent Union of Myanmar, the month of 'Nadaw'
(December) is the time for literary activities, honoring
those to whom honor is due as in the time of Myanmar Kings.
Ceremonies of giving awards in various fields of literary
work are usually held on the first day of the waxing moon in
'Nadaw' (December). There are festivities celebrating the
anniversaries of great literary figures like Na-wa-de, Nat-shinnaung,Seinda-Kyawthu,
let-wei-thondra, Myawady Mingyi U Sa, U Ponnya, etc.
Writers and poets travel all over the country to meet their
readers and hold seminars, discussions and talks on literary
subjects.
Christmas
Although the great majority of Myanmars are Buddhists, Union
of Myanmar is not a Buddhist State secular one and highly
motivated in their respective religions. All Christians in
Myanmar celebrate Christmas at their respective Churches on
25th December every year Carols are sung, friends greeted
and gifts exchanged, not forgetting the aged and the poor.
Karen New Year
The Kareans, one of the Union National groups in the Union
of Myanmar, celebrate their 'new crop' ceremony bringing in
their New Year. Garbed in their national costumes, dances
and songs are put on show high-lighting with their lively
'Don' folk dance.
Nadaw History
Christmas
Venue - Churches
Karen New Year
Venue - Karen State
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