<\/span><\/h2>\nMany people mistakenly believe that Yangon is the capital of Myanmar. However, this vibrant city, formerly known as Rangoon, served as the country’s capital from 1948 to 2006. Today, Yangon retains its significance as the largest city in Myanmar and a major economic and cultural hub.<\/p>\n
Spanning an area of approximately 77 square miles (199 square km), Yangon is home to a diverse population. According to a 2007 estimate, the city’s population was around 4,090,000. With its strategic location, Yangon plays a crucial role in Myanmar’s foreign trade, handling over 80% of the country’s international trade activities.<\/p>\n
Yangon is a bustling center of various industries, including rice mills, sawmills, textiles, soap production, rubber, aluminum, and iron and steel sheet manufacturing. It serves as a key export gateway for Myanmar, with major exports including rice, teak, and metal ores.<\/p>\n
The urban area of Yangon covers 598.75 km2<\/sup> (231.18 sq mi), with a metropolitan area spanning 10,170 km2<\/sup> (3,930 sq mi). As of the 2014 census, the urban population of Yangon was 5,160,512, resulting in a population density of 8,600 people per square kilometer (22,000 people per square mile). The metro population, including the Yangon Region, is 7,360,703.<\/p>\nYangon is a melting pot of various ethnicities and religions. The city is home to diverse communities, including the Bamar, Burmese Chinese, Burmese Indians, Chin, Rakhine, Mon, Karen, Shan, Kayah, and Kachin people. Religions in Yangon comprise Buddhism (with a 91% majority), Islam, Christianity, Hinduism, and other faiths making up the remaining percentage.<\/p>\n
Despite no longer being the capital, Yangon continues to play a significant role in Myanmar’s economic and cultural landscape, contributing to the country’s GDP, which was valued at US$10.7 billion in 2016. However, it is important to note that only 26% of Myanmar’s population has access to electricity, highlighting the ongoing development challenges the country faces.<\/p>\n<\/p>\n
<\/span>Tea is eaten in Myanmar<\/span><\/h2>\nIn Myanmar, tea is not just a beverage, but also an integral part of the cuisine. One unique way in which tea is enjoyed is through pickled or fermented tea leaves called laphet. Laphet is considered a national delicacy and is often served as a salad, known as Tea Leaf Salad or La Phat Thoke.<\/p>\n
Tea Leaf Salad, or La Phat Thoke, is a traditional Myanmar dish that is enjoyed as a snack, appetizer, or paired with rice. It showcases the unique combination of flavors and textures that Burmese cuisine is known for.<\/p>\n
Laphet, the pickled tea leaves used in the salad, go through a fermentation process that can last for 3 to 4 months. The result is a tangy and slightly bitter flavor that is complemented by various ingredients and condiments. Some popular additions to the Tea Leaf Salad include roasted peanuts, crispy fried garlic, toasted sesame seeds, dried shrimp, and shredded coconut.<\/p>\n
\n\n| Laphet Grades<\/th>\n | Annual Yield<\/th>\n | Tea Consumption<\/th>\n | Tea Leaf Picking Time<\/th>\n<\/tr>\n |
\n| ‘Golden bracelet’, ‘Extraordinary weft’, ‘Weft’, ‘Top grade’, ‘Medium top grade’, ‘Medium grade’, ‘Low grade’<\/td>\n | 60,000-70,000 tons of fresh tea product<\/td>\n | 52% green tea, 31% black tea, 17% pickled tea<\/td>\n | April to May, extended until October<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/table>\n The Tea Leaf Salad is often enjoyed alongside other traditional Myanmar dishes. For breakfast, locals often start their day with Mohinga, a flavorful fish and rice noodle soup considered the national dish. Nan Gyi Thote, a popular traditional breakfast choice, is also commonly found in local tea shops and street vendors in the early morning.<\/p>\n Tea plays a significant role in Myanmar’s culture and daily life. The country’s tea shop culture is vibrant, with tea shops serving as popular gathering places. People gather in tea shops to enjoy breakfast, engage in business meetings, socialize with friends, discuss politics, and catch up on the latest news. Traditional Burmese tea, often combined with condensed milk, is a favored choice in these lively tea shop settings.<\/p>\n <\/span>Shwedagon Pagoda is not only gilded entirely with gold leaf<\/span><\/h2>\nThe Shwedagon Pagoda, located in Yangon, Myanmar, is a magnificent Buddhist monument that stands out as a prominent landmark in the city. Standing at a majestic height of 112 meters (367 feet) and perched 170 meters (560 feet) above sea level, this sacred site surpasses the maximum height of buildings in Yangon, adding to its significance as a cultural icon.<\/p>\n Legend has it that the Shwedagon Pagoda was constructed over 2,500 years ago, potentially making it the oldest Buddhist stupa in the world. Its historical prominence dates back to the 16th century when it became a renowned pilgrimage site, attracting devotees from near and far.<\/p>\n While the pagoda is famously known for its gilded exterior, covered entirely with genuine gold plates, it also showcases the mesmerizing beauty of precious gems and stones. At the top of the pagoda’s umbrella crown, a diamond-encrusted bud sparkles with 5,448 diamonds and 2,317 rubies, adding a touch of opulence to this sacred structure.<\/p>\n The spiritual rituals performed at the Shwedagon Pagoda are equally captivating. Visitors can participate in the blessing ceremony, which involves pouring water over a Buddha statue on the planetary post associated with their day of birth, symbolizing purification and luck.<\/p>\n Notably, the Shwedagon Pagoda has undergone several enhancements over the centuries. In 1775, King Hsinbyushin raised its height to 99 meters (325 feet), further solidifying its grandeur. As time passed, hundreds of monasteries were added to the site, creating a spiritual complex encompassing the stupa atop Singuttara Hill.<\/p>\n The vastness of the Shwedagon Pagoda’s campus is truly awe-inspiring, covering a total area of 46.3 hectares. The top terrace alone spans 5.66 hectares, providing visitors with ample space to explore and appreciate the architectural marvels and tranquil surroundings.<\/p>\n A Glimpse of Eternal Beauty<\/h3>\nTo truly appreciate the extraordinary beauty of the Shwedagon Pagoda, one must witness its splendor as the day transitions into night. As darkness falls, the pagoda is softly illuminated, casting a mesmerizing glow over the entire complex. It is a sight that stirs the soul and leaves a lasting impression on all who have the privilege of visiting this remarkable treasure.<\/p>\n With its grand stature, historic significance, and embellishment of gold leaf and precious gems, the Shwedagon Pagoda stands as a testament to the enduring legacy of Buddhism in Myanmar. It showcases the country’s rich cultural heritage and remains a sanctuary of spiritual devotion for locals and pilgrims from around the globe.<\/p>\n <\/span>Burmese men also wear sarongs (skirt)<\/span><\/h2>\nThe national costume of Myanmar, known as the longyi, is not limited to women. Burmese men also embrace this traditional attire, which is often mistaken for a skirt. The longyi is an ankle-length wraparound skirt that is worn around the waist and reaches the feet in a cylindrical shape.<\/p>\n It is a common sight to see Burmese men confidently donning the longyi in various settings, including offices and formal events. The longyi is not only a symbol of cultural heritage but also a practical and comfortable garment that suits the warm climate of Myanmar.<\/p>\n During the Pagan dynasty, cotton was the primary textile material used in Burmese clothing, and this tradition continues today. The longyi is predominantly made of cotton, allowing for breathability and ease of movement.<\/p>\n The longyi’s popularity is not limited to Myanmar. It has gained recognition and appreciation in neighboring countries such as India, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, Thailand, Malaysia, and Indonesia. The versatility of the longyi allows it to be worn in various daily activities, including sports games, making it a functional and adaptable garment.<\/p>\n Unique Longyi Styles and Cost<\/h3>\nVarious ethnic tribes in Myanmar have their own unique longyi styles, reflecting different patterns and weaves. These distinct designs showcase the vibrant diversity of Myanmar’s cultural heritage.<\/p>\n When it comes to the cost of a longyi dress, a common price range in Yangon, Myanmar’s largest city, is between US$15-30. This reasonable price allows both locals and tourists to embrace the beauty and tradition of Burmese clothing.<\/p>\n Despite modern influences and Western fashion trends, traditional longyi attire is still widely worn in Myanmar. However, in recent years, there has been a noticeable trend of decreased usage among young people, highlighting the impact of globalization and evolving fashion choices.<\/p>\n Image of Burmese Men in Longyi<\/h3>\nTo visually illustrate the prevalence of Burmese men wearing the longyi, here is an image showcasing their confident style and pride in traditional attire.<\/p>\n <\/span>Burmese special make-up style<\/span><\/h2>\n\nThanaka is a traditional make-up style that has been cherished by the Burmese people for centuries. This unique beauty practice involves applying a paste made from the bark of the thanaka tree to the face. But it’s not just a cosmetic trend \u2013 thanaka also holds remarkable skin-care properties.\n<\/p>\n \nFor over 2,000 years, Burmese men, women, and children have been using thanaka cream to enhance their beauty and protect their skin from the harsh sun. The practice starts as early as kindergarten for many children, and its acceptance among peers remains prevalent during high school. Thanaka has become synonymous with Burmese culture and is a cherished part of their everyday routine.\n<\/p>\n \nStudies have revealed that thanaka bark is not only antioxidant and anti-inflammatory but also possesses the ability to absorb harmful UV rays and inhibit tyrosinase, a key enzyme involved in skin discoloration. The cream gives a cooling sensation, offering relief from the hot and arid climate in Myanmar, and acts as a natural anti-fungal agent. Its versatility extends beyond cosmetic purposes as it helps remove acne and promotes smooth, healthy skin.\n<\/p>\n \nThe popularity of thanaka extends beyond Myanmar’s borders, as many cosmetic companies in Myanmar, Malaysia, and Thailand are incorporating thanaka into their products and marketing them globally. Its traditional charm coupled with its skin-care benefits has made thanaka a sought-after ingredient in the beauty industry.\n<\/p>\n |