Preserving Tradition : Kayin traditional White-Thread Tying Ceremony

A regional-level Kayin traditional White-Thread Tying Ceremony was held at Pearl Akari Hall in Tanintharyi Region on Saturday. The ceremony was held under the supervision of the Ministry of Ethnic Affairs, in cooperation with Tanintharyi Region Government.

Union Minister U Than Maung attended the event, together with senior officials, Hluttaw representatives, ethnic literature and cultural associations, invited guests and members of the Kayin community. The event opened with a ceremonial ribbon-cutting, followed by the playing of Myanmar national anthem, the Kayin national song and a traditional frog drum.

In his speech, the Union Minister said the ceremony, traditionally held from the 1st waxing day to the full moon day of Wagaung in the Myanmar calendar, is a Kayin cultural heritage passed down through generations. He said the event promotes family unity, peace, friendship, health and prosperity while preserving Kayin traditions and strengthening ethnic unity.

Chief Minister U Zaw Naing Oo then highlighted the Region Government’s efforts to preserve and promote ethnic languages, literature, culture, arts, traditional customs and socio-economic development. He encouraged the younger generation to preserve and carry on meaningful traditional festivals and cultural practices.

The ceremony also featured a presentation on the history of the Kayin traditional White-Thread Tying ceremony, Kayin traditional don dances by the Dawei Education Degree College and Kayin Literature and Culture Committee of Dawei University, and ethnic traditional dances by the Azalea Stars Dance Group.

As part of the ceremony, Kayin elders and youths carried baskets containing seven traditional ceremonial items and took their places. The elders then tied white cotton threads around the wrists of Union Minister, government ministers, Hluttaw representatives, guests, department heads and other attendees.