Kayin Traditional Ceremony: White Thread Tying (Wrist Tying) Ceremony in Yangon

Kayin Traditional White Thread Tying (Wrist Tying) Ceremony usually celebrated in the month of Wagaung was held at the Union Hall of the Union National Races Village (Yangon) in Thaketa Township on Saturday organized by the Yangon Region Government.

The ceremony was attended by SAC Central Advisory Board Leader U Saw Tun Aung Myint, Union Minister for Ethnic Affairs Jeng Phan Naw Taung, members of the SAC Central Advisory Board U Saw Daniel, Commander of Yangon Region Command, Yangon Region ministers for Security and Border Affairs and Ethnic Affairs and invited guests.

On the occasion, SAC Central Advisory Board Leader U Saw Tun Aung Myint and Union Minister Jeng Phan Naw Taung delivered opening speeches. Then, Yangon Region Minister for Ethnic Affairs clarified about White Thread Tying Ceremony.

The Kayin traditional O-Si dance, Don Dance and bamboo dance performances were performed during the ceremony.  

After the performances, SAC Central Advisory Board Leader, U Saw Tun Aung Myint presented awards to the dance troupes which performed the traditional dances. Then, Union Minister Jeng Phan Naw Taung provided 3 million kyats cash assistance to the Kayin Traditional White Thread Tying Ceremony Organizing Committee. Also, the Yangon Region Government provided cash assistance to dance troupes. Then, the ceremony continued according to the agenda.  

Mahn Than Win Oo, Chairman, Kayin Literature and Culture Association said "We organize the ceremony to preserve the tradition and culture of Kayin people which has been passed down from the ancestors. All of the material involved in white thread tying ceremony represent the unity and strength of the Kayin people. Plans are underway to celebrate white thread tying ceremony in villages too."

The White Thread Tying Ceremony is held aiming to preserve the traditions and cultures of the Kayin people, share knowledge with other ethnic people, preserve and value the traditions and characteristics of the Kayin people while participating in the event.

Mahn Than Htay, Secretary, Kayin Literature and Culture Association said "This ceremony was held under the supervision of the Yangon Region Government. Kayin people tie white thread on their wrists to recognize their relatives. It can be easily known that a person with white thread on his or her wrist is Kayin.  And, it’s not a religious ceremony, it’s a traditional ceremony of entire Kayin ethnicity."

Chaw Su Hlaing, Attendee said "I hadn’t participated in white thread tying ceremony long so I decided to join today’s event. I’m happy to see my Kayin ethnic people happily participating in the ceremony and I wish everyone good health and happiness. "

The ceremony was concluded by the closing remarks of the secretary of the Kayin Literature and Culture Association.