Bamar people

Bamar

Regions with significant populations
Myanmar
Languages
Burmese
Religion
Theravada Buddhism
Related ethnic groups
Yi, Nakhi, Tibetans and to a lesser extent Bodo and Karen

The Bamar (Burmese: File:Bscript bamalumyo.png; IPA: [bəmàː]), also called Burman), are the dominant ethnic group of Myanmar, constituting approximately 68% (30,000,000) of the population. However, there is some speculation that the government has slightly inflated this figure. Futhermore, a reliable census has not been taken in over a century, and figures are based on estimates. The Bamar usually have straight black hair, and a darker skin tone (although intermixing makes skin tone vary).

The Bamar are frequently called simply Burmese, but this term is ambiguous as it can also refer to a citizen of Myanmar who belongs to a different ethnic group (Karen, Shan, etc.). The military junta uses the term "Myanmar" to describe persons of all ethnic backgrounds in Myanmar.

Language

The Burmese language, (the official language of Myanmar), is widely spoken by many of the ethnic minorities as well as the majority Bamar. Its core vocabulary consists of Sino-Tibetan words, but many terms associated with Buddhism, arts, sciences, and government have derived from the Indo-European languages of Pali and English. The Rakhine, although considered culturally distinct from the Bamar, are ethnically related to the Bamar and speak a Burmese dialect that is more reminiscent of archaic Burmese, including the unique retention of the r sound, which contemporary Burmese has coalesced into a y sound. Additional dialects come from coastal areas of Tanintharyi Division, and include Myeik (Beik) and Dawei (Tavoyan). English was introduced in the 1800s when the Bamar first came into contact with the British as a trading nation and continued to flourish under subsequent colonial rule . Because only Burmese and English are taught from primary school onwards, many Bamar are unable to communicate in minority languages. Since Burmese culture has historically supported education for all citizens, the majority of Bamar are literate.

Origins

The Bamar are of East Asian descent, having origins in present-day Tibet, who are thought to have originally migrated from the steppes of present-day Mongolia. They migrated 3,000 years ago to the lower valleys of the Ayeyarwady River, an area they ethnically dominate today. They are ethnolinguistically related to the Tibetans and the Chinese. The Bamar largely replaced the Mon and the earlier Pyu, ethnic groups that originally dominated the region.

Distribution

The Bamar are most numerous in Myanmar, constituting the majority ethnic group in seven of the political divisions. Thailand has the second largest number of Bamar, and nearly 80% of illegal immigrants in Thailand are from Myanmar either fleeing war and ethnic conflict or seeking economic opportunities. The United States is also home to a large Burmese American population and many have settled in Europe, particularly in Great Britain. The Burmese diaspora, which is a recent phenomenon in historical terms and began at the start of World War Two, has been mainly brought about by a protracted period of military rule and reflects the ethnic diversity of Myanmar. Firstly, the Anglo-Burmese (mostly of Bamar and European descent) fled to India ahead of the Japanese, and following Burmese independence in 1948, then to the UK, Australia, New Zealand and North America, to be followed by the Bamar themselves. It is by no means confined to the West; Malaysia, Singapore, Hong Kong, Taiwan, Australia, Korea and Japan are also popular destinations.

Culture and society

The Bamar wear sarongs, called longyi collectively. Women wear longyi known as htamain, while men wear longyi called paso. Formal attire often consists of jewellery, silk scarves, and jackets. On formal occasions, men often wear hats called gaungbaung and Mandarin-collared jackets. Women often wear blouses. In cities and urbanised areas, Westernised clothing has become more popular, especially among the younger generation. Tattoos and earrings were once common among Bamar men, but have been stigmatised in recent years.

Bamar cuisine contains many regional elements, such as stir-frying techniques, usage of curries, and the such. The primary staple of choice is rice, although noodles and breads are also eaten. Light tea is often the beverage of choice. The most well-known Bamar-originated dish is mohinga.

Traditional Bamar music consists of a string orchestra. The saunggauk, a crescent-shaped harp, is often symbolic of the Bamar. Modern Bamar music is typically Westernised, with influences particularly from American country music. However, rap and hip-hop have also gained popularity. Traditional Bamar dancing is similar to Thai dancing, and is known as yodaya aka, which literally translates as "Thai dance". Puppetry is also a popular form of entertainment and is often played at pwés, which are celebrations. In urbanised areas, movies, often from Bollywood and Hollywood are popular.

Rites of passage are also of cultural importance to the Bamar. These include shinbyu, a novitiation ceremony for Buddhist boys, and na htwin, an ear-piercing ceremony for girls.

Buddhist festivals and holidays are widely celebrated among the Bamar. Thingyan, which marks the beginning of the Burmese New Year, is one such example. Dadingyut, which marks the end of the Buddhist lent, is often celebrated with the Kathina and the Lighting Festival.

Religion

The Bamar are staunch Buddhists of the Theravada tradition. During British colonial rule, Christian missionaries met with very little success in converting the Bamar as their culture was firmly rooted in Buddhism despite the success of missionary schools in attracting large numbers of pupils in major cities. The Bamar practise Buddhism along with nat worship, which involves elaborate rituals to propitiate one of an official pantheon of 37 Nats designated by King Anawratha, although many minor nats are worshipped. In villages, many houses have outdoors altars to honor nats, called nat ein.

See also

• Rakhine people
• Danu people