Page 47 - The Rough Guide to Myanmar (Burma)

Shopping BASICS 45
WHAT’S IN A NAME?
Burmese names are traditionally of two syllables only, although three-, four- and even
five-syllable names are becoming increasingly popular. Two-syllable names are also
sometimes turned into three by repeating one of the constituent parts – Ma Ma Lay, for
example. There are no family surnames in Burmese, nor can names be shortened or divided
– a man named Tin Moe, for example, can’t be called “Tin” or “Mr Moe”. Women do not change
their names upon marriage and there are no family names. Tin Moe, for example, might have a
wife called Mi Khaing, a son called Than Tut and a daughter named Mya Aye. Some Burmese
(particularly those working with foreigners) also adopt alternative Western first names, using
both their Burmese and Western monikers in parallel.
prefixes are usually added to names, except when talking to close friends or small children.
“U” (signifying “Mr” or “uncle”) is used in formal situations or when addressing an older man,
and “Ko” or “Maung” (meaning “brother”) is preferred when addressing someone younger or of
one’s own age. The female equivalents are “Daw” (“Mrs” or “aunty”) and “Ma” (sister).
Astrology also plays a major role, with children often given a name reflecting the day of
the week on which they were born – a child born on a Thursday, for example, would
traditionally be given one name starting with a p, B or M. in addition, the Burmese commonly
change their names to reflect changing circumstances – Aung San, for example, was born
htein Lin, but changed his name to Aung San (meaning “victory”) when embarking upon his
revolutionary career.
Traditional naming systems have been increasingly modified by Western influences with
the incorporation of maternal, paternal and other names, although still not in any particularly
consistent fashion – as demonstrated by Aung San Suu Kyi herself, who was named after her
father (Aung San), grandmother (Suu) and mother (Khin Kyi), giving her a name which
translates (loosely) as “a bright collection of strange victories”.

Temple etiquette antique is not entirely clear. if in doubt, ask the shop
you’re buying from if they can supply you with an
Dress conservatively when visiting temples (some export licence.
travellers carry a longyi for such situations) and make
sure you take shoes and socks off before entering. Traditional artefacts
inside, try not to point your feet at any Buddha
images – locals tend to sit with their legs tucked Lacquerware is perhaps the most emblematic of
beneath themselves. it’s traditional to walk around all Burmese crafts: lacquerware vessels are still used
stupas in a clockwise direction, although no one will in many homes and a lacquered bowl or plate
particularly mind if you go in the opposite direction. makes a beautiful, if pricey, souvenir. Lacquerware is
available all over the country, although Bagan offers
the best selection and lowest prices, as well as the
Shopping chance to visit local workshops and see pieces
being made.
Myanmar isn’t quite the shopper’s Another iconic Burmese collectible is the
paradise of neighbouring Thailand and colourful, beautifully decorated umbrellas carried
India, but it still has plenty of affordable by the country’s monks and nuns (see box, p.106).
traditional souvenirs and crafts worth pathein remains the main production centre for
looking out for. The best places to shop traditional cotton umbrellas, while silk parasols
are Yangon (Bogyoke Market in (originally from Bagan and Mandalay) can also be
particular), Mandalay and Bagan; found here and elsewhere.
elsewhere, pickings can be thin on the Carvings in sandalwood, stone, marble and other
ground. materials are also widespread. Buddha images are
Bargaining is generally the order of the day, ubiquitous, although there are also more unusual
except in more upmarket shops or places with statuettes to be found depicting nats, mythical
clearly marked prices – although you could always beasts and other creatures. Mandalay, particularly
try your luck. note that the export of antiques is the area near the Mahamuni paya, is a major stone-
prohibited, although exactly what constitutes an carving centre.

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