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Novice Monks and Nuns
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We have just had the most wonderful day yesterday! We stayed for one night in Pyin U Lwin and met a local tour guide who calls himself the Rock n Roll Muslim! He also introduces himself as "Osama-not-Bin-Laden". He's a real character. He told us about a festival yesterday and offered to take us. (Hence the reason we went on to Hsipaw and then came back to Pyin U Lwin.)
Yesterday morning we headed out on motorcycles to a Shan village outside of the town. This festival is called locally as a "Donation Ceremony", but I think we would call is a noviciation ceremony? Essentially, its when little boys and girls become novice monks and nuns. Its a very lavish affair, so the village saves up for it and this ceremony only happens about once every three years. People from all the neighbouring villages come along for the festivities, so their were hundreds of people there having an absolutely grand time! Everyone was incredibly welcoming of us, giving us food and drink (Me - tea, Malcolm - whiskey) and showing us about. Once people started to see us taking photos, they asked us to take their photos with family members and friends, etc. so we have a lot of really great photos - I can't wait for you to see them! We've promised to get some printed, and our guide will bring them to the village for us for everyone to have.
At about 2pm all the novices-to-be were lifted up onto the shoulders of male relatives and carried, dancing, in a procession down the hill where their heads were shaved and they were given a piece of dried, salted fish (I think?)to eat. Basically once this was done, then the boys were officially novice monks. There was another procession back up the hill and lots more dancing! Even Malcolm got in on the dancing - he was very good!
All the people at the festival were so incredibly good to us - it was my favourite day of our whole trip. We laughed and ate and shared stories (and our Scotland photos) and learned so much about the Shan culture. It really was a special day. I can't even come close to explaining properly the outfits and colours and general gaiety that this day was, but hoepfully our photos will give you a better idea. I promise as soon as I can, I will post for you as I really want you all to see these especially.
Pyin U Lwin as a town is also quite nice - much cooler than Mandalay as is a higher altitude. It was definitely nice to escape the heat for a few days! We are back now in Mandalay for tonight only, and then tomorrow we are heading to Monywa and then the next day onto Bagan. Will hopefully be able to update you again from Bagan.
All our love,
K & M
Where I stayed:
Dhalia Motel
Latest Comments (2)
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pictures (reply)
Mar 29, 2008 09:32 EST by adriennee
That sounded like a wonderful day. Can't wait to see the photos!
Love
Mum x
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Novitiation Photo Experts? (reply)
Mar 28, 2008 14:38 EST by goodwill
It's great to hear the photo opportunities and the whiskey keep appearing. Malx must be enjoying this trip more and more every day. I'll be sure to tell Ada that she is charging me way too much for my haircuts! My last skate at the Civic Centre for this season was this morning. I'll be moving to UPEI from now until it is time to work in the garden. That should be at least another month by the look... show all
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