Hanakha, a unique feature of Myanmar.

(Quang Ngai Newspaper) - Myanmar has many unique cultural features that attract tourists from all over the world , including the art of makeup using Thanakha powder.

The mother and daughter went to the temple with a bunch of magnolia flowers and their faces decorated with Thanakha powder.

Myanmar, located in Southeast Asia, has a population that is over 90% Buddhist. Almost every city, town, and village in the country has at least one Buddhist temple or monastery. Myanmar is a multi-ethnic country with over 100 different ethnic groups, the Bamar being the majority. Although these ethnic groups live in many different states and have diverse customs and traditions, they share a common practice of using Thanakha powder for beautification, body protection, and creating a unique appearance. The people of Myanmar spend a lot of time visiting temples. When attending these ceremonies, both men and women wear traditional longyi (skirts) and their faces are "made up" with Thanakha powder.

Myanmar has many temples and pagodas.

Besides its rich cultural heritage and Buddhist traditions, Myanmar also boasts many unique features such as the long-necked people, the face-tattooing people, and the tradition of using Thanakha powder for makeup. According to ancient texts, the practice of makeup in Myanmar began more than 2,000 years ago. This is evidenced by songs, poems, ancient verses, and artifacts related to this unique makeup custom. Many artifacts used by people in the past for makeup purposes can be found, notably the Thanakha grinding stone of Princess Datukalayar, daughter of King Bayinnaung (15th century). This artifact is considered a treasure and is preserved and displayed at the Shwe Maw Daw Pagoda Museum in Bago. It is vivid evidence of the Thanakha makeup tradition over the centuries, both in the royal court and in the folk life of Myanmar. To this day, women in Myanmar still love Thanakha, a unique traditional art of makeup. This cream is also often used on newborn babies to protect their delicate skin.

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Thanakha and grinding stones are sold in Myanmar.

This is not just a simple art of makeup, but also the essence of the heritage of the land of "golden temples and white towers." To obtain Thanakha powder, the bark is ground on a smooth, flat stone plate, and a few drops of water are added before grinding. After grinding, the paste can be applied to the body with the fingers. Thanakha powder is also processed into ready-made creams in plastic containers with eye-catching labels for convenient use. Thanakha can be applied not only to the face but also to the body, arms, and legs. With the year-round hot weather, the people of Myanmar use Thanakha powder as sunscreen. The Thanakha paste tightens pores, controls oil production, and prevents wrinkles caused by sunburn. That is why women apply thick layers of Thanakha to their faces when working in the fields.

Children are decorated with Thanakha powder.

Thanakha is a native plant that embodies the "national spirit and essence" of Myanmar. The most striking image of this country for tourists can be found everywhere, from the countryside to the cities: the traditional longyi skirt, the red lips stained with betel nut, and especially the faces smeared with Thanakha, creating a familiar yet unique appearance for the people.

Text and photos: TAN VINH

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Source: https://baoquangngai.vn/van-hoa/giai-tri/202402/hanakha-net-doc-dao-cua-myanmar-4dd2c24/