KOREA FOUNDATION

In Myanmar, young boys are considered to become adults only after successfully completing the Shin Pyu ceremony. Shin Pyu is a symbolic reconstruction of the event during which Buddha renounced his status as a king to become a monk. The ceremony is held for boys around the age of 10 to signify their entrance into the Buddhist order as “beginners.” The whole village comes together to celebrate Shin Pyu. Boys wearing vibrant costumes made of silk form a line and march toward the temple while their parents and relatives watch. Their colorful clothing represents the high class into which Buddha was born as a king. During the march, boys are often mounted on elephants and cows; parents who cannot afford such animals might carry their sons on their shoulders. The boys parade once around the village before moving to the temple, where they receive training in giving Buddhist offerings. At this time, their hair is shaved and the shaved hair is wrapped in a white piece of cloth to be buried underneath a nearby pagoda. The ceremony ends with the boys receiving brass rice bowls handed out by the high priest followed by a series of 10 oaths and pledges.

Afterwards, the boys live the life of monks for anywhere from one to six months. Parents donate eight essential items that their child will need for this lifestyle: upper and lower pieces of clothing, cloaks, bowls for alms, shaving razors, sewing kits, belts, and water filters. Once they successfully complete their time as young monks, the boys are given the authority to get married. The Buddhist teachings they receive during this period are to act as guiding standards for the rest of their lives.