The usual Asian rules of conduct apply in Myanmar, plus
there are a few specially Burmese ones. As with elsewhere in
Asia it is unseemly to show too much emotion losing your
temper over problems and delays gets you nowhere, it just
amazes people. Stay calm and collected at all times. The
Burmese frown on such displays of anger just as much as they
frown on too open a display of affection.
As in other Buddhist countries the head is the highest part
of the body - spiritually as well as literally. You should
never deliberately touch somebody else on the head or pat a
child on the head. Equally, the feet are the lowest part of
the body - don't point your feet at somebody.
Buddha images are sacred objects, so don't pose in front of
them for pictures and definitely do not sit or climb upon
them.
A couple of rules apply specifically to women. Women should
never ride on the roofs of vehicles or boats,which would be
a cultural insult to any male pasengers below.Those males
who weren't gravely offended might take the roof-sitting as
licence to harass such 'loose women'.
Monks are not supposed to touch or be touched by women. if a
woman wants to hand something to a monk, the object should
be placed within reach of the monk, not handed directly to
him.
Dress
One should dress neatly (no shorts or skimpy tank tops)
when visiting religious sites. Most important of all in
Myanmar, remember to take off your shoes and socks before
entering the grounds of any Theravada Buddhist shrine, zedi,
temple, paya or monastery. Even at the most dilapidated,
run-dowm, ruined paya in Bagan the 'no footwearing' rule
still applies. You must go barefoot in every part of a
Buddhist compound, not just in the shrine buildings as in
neighbouring Buddhist countries. In the middle of the day
going barefoot can get a little painful as the paved area
around a paya often becomes very hot. At major payas there
will often be a mat walkway around the platform.
At one time this restriction caused quite a stir betweem the
Burmese and the British. As part of the growing surge of
nationalism between the wars, and as a neat way to put the
British in their place, the Burmese decided to rigidly
enforce the no-footwear rules, from which the Europeans had
previously been exempted . Signs also suddenly appeared
announcing that there was to be 'no umbrellaring' - in case
you' ve never seen anyone do this, it means using an
umbrella to point things out!
Shoes - but not necessarily socks - are also taken off
before entering private homes. Actually the Burmese very
rarely wear socks. You'll find it easier to deal with
temples and private homes if you follow their example and go
sockless. Or take it a step further and wear
slip-on-sandals-the nost convenient footwear for travelling
in Myanmar - like the locals do .
Beach attire or sloppy lounge clothes are not considered
appropriate for walking around town. The attitude of 'this
is how i dress at home and no one is going to stop me' gains
nothing but disrespect or even disgust from the Burmese. Men
should try to keep theri shoulders covered except at the
beach or when bathing. Likewise long trousers, longyis
(sarong-style garment) or skirts are considered more
appropriate than shorts in all situations except at the
beach. Women can wear sleeveless blouses, but should try to
avoid tight or breast-baring tank tops.
