Myanmar's traditional New Year Atā Thingyan festival

What is the meaning of Ata Thingyan?

• Splashing water

• Changing from old year to new year

• Another name of Lord Thagyarmin

• No meaning

Answer explanation

The term "Atā Thingyan" refers to Myanmar's traditional New Year festival, commonly known as the Thingyan Water Festival. The word "Thingyan" is derived from the Pali term "sankanta", meaning "transit" or "change", symbolizing the transition from the old year to the new year.

When was Myanmar Ata Thingyan first officially celebrated?

• Bagan period

• Colonial period

• Inwa period

• Konbaung period

Answer explanation

Historians note that Thingyan was first celebrated during the Bagan period, coinciding with the establishment of the Bagan Kingdom in the 9th century. Historical evidence suggests these festivals were celebrated throughout the reign of King Anawrahta in the 11th century, continuing into the 12th and 13th centuries.

How many types of plants are represented by sprigs and flowers placed in the ceremonial clay pots (Atā Oh) during the Thingyan festival?

• 5 types, each representing a day of the week

• 6 types, each representing a day of the week

• 7 types, each representing a day of the week

• 12 types, each representing a month of the year

Answer explanation

During the Thingyan festival, Myanmar families prepare ceremonial clay pots known as Atā oh or Thingyan pots to welcome Thagyamin, the celestial king. These pots are traditionally filled with water and adorned with sprigs and flowers from seven specific plants, each representing a day of the week:

Sunday: Coconut

Monday: Medlar or Mesua ferrea

Tuesday: Jujube, Delonix regia, or Bauhinia acuminata

Wednesday: Indian neem

Thursday: Guava

Friday: Eugenia or cashews

Saturday: Neem or henna

Whom do the ceremonial clay pots (atā oh) welcome during Thingyan besides the celestial king (Thagyamin)?

• The Sun God

• The Earth Goddess​

• The Moon Deity​

• The Rain God

Answer explanation

During the Thingyan festival, ceremonial clay pots known as Atā oh are traditionally prepared to welcome Thagyamin, the celestial king. Additionally, according to Burmese tradition, these pots also welcome the Sun God, Banuraja.

How do Myanmar people believe that Thigyamin descends to Earth every year during Thingyan?

• To welcome the new year

• To check on human misdemeanours of the year

• To take part in the water festival

• To wash away of the past year's sins and bad luck

Answer explanation

Myanmar people believe that Thagyamin descends to Earth during Thingyan to check on human misdemeanours of the year. This belief underscores the festival's emphasis on reflection and moral conduct.

Where are the names of good people recorded after the celestial king (Thagyamin) descends from his celestial abode to Earth?

• Golden Book

• Silver Scroll

• Jade Tablet​

• Crystal Ledger​

Answer explanation

During the Thingyan festival, it is traditionally believed that the celestial king, Thagyamin, descends to Earth and records the names of virtuous individuals in a golden book.

Where are the names of bad people recorded after the celestial king (Thagyamin) descends from his celestial abode to Earth?

• Dog-skin Book

• Iron Scroll​

• Stone Tablet​

• Ebony Ledger

Answer explanation

During the Thingyan festival, it is traditionally believed that the celestial king, Thagyamin, descends to Earth and records the names of virtuous individuals in a golden book. Conversely, the names of those who have committed misdeeds are noted in a book made of dog-skin leather.

What kind of noble deeds to elderly people do we usually do on Burmese New Year's Day?

• We ask for pocket money from them

• We help them with their house chores

• We buy them some nice cloth

• We help them wash their hair and cut their nails

Answer explanation

On Burmese New Year's Day, it is a cherished tradition to honor and care for the elderly through acts of respect and service. One of the most meaningful and symbolic gestures is helping them by:

• Washing their hair with traditional shampoo made from bark (often from the Gaung Lay tree or Tayaw bark)

• Cutting their nails

• Gently massaging them or assisting with personal grooming

These deeds reflect filial piety, gratitude, and the importance of starting the new year by showing respect and love to one's elders.

This noble practice is part of what makes Thingyan and the New Year deeply spiritual and family-oriented in Myanmar culture.

Traditionally, how was water sprinkled during early Thingyan celebrations?

• Using golden or silver bowls filled with scented water

• With coconut shells filled with water

• By splashing directly from rivers and lakes

• Through bamboo water pipes

Answer explanation

Traditionally, during early Thingyan celebrations, water was gently sprinkled using golden or silver bowls filled with scented water. This act symbolized the washing away of one's sins from the previous year. In contrast, modern celebrations have evolved into exuberant water fights using hoses, water guns, and other devices.

In early Thingyan celebrations, water was traditionally sprinkled often applied with sprigs of which leaves?

• Eugenia (Thapyay)

• Neem (Ta-mar)

• Padauk

• Gant Gaw

Answer explanation

Traditionally, during early Thingyan celebrations, water was gently sprinkled using golden or silver bowls filled with scented water, often applied with sprigs of thabyay (Jambul) leaves. This act symbolized the washing away of one's sins from the previous year. In contrast, modern celebrations have evolved into exuberant water fights using hoses, water guns, and other devices.