In Bagan and everywhere else,
“The Shinbyu also has its procession”
♦ “The Shinbyu in Burma is a rite of passage that also involves gigantic processions. It allows boys to enter the Shanga, the religious community. It is a ritual to which every Burmese lends itself. Since religion has a primordial “social” role, it is impossible to imagine a breach of this initiation.
This “small” ordination is directly inspired by the “Great departure”. Prince Siddharta leaves his rich palace and is committed to what will lead him to become Buddha. The ceremony takes this story symbolically.
The children are richly dressed in silk clothes and jewelry, they are also made up. During a great feast, in which the whole village participates, they are led, in procession, to the monastery. There they preside over the offerings and the meal of the guests. After leaving their outfit, they wear a long white dress and are shorn by the monks. Their hair is collected in a white cloth. They are then given the color saffron and they are given a bowl of offerings.”
“They must respect ten fundamental and unavoidable rules. These include: Do not consume solid food in the afternoon or go for food barefoot. This initiatory passage is also very important for parents. This is the first official “break” with their children. It is also a way to get “great merit” as this child becomes a gift. It is therefore not uncommon for very affluent families with no boys to take charge of this ceremony and to lead to the monastery an orphan or a child from a very poor family.
The average age is between 10 and 12 years. The child must be able to understand the precepts taught. Some parents however present them from a very young age, sometimes 3 or 5 years. After a week spent at the monastery, the children return to their homes.”
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