My Entry for Share Your World Day #2 - Independence Day in Myanmar

I would like to write about Independence Day of myanmar for this contest.

Background story of this holiday

In the 19th century, following three Anglo-Burmese Wars, Burma was colonized by Britain. Following World War II, Aung San negotiated the Panglong Agreement with ethnic leaders that guaranteed the independence of Burma as a unified state. On 4 January 1948 at 4.20 am, the nation became an independent republic, named the Union of Burma. So Junuary 4 became the first national holiday for myanmar.

 

Sences of Independence Day

Independence Day was held all over the country. It held mostly in a stadium or field. Before these day we have to make the prelimentary contests because Independence Day is the final day of all contests and also a reward giving day. In Independence Day they held a lots of contests like football, Sepak takraw, chaw dine tat(climbing pole), kyat phe khut(rooster fight), Tug of war and running races.

I presonally involved in some sports when I was a child. These sports are Tug of war and running races. I will add some facts and photos of these sports.

Football(Soccer)

Everyone will know about football so I will not explained details. The final was held in the independence day and shield was given to the winner.

Sepak Takraw

This is from Thailand and we also play in myanmar but rules are a little bit different. I don't have image so I added an image from internet. The play ground is not as good as this image.

 

Ref Image: here

Chaw Dine Tat (Climing Pole)

Ref Image: here

It is nearly the same like this image but We used a bamboo instead and put some lubricants in the bamboo. So it is difficult to climb. Contestants can use only their "Longyi". Three flags put in the bamboo and the contestants has to choose which one has the highest price.

Longyi is myanmar traditional wear for the lower part of body.

Ref Image: here

 

Kyat Phe Khut(rooster fight)

Ref Imge: here

A powerful gluteus maximus and physical endurance are required for victory. The two players – typically two females – squat on their haunches facing each other.

Upon a signal they begin to shuffle so that their left elbow touches their right knee, and then their right elbow touches their left knee. Both players should be moving at the same, medium pace. There is no time limit – hence the importance of endurance – but if you fall over or stop, you lose. To pass the time (as well as to distract from stinging pain in their thighs) the pair sing a song.

 

Tug of war

Ref Image: here

 

Running Races

They normally added short distance races, middle distance races and relays in the tournament. Running races are popular sports in myanmar after football because it is very easy to participate. In my childhood I ran like a horse. I miss this time now.

In Independence Day a lots of people come and watch the contests. Mostly they are familys of contestants, relatives and friends. They also treat with foods. The right side close to the enterance is a building build to rewards the winner. Everyone is happy at that time. Children are running around. They participated in a lots of contests. Everyone wants to participate in the contest. So the judges add them in the contests but not count as a contestants. This is the sence I see at that time and this will happen over and over again. The place I visitd last time is myanaung oilfield football stadium.

steemworldmap

The communities I participated are @kryptonia, @mannacurrency, @mmunited and msu.

 

 

 

 

---

@mmunited
MSU 080

---

Posted from my blog with SteemPress : https://myanmarpress.xopus.io/?p=238

---