Myanmar Birthdays

I have the utmost respect for Michael Wilcox, a retired teacher for the Church Education System, who has been the educator traveling with us on many Fun For Less Tours.  The last gift his wife Laurie gave him before she died was a silver draftsman's compass with the words, 'Firmly planted' engraved on the planted foot and "Always reaching' on the reaching foot.  Those words typify Michael's approach to world religions.  Although we are to remain 'firmly planted' in our own faith, we can also be reaching out to find the good in other religions.  During the weeks we spent traveling in Buddhist countries I did gain a respect for the dedication and faith of these people.  Their temples are beautiful and the examples of worship we observed touched my heart.

I especially enjoyed the birthday celebrations we witnessed.  Not your typical birthday party but a part of temple worship in Myanmar.  It seems that the date you are born is not as important as the day of the week.  Temples have altars for people born on particular days to pay their devotions.

Here is the Tuesday corner.  That would be my corner.  I was born on Tuesday.

 And here is the Wednesday morning corner!  The statues of Buddha are reverently washed and prayers are said.

Also on your 'birth-day' you volunteer to come clean the temple area.  These young women are Monday birth-days and they were sweeping. Kind of a nice idea, don't you think?  I admire their devotion.

Another interesting facet of the birthday celebrations is that there is a whole Burmese zodiac system based on your birth-day.

Sunday born Mary's animal symbol is a mythical bird.

The description does sound like our sweet Mary....'kind and generous.  you would give the shirt off your back to someone in need.  You are energetic and rarely allow life to get you down.  You naturally motivate other and are an inspiration to many'.

Monday born Scott and George are tigers.

Interesting that George and Scott were born on the same day of the week.  They are 'very intelligent and intuitive with a keen eye for detail; strong and patient but only to a point; goal oriented and like to succeed; respectful of laws and good at taking responsibility for their own actions'. 

I was born on a Tuesday and I'm a lion.

Some of these characteristics might be true of me....'a crusader, a natural leader and a noble person (hey, I'm just copying what the zodiac says, not bragging).  You can be strong willed and opinionated but you are usually correct in your estimations.  You make decisions easily and don't like to compromise; you'll take on any challenge'.  So I'm stubborn and strong willed....hmmm!

Wednesday morning born Johnny and Monica are elephants with tusks.

I can see part of this in our newlywed couple....'unpredictable and enthusiastic; you have a taste for danger and action; you're spontaneous and people love you for your passion. You are independent and like to be in control of all situations'.  What do you think?

Friday born Matt is a guinea pig.

This sounds a lot like our Matt.  'You are naturally artistic and creative; you have tons of fabulous ideas but have a hard time seeing them through to completion.  This may be because you are going in so many different directions at once.  But you hesitate to pick one thing because you bore easily and get tired of the same thing.  You are loving, kind and very sympathetic; sensitive to others and a wonderful friend.'

I don't put a lot of stock in any type of sign of the zodiac but I do think this is fun and gives a glimpse into another culture.

And the idea of paying devotions to celebrate the day of your birth seems especially meaningful.  Here is the 'Monday corner' at another temple and it was a Monday!