Article by Min Than Htut, Pro Niti Travel, tour operator in Yangon, Myanmar.
Photos by GlobeRovers Magazine
Thanaka, also spelled thanakhar and thanakha, is a yellowish-white cosmetic paste which is a unique and distinctive feature of the people of Myanmar, formerly known as Burma.
Once you arrive in Myanmar, you will be received by welcoming smiles from faces covered in thanaka paste! People in this part of the world have been using thanaka for more than 2,000 years.
Over the centuries it has remained a prominent feature in the culture of the Myanmar people. Even in the contemporary music of Myanmar are songs about beautiful women with thanaka painted faces.
While not everybody is using thanaka these days, it is primarily, but not exclusively, used by women and children. Different people attach different motivations for its use.
Some use it as a sunscreen as it offers a cool sensation on the skin and blocks the sun. Others attach higher value to its skin softening, skin whitening and anti-aging properties. It is also used as a beautifying cosmetic. Creative mothers even paint attractive designs on the school kids’ faces.
The paste is primarily made from the wood of the Murraya tree, but is also made from the wood of several other locally grown trees such as the wood-apple tree. These thanaka trees are grown in the tropical zones and there are many thanaka trees in the central areas of Myanmar. Wood is generally deemed mature enough once the tree is over 35 years old.
The two most famous products are the Shwebo thanaka from the Sagaing region, and Shinmataung thanaka from the Magwe region. In addition, the Taunggyi Maukme thanaka comes from the southern Shan State.
Traditionally, users collected and ground the bark, wood, or roots, on a stone slab with water to get a smooth paste. While many people still prefer to use the traditional way of preparations, nowadays many users purchase ready-made thanaka paste which is available in stores.
The paste is normally used about twice per day – once in the morning and again before going to bed.
Mingalabar!
Welcome to the Thanaka-painted faces of Myanmar.
☛ Read more: All Posts of Myanmar
