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K40 million golden shawl hits shelves in Mandalay

Kye Hmon Win

Traditions are still adhered to at weddings

By Phyo Wai Kyaw
When a couple decides to tie the knot, they can choose whether to adhere to the traditional customs of Myanmar. Relatives from both sides will also play a part in their married life, so they will also have to be taken into consideration. The marriage may occurr by mutual agreement or through an arranged marriage by parents from both sides. The traditions that are carried out depend on how much money the couple or their parents can spend on it. According to Myanmar tradition the bridegroom goes to the brides house with his parents for the occasion of engagement. The bridegroom is accompanied by his parents or guardians and distinguished relatives. Some Myanmar who believe in Nats (Spirits) give offerings of bananas and coconuts to ask the Nats to look after the well-being of the couple who will become new members of the family. To accomplish this the respective parents obtain the assistance from people who specialise in Nat worship. In line with traditional beliefs, families will offer Soon (food) to monks and listen to their sermons. Great importance is attached to this auspicious occasion. After taking this step, it is said that the bond between the bridegroom and the bride is cemented. To make the marriage formal and official another important function is to go to court and sign the marriage certificate in front of a judge. In Myanmar marriage astrology plays a pivotal part. Since the olden days astrologers have been relied upon to choose the wedding day, the most auspicious time, the colour of bridal gown, the colour of flowers the bride will wear, and last but not the least what to do to cushion the cost of the wedding. According to the belief of ancestors, Saturday and Thursday born, Friday and Monday born, Sunday and Wednesday born and Wednesday afternoon and Tuesday born should refrain from marriage because they are incompatible (which means health, happiness and prosperity may elude them). But some couples born on incompatible days and who are very much in love can take the risk by consulting an astrologer. Myanmar ancestors say the April, May, June and the end of Buddhist Lent are the most satisfactory months for choosing the wedding day. Weddings may be held according to tradition in an extravagant manner or in a low-key fashion, but what matters most is that the love between the married couple will be true and enduring.

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ewellery shops in Mandalay are readying themselves for an influx of wedding orders at the end of Buddhist Lent, when wedding season begins. But as the price of gold continues rise, and with many people feeling hard-up, orders for whole jewellery sets are fewer and replaced by separate orders such a necklaces or rings more common, according to jewellery retailers. There is one exception to this trend, however. In Mandalay a shawl made entirely of gold is hitting the shelves and causing quite a stir. The shawl is made out of at least 50 ticals (816 grams) of gold and each one is worth kyats 40 million (US$48,000). Seven of these longsleeved shawls that drape across the shoulders of a blouse have already been sold. It is not too heavy, said Daw Phyu Phyu of Aungthamadi jewellery, due to its embroidered design, despite the weight in gold. Up to now we have made seven shawls of different designs to compensate for the loss in handcrafting orders. Now things made of gold are becoming more trendy such as golden flowers, hair accessories using gold, and this shawl, said Daw Phyu Phyu.

Although the golden shawl does not really match with a traditional wedding longyi (skirt) of the bride, the golden shawl is better than other jewellery for Soon offering ceremony [breakfast offering to a monk prior to wedding ceremony], she said. As wedding rings and jewellery worn for the reception are increasingly designed according to taste rather than tradition, items such as the golden shawl are becoming more popular. In the past, jewellery would be chosen according to a couples star sign rather than match the dress, but many still look to astrology for their choice of jewellery. For a Myanmar traditional wedding, place, date, time, dress and jewellery are among the most important things. According to Myanmar traditional astrology, the day on the month someone is

i An Aungthamadn lde go a ys pla dis e ye emplo . Photo: shawl in Mandalay Win

Kye Hmon

born assigns a number from one to nine. Numbers higher than this add them together to achieve a single digit number. Number one born people then wear diamond, pearl for No 2 people, zircon for No 3 people, gold for No 4, platinum for No 5, emerald for No 6, pearl and cats eye for No 7, diamond with violet tint for No 8 and ruby for No 9 people. When arranging a wedding, only after a decision has been made about the address, can a couple choose their jewellery as place will also be a determining factor.

Jewels are not only for beauty. It can also serve for the purpose of power, peacefulness, health and strength. Some buy gold and diamond as an investment. So at the start of a marriage it is quite appropriate to buy jewellery that can guarantee for a peaceful family life. Jewellers are increasingly giving recommendations and suggestions that are more material in nature, such as what will go well with the decided dress. Also for wedding rings, a recommendation is made according to budget. For this wedding season, Daw Baby who works at Great Sein Jewellery shop on 80th Street, Mandalay is displaying Colombian emerald, ruby, and sapphire

in addition to diamonds. Depending on the venue, whether at a monastery or hotel, jewellery is prepared accordingly. Customers prefer diamonds and Colombian emerald. We have special designs for younger couples. The price of wedding rings ranges from K500,000 to tens of million, said Daw Baby. Particular designs are made for individuals and kept only for that person as a special service. Genuine platinum is available for customers who request it. There are differences in preference between Yangon and Mandalay, where Mandalay residents prefer a simple design with good quality big crystals while Yangon residents are famous for sophisticated designs.

your wedding Special Feature

Editors: Myo Lwin, Ben White, Bill O'Toole Writers: Kye Hmon Win, Phyo Wai Kyaw Khin Su Wai, Cherry Thein, Lwin Mar Htun, Pinky, Myat Thit, Nuam Bawi, Nyein Ei Ei Htwe, Si Thu Lwin Layout & Design: Tun Min Soe, Tin Zaw Htway, Khin Zaw, Ye Htay, Photographer: Ko Taik For enquires and feedback: myolwin@myanmartimes.com.mm

Lets get together in marriage

utual love and consideration is necessary for a man and a woman to go on living together peacefully and affectionately after marriage, but what else do you need in order to go on living together happily ever after as they say in fairy tales? In the first place, to receive recognition of their marriage from society at large it is necessary to celebrate it in a marriage ceremony in accordance with the place a bride-to be is in. There are numerous ways of putting a woman and a man together in the bonds of matrimony. Sometimes a quiet ceremony where you invite seven households to the east and seven households to the west of a bride-to-bes home to bless the couples marriage is necessary. Sometimes there are marriage ceremonies where the bride-to-bes hands are given away in marriage to the grooms-to-bes with the bed imaginable pump along with colourful festivities and joyful feasts. There are also mass marriage ceremonies, as well as

under-water ceremonies of which you had probably seen on T.V screens in this social

Khine Su Wai

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media age. Nowadays even VCDs of the marriage ceremonies involving the colourful marriage ceremonies of international celebrities, members of royal families, and children of billionairies and millionaires who had come of age. And it is interesting to see what sort of impact those easily available VCD had on the tiny Myanmar. How does it effect upon the towns and villages in Myanmar? First and foremost it is very plain to see if you just scan through the Myanmar Times. When Buddhist lent had been passed away and when marriage ceremonies are starting, we at the MT write numerous stories and advice columns and special features to attract young people year in and year out. These readers are contemplating

a happy marriage, and they would like to be informed on matrimonial affairs. We are not the only ones who find ourselves busy at such moments, the ruuptial dress designers, ornamented jewelers, marriage venues, beauty parlours and hotels are all have busy, hectic work days. Explanations of being busy during the open season is clear enough. Marriage is expensive and happens only once in a lifetime. There are business people who could reap profits from the marriages of young people. On the big cities there are grand marriages with very huge amount of expenditure as well as quiet affairs in the budding prayer halls where only a moderate amount of expenditure is needed. There are some small differences between the marriage ceremonies in large towns and small villages. Marriage ceremonies in villages emphasize to traditional Myanmar Culture. There are no venues for rent in villages, so the ceremony is held at the space

in front of the brides or grooms house, where a make-shift, ceremonial hall was built with the help of young men in the village. Wall hangings and rugs for spreading on the ground, huge pots and pans, cooking utensils, china plates and dinner sets, napkins, table spreads etc are readily available from the village monastery. There are two huge silver bowls laid on the entrance to the hall for collection of donation money, which is usually offered by visiting members of the audience. The bowls are usually borrowed from the village headman or a well-to-do family of the village. If the grooms parents could afford it, they gave breakfast or dinner for the attending. Otherwise, tea with cakes are offered. It is know that they used to re-

Models po style dress. se in Western Phot

o: Ko Taik

cord each attendees offering of money on a book of which they referred back when the off-spring of the attendee gets married. It is known that in some villages, the traditional com-

pensation money to be paid by the grooms parents for giving away of their daughter is very high, although that practice had been and of use in most villages.

Happiness doesnt depend on wealth

Lwin Mar Htun

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Parents show off their chi dren in a baby competitio lin Yangon. Photo: MTT n

The importance of family

O we need a family? The sociology writer, Daw Ye Kyain, in her book on Balance Giving and Taking argued that as man is a social animal everyone in the world needs a family to make society continue. However, everyone has their own ideal of family life. What kind of family everyone wants depends on their choice. Daw Moe Moe, an editor of a local journal, said she felt it was important for her because of how she experienced her upbringing. I was brought up in a small family, no siblings or cousins. When I married, our family added a new member which made me happy, but then a year later my mother died. One number was lost but that is life. I can manage my own family as I wish. I can share feeling, love, warmness and happiness. A true friendship is important in life so with a family this is essential, she said. Ma Ngu Wah Aung, 27, a company employee said she wants to have a big family with three to four children because she grew up in a small, quiet family. When I marry, the first thing I have to address is whether to have children or not. My partner must love the children as I do. I want to have a big family, she said. In Myanmar, family life is considered ideally happy and enjoyable when influenced by Buddhist culture and teachings. A common question in Myanmar society is do you still have your parents and how is your family? This allows people to develop intimacy based on each others family situation or even to boast of their family success. After all, everyone wishes to tell of their successes rather than misfortune. In the Buddhas teaching, Mingala suta is one of the guides and means to people of all ages in their daily life. There is a duty and obligation especially between the husband and wife and their children, a teacher and their students, and between employers and employees. Such important edicts are composed into poems and taught in primary state schools across the country. Family members have to share in their respective duties as a man is still widely considered the breadwinner, while the woman is said to manage the kitchen. However this should not mean they are to be kept in the kitchen. Such ideas are not so respected by more youthful, educated couples. Many no longer respect certain old or conservative ways, but can still appreciate a sharing of duties in family as a

Cherry Thein

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means to sustain harmonious home life. Even with increasing modernisation, these notions remain valuable for learning how to sustain relationships. There are some that are increasingly questioned, such as keeping a wife in the kitchen. Ko Zaw Htwe Oo, 36, who works in a government office said he felt an important aspect to maintain a successful family life is mutual understanding. To have the ideal family, men and women should have the right to choose but should not be too sensitive or egotistical, he said. I want to have a family of my own and have many ideals in regards to who is my future spouse. So far it means I am far from married life because I am still too fussy to choose, he said. It is hard because people think too much when they are educated. The more they learn, the more they are fussy, he said. For Ko Zaw Htwe Oo, a womans education is at the heart of a successful family life, but she

You can buy anything that you want but you cant buy a family ...
should also be understandable and motherly. If a wife can make her husband not go out to a bar or somewhere else when he returns from office, she is sure to manage a happy family, and she will be his ideal for the rest of his life, he said. However, the dream of family life is vastly different from reality. There are inevitably many hardships and problems along the way. How one sustains that life depend on each persons patience, understanding and maturity, according to U Htin Aung, 42, a teacher. It is hard to control or mould what you want of your children or parents. It will only lead to nonsense when trying to control two people from different backgrounds, faiths and the like, he said. Instead of controlling each other, why not accept and understand first. That is more logical, he said. If you think of it, you dont want to be controlled and neither does the other. It is a kind of humanitarian kindness that should be

practiced in the family as well as society, U Htin Aung said. Some couples enter married life caught up in heady passionate love without fully knowing each others habits and weaknesses. Having children is often a big moment when a couple come to know each other. Although a couple starts out their married life fuelled by strong passionate love, which in Buddhist teaching is accorded the number 1500 due to its degree of intensity, this softens to companionate and pure love, which corresponds to the number 528. Only if love is 528 can it be strong enough to face whatever problems life may bring and keep a family together. And in Myanmar it is hard to divorce due to prevailing social norms, divorce is not considered respectful. So there are many families who struggle to continue while hiding behind a cold smile in front of the children and suppressing the growing tension and dissatisfaction with each other. For a happy and successful family, both the husband and wife are fully responsible. Of course, it is always hard to forgive and forget for every little thing in love. What is needed is to understand each weakness and strength, likes and dislikes, and accept each others aspirations to generate love in family life, said Daw May Oo Tha, from Win-Win, local women organisation. Divorce or maintaining a family mainly depends on a wifes patience and generosity. She is the key role in family life to channel psychological outlets, she said. People in the family have a chance to express their feelings openly, whether good or bad. The wife should take the lead to go for counselling as it is psychologically supportive to make family secure, she said. The only thing for a successful family is to break the ice first. You should take the first step instead of waiting for the other to initiate what you want, she said. Also some fighting and playing, joking and crying is good for family life but you have to eliminate egos and self-centredness to generate sympathy and loving kindness if you want to have a successful family life. You can buy anything that you want but you cant buy a family, along with the trust, love, care and security it brings. However, you can earn such love, patience and sacrificing through your own effort and sharing, Daw May Oo Tha said.

As many people in Myanmar work hard just to scrape a living wage, the time and luxury to dedicate to marriage is squeezed. But what may seem easier for wealthier members of society is not a foregone conclusion despite material hardships. After we married, my husband and I both continued working to get more income. These days its not easy to find enough money as everything is expensive. We must find money for our future, for our children, said Ma Thwe Thwe, a betel seller in Tarmwe market. She said even though finding money was a struggle, it wasnt a negative impact on their marriage. With 13 years of marriage, she said they can fully understand the importance of what makes a successful marriage. Without understanding, there are many who divorce, whether rich or poor, she said. I think wealthy or poor people have happy families, the main point is to understand each other said Ma Thwe Thwe. Ma Soe Soe got married when she was 21 years old and is now 33. She met her husband when they were both vendors. We dont have any big quarrels during our 12 years of marriage. We have three children now, she said. They met when she was selling bananas at Pazuntaung Market, and still does. My husband didnt tell me I couldnt sell any bananas and I dont want to not have a job. So, we can together work and find money. These days a family with three children couldnt survive on only a husbands income, she said. For her the most important aspect of marriage was not financial but mutual respect, born out of working for each other. After we got married, my husband took care of me and our children. So, I think even though we dont have much money we still have a happy family, said Ma Soe Soe. U Soe Moe, 40, was married at 20 years old and his wife was 15. He rides a trishaw in Kyauk Myaung. Over 20 years of marriage he said they only fiought over small issues. After a few years married and living in Bago the moved to Yangon in 2005 in search of work. Although U Soe Moe and his wife worked together in Bago he didnt want his wife to work after she had their first child. I tried to find more money because our living costs and school charges for our children were higher. Sometimes I feel tired but when I see my son's face when I get back home I forget the pain. My wife is saving money and now we have our own house in South Dagon, he said. In his opinion, young people are not so mindful of the long term implications of marriage, what needs to happen after the early days to keep a family happy. "Young people dont think about such things so much when they fall in love, but thats a bad habit. Some girls are not afraid of everything and some boys dont have any respect. They should be careful and allow more time when they decide to get married. But to be a happy family does not depend on being rich or poor, he said. It only depends on the understanding between each other and how to value married life, he said.

Right make-up and The five most expensive celebrity weddings hair adds glamour
LL brides-to-be worry how they will look when it comes to their wedding ceremony. Every bride wants to look and feel amazing on her big day so it is no surprise there is a fear of making the wrong decision. Choosing the right makeup and hair style can involve months of preparation from the minute to the whole, including the style of dress, its neckline, the theme of the wedding, location and even weather. Making the correct choice can be made easier with the help of a professional, according to professional beauticians. It is better for brides and grooms to discuss a plan with makeup and hair stylists two months in an advance to make sure every thing will turn out perfectly on the big day, Lin Lin Aung, makeup and hair style artist with Aung Aung Taunggyi, told The Myanmar Times. Doing makeup and hair for brides cannot simply follow the prevailing trend. Clients may ask for something that will not suit them so we have give a little persuasion and create a makeup and hairstyle that will reflect their face and match their dress, Lin Lin Aung said. Planning is also important for example when doing a scrub and face mask. While

By Anna Jay
It appears that it is wedding season in the world of celebrity, with Jennifer Aniston and Justin Theroux, Brad Pitt and Angelina Jolie, and Justin Timberlake and Jessica Biel all planning on tying the knot soon. With all three set to be lavish affairs, we have compiled a list of the most expensive celebrity weddings ever:

Tom Cruise and Katie Holmes

The Cruise-Holmes wedding apparently set the pair back 1.5 million. Maybe dressing all their 150 guests in Armani had something to do with it or the fact they paid for all their guests to stay overnight at BOTH weddings. Yes, both: there was an official ceremony in the UK and a Scientology ceremony in Italy. Sadly, and somewhat ironically, it was Scientology that was rumoured to have ended their six-year marriage.

The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge

Costing an estimated 52 million, the nuptials of Prince William and Kate Middleton are rumoured to be one of the most expensive ever. It is believed that the wedding cost 3000 times more than the average wedding and that the money spent on the cake and photography alone could have easily paid for an entire (standard) wedding. Apparently the majority of the money was spent on security to ensure the day ran smoothly.

Catherine Zeta-Jones and Michael Douglas

Sending out invites in the form of a hologram to guests let them know the wedding would be a special affair, and that it was. Costing a cool 1 million, the nuptials consisted of performances from Bonnie Tyler and Art Garfunkel, a 20 foot tree decorated with 700 tulips, a 10-tier wedding cake and a stay in New Yorks Plaza Hotel Astor Suite, which set the pair back 5000 a night.

Sir Paul McCartney and Heather Mills

The wedding of the famous Beatle and ex-model Heather Mills cost a cool 2 million, with 100,000 spent on flowers alone. Held at a castle in Ireland, the wedding unfortunately did not culminate in a fairytale ending, despite the fact it started with a bang (the pair spent a further 100,000 on fireworks).
Photo: Ko Taik Make-up artist: lin lin

Jennifer Aniston and Justin Theroux?

With the recent announcement that their wedding will take place in Kenya, their nuptials could add up to a very costly affair. Although were sure Jens US$11 million earnings (as of May 2012, according to Forbes) can handle it. After an informal blessing in the African country following a private safari, the loved-up couple will host a formal ceremony back in LA.

Pinky

By

it will help the skin look brighter and healthier, a scrub or mask too close to the wedding ceremony can add problems, said Lin Lin Aung who has working in the industry for twenty years. Most brides like to do a face scrub and mask one or two weeks before their wedding day. But it is a bad idea to do that because after you scrub or have a mask pimples can easily appear. That only adds additional trouble when applying makeup on the wedding day, Lin Lin Aung said. Instead of one or two week before it is good to do about one or two months in advance, he added. A traditional makeup and hair style when wearing Myanmar traditional dress is always popular. Almost all brides in traditional style prefer pink, cream, light green and white so the makeup needs to be lighter in colour, with baby pink lipstick for example.

For the hair, a chignon is a must. But brides can choose different type of chignon and accessories to put in the hair. Brides now prefer real flowers to put in their chignon rather than colourful jewellery or crystal. For those with short hair, a wig or extension hair can be used but wont give that natural look. However many brides are deciding to add a bit of fancy to the ceremony by wearing western dress. It is considered more relaxed, comfortable and there is more choice in regards to makeup and hairstyles. For this generation a wedding ceremony is more relaxed and western dresses are mostly worn, so there is not so much pressure for the makeup artists to be conformist, Lin Lin Aung said. Braids, ponytails, half up half down and loose always look good with a western dress. Short hair just needs a crown, a bow comb or another fancy clip that add a different style with western dress. Lin Lin Aungs said most of the brides who come to him asking for western dress prefer a long veil, rarely a short veil. Sometimes they use a crown, a feather, and a small fancy hat instead, he said. According to makeup and hair style artist Lin Lin, who works for Taw Wyn Thu, too much makeup, heavy use of accessories and big hairstyle can make the bride look plain

underneath. Light makeup, a loose, soft hairstyle gives an effortless feel and makes for a more glamorous looking bride. Lin Lin said, Now most people have been abroad and have gained more knowledge of makeup, hair and some other beauty tips. When it comes to a wedding ceremony most brides dont like too much makeup or too high chignons. They prefer something more light and relaxed. Most of the customers who came to me also like the way I do makeup and hair for them, light makeup and lipstick just to add charm along with their dress, he said. Healthy skin, pretty eyes, cheeks combining pink and coral tones and soft lips accent creates the soft romantic look, he said. For brides who prefer a sexy look and stronger attraction, Lin Lin come up with the idea of smoky eyes with a light lipstick can match well with a western dress such as an evening party dress, a cocktail dress or mini dress. Dark brown or red lipstick can also add to the sexy look. Adding wavy or pop short hair gives more volume for an evening party style, but he cautioned it will never work with a Myanmar traditional dress. Lin Lin added that M.A.C and Bobbi Brown cosmetics are suitable for the more yellow skin tone Asian women have. For whiter skinned Chinese women, Channel makeup is better.

wedding shopping guide

All you need for special day in life ........
Compiled By
Nuam Bawi

No. (SA-8), Aung Zayya Housing, Kannar (Strand) Road,Corner of Ahlone Road, Yangon

7 Picture

Kandawgyi Palace Hotel, Kanyeiktha Rd, Mingalar Taung Nyunt Tsp.

Sandy's Floral

Junctions Square.

Forever Gems

38 (C-1), Inya Road, Yangon.

Zu Zu Collection

No. 547, Damayone Street, Pyay Road, Hlaing.

My Favorite

No. 35, 12th Street (Middle Block), Yangon.

Yes I Do

Designer Khin Myo Chit, No. 121 Min Ye Kyaw Swar Road, Ahlone.

WAIDE (All WAIDE Outlets)

Designer Lam Lun No. 84, 49 Street (Middle Block), Pazundaung Tsp, Yangon

Astrological reading for Thadinkyut wedding season

Sunday born
Marriage for a Sunday born will be successful when done in accordance with the wishes of older people. For young people, they may get a chance to engage or sign approval. For those who are getting married during Thadinkyut will have increased riches and good luck for the longterm. Praying or consulting with medical experts over the birth of a child will be successful. Your future will be acquired through satisfaction and happiness. And happiness will grow for the duration of your marriage. For women, your husband will be more worthy and dependable after you marry, while for men, your wife will be a valuable and adoring partner for your entire life. A wedding dress of blue and red colours will bring greater luck for you. The appropriate jewel to wear during the wedding ceremony is ruby. And a wedding or signing ceremony should take place in a hall or hotel located between the west, north-west, and north trajectory of your house. honour for their parents. You will find a good situation to help them grow in life. You should not rush in choosing your partner and should decide on someone who is already set in your destiny. Those who work as an IT technician, electronics or industrial engineer, anaesthetists or those who work in the military or police, vehicle manufacturers and traders will offer more benefit as your partner. Red jewels and diamonds should be worn. The colours you may benefit from are blue, pink and red. The location should be to the north, north-east, and east from your house to properly celebrate your wedding.

Myat Thit

By

Wednesday born
Those born on a Wednesday should focus on signing or getting engaged. You will have more advantages in life if your partner is related to your parents or who is connected to your job. Those who have planned to marry will strongly cultivate good benefit for the next two years.

with anything showing your gratitude, the more likely good things will come throughout your married life. Those who plan to get married will see it 100 percent fulfilled. Whatever your spouses condition, the future will be better than now if love is your top priority. If your spouse is someone involved in architecture, at college, in civil engineering, a department like home affairs, hotels and tourism, a paramedic, in transport or construction, it will pay more dividends. You will give birth to a shrewd and intelligent baby. You should wear red, violet-red, gold, violet-blue or goldenred. And you should wear ruby and emerald. If the wedding is held at a hall to the south-east, south or south-west of your home, it will bring more fortune.

Friday born
Circumstances permit more for those who commit to marriage or got engaged in the past year, but a hasty marriage should be avoided. Asking for a girls hand in marriage bears fruit through a request by your mother and yourself. A spouse working in food production, the pharmaceuticals industry, military, police, construction, medical care, engineering or goldsmith work brings a happy marriage. The spouse may work far from home or overseas. You will have a baby within one and a half years of marriage. You will also receive an inheritance of property or increments in wealth throughout your marriage. Before marriage, you should approach someone of dignity from your relatives for their advice. You should wear red, blue, pink, golden red, dark golden yellow and golden yellow in your dress. Wearing diamond brings more benefit and you should wear pearl and emerald in contact with your skin. Your wedding should take place in a hall, hotel or law court that lies to the south-west, west or north-west of your home brings more auspiciousness.

Monday born
You may arrange your marriage in accordance with your own desire. There will be more benefit if your spouse is a like-minded colleagues from your employment. The more preparation you do will make the management of your wedding or engagement all the smoother. Whether the bride or groom will possess wealth in future will be due to the choice of partner. You and your partner will have reciprocal benefit for each other. You will give birth to a child of your desired sex who will bring good fortune to your family. Keeping good Models pose during a wedding fashion show in Yangon. Photo: Ko Taik friends and community ties will increase the life of your marriage. Your partner will offer support to improve your riches and Holding assets, and in particular gems, will increase the your reputation. They will be intelligent and interested in litgood luck of both you and your partner. Your marriage will erature, economics or politics. Generally, your partner may be also benefit if your spouse is the one you always loved. Your a trader, banker, silversmith, businessman or woman, a pearl decisions and words will be a success during the wedding. producer, those who are involved in the medical industry, The colour of the wedding dress should golden, pink, agriculture (particularly in flowers or fruits), hoteliers as well golden bronze and light green. Jewels you should wear for the as those who are in the fisheries business or trade by water. wedding ceremony are diamond and pearl. Those who are getting married in this period will have an The location of the wedding should be located to the north- intelligent child, especially if it is a boy. You will succeed in west, north and north-east of your house. your plans to improve the wealth of the family. The wedding dress colours should be bright, such as mercury, light green, gold, blue and pink. Jade should certainly be Tuesday born worn. The current time is a good occasion to get married, enThe location should take place to the north, north-east, gaged and making promises for Tuesday born. Your intention east and south-east of your house. to marry or engage will eventually be successful even if both sets of parents differ in their opinion. Your partner may build their love, happiness and increase Thursday-born in wealth gradually. In particular, Thursday born or Friday You will have a good time with your lover. Every arrangeborn are the more suitable to be your partner. ment for marriage pays off. The more you bear gratitude You will have precious children who create wealth and towards parents and teachers in your mind and present them

Saturday born
It is time to get married. It is the time when you will wed the most appropriate person or the one you are destined to wed. You will have a happy marriage full of mutual love and respect. You will lead a happy life in a separate home that belongs to you. He or she is more suited if he or she is involved in marine work, trading, civil engineering, banking, publishing, the media, stationery work, education or in a law firm. Not only because of your fate, but also your babys fate, you must have a baby so do not partake in any family planning. You should wear golden yellow, dark golden yellow, red and light green. And you should wear ruby and sapphire.
Translated by Zar Zar Soe

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First gay Hong Kong lawmaker seeks same-sex marriage

By Beh Lih Yi
ONG KONG Hong Kongs first openly gay lawmaker is known as Slow Beat from his days as a disc jockey, but Raymond Chan says there is nothing slow about his plans to reform the Asian banking hub. Chan publicly revealed his sexuality only after winning a seat in the former British colonys legislature on September 15, as a representative of the radically pro-democracy People Power party. He said he plans to use the four-year term of the 70-seat assembly to push for full democracy and the legalisation of same-sex marriage in the socially conservative southern Chinese city. If I cant fight for my own rights, how can I help the oppressed and the underdogs? the 40-year-old said, wearing a suave sky blue shirt and beige khaki pants. As a lawmaker whether I like a man or a woman it doesnt affect my capability or my political ideologies. Contrary to his soft-spoken manner and boyish look, Chan is a member of a hardhitting anti-Beijing party which, along with the League of Social Democrats, is known for its unruly interruptions of legislative council sittings. His victory has been hailed by gay rights activists, who see his election as a step forward to push for sexual minority rights in a city where homosexuality was only decriminalised in 1991. But since then, critics say the fight for equality has been painstakingly slow despite Hong Kongs cosmopolitan outlook and ultramodern self-image.

How not to panic as things go wrong

The problem: Youre engaged! Youre excited! Youre ready to send out save-thedates, book that reception hall, choose those flowers now! Well hang on a second, because were afraid youre forgetting something. Whos coming to this affair, exactly?
The solution: Its not the most fun part of planning (and well be honest, its one of the most likely to lead to a fight or two or twelve), but you shouldnt make any wedday decisions before you have your wedding guest list somewhat firmly in place. Why, you ask? Well, do you want to have a nonrefundable deposit down on that cozy restaurant room that fits 75 when your mother-in-laws additions bump your list up over 200? Exactly. Once everyones in agreement, then you of imitation is the sincerest form of flattery and It will be at your wedding, not theirs, so itll be totally different. Whether these statements are true or not (they are), theyre probably not going to make you feel better but neither will stewing over it. Instead of worrying about someone elses wedding looking the same as yours, think about how you can make the copied detail different. If a friend chooses the same gown as you, add details to make yours unique: Accesszorize with a brooch, add a sash, accent the train with some embroidery (you get the idea). Has someone else swiped your fun favor idea? Find a way you can package yours to set them apart. And if youre really that worried about copycats, heres a thought -- just keep mum. If you dont divulge every last big-day detail, you wont have to worry about your bride friends snatching them. thewedding dressof your dreams though its not exactly a perfect fit on the real-life you. Your plan: Order the dress two sizes too small, and then do whatever it takes to make it fit. Or so you think. The solution: Making a commitment to eat right and exercise is great whether youre planning your wedding or trying to stave off the newlywed nine. On the other hand, crash-dieting and chaining yourself to the StairMaster is a course likely to end in disaster and a gown that doesnt fit. Instead of losing more sleep than weight, find a gown you love and order it in your current size. If you want to work on your body during your engagement, thats great go ahead, but be sure to make your goals are manageable (toning up but not dropping 20 pounds, for instance).

A few common mistakes

Raymond Chan poses for the camera in Hong Kong on September 13. PHOTO: AFP possible and of course, the long-term goal is to amend the laws to allow same-sex marriage. He is not daunted by the likely resistance he will face from the citys Buddhists and Catholics, and promised to use an educational approach rather than the noisy antics of some of his allied lawmakers. It may take one term, it may take two terms, but at least theres someone who gets the ball rolling, he said. He said he has received overwhelming support since coming out days after the election, and admitted he did not make public his sexuality during his campaign because it was not a selling point. He is currently single after breaking up with his boyfriend, who he was in a relationship with for a year, during the run-up to the polls. I was sad that night but I had to go on with my election campaign, he said of the separation. At present, Hong Kongs chief executive is selected by a 1200-strong election committee and only a little over half of the legislature is elected by popular vote. Beijing has promised to introduce full suffrage for the leadership polls in 2017 and the 2020 legislative vote, but many democrats fear the communist mainland authorities have no intention of honouring their promise. My dream is that one day when same-sex marriage is allowed in Hong Kong, I will be the first to get married, Chan said. And I would like to invite the chief executive one that is elected by all Hong Kong people through universal suffrage to my wedding banquet. AFP

Reading aloud to your fiance from bridal magazines

The problem: Look, we know its not the Stone Age, and there are plenty of guys out there who want to see their wedding as an event that reflects their style too (or at least one that isnt dripping with pink froufrou). But theres likely to be a limit to your fiances ability to cope with an infinite array of invitation choices. The solution: Heres how to defuse a potentially sticky situation (and a minefield of fights you dont want to have). Take a night off to go out to dinner and talk with him about all the different parts of the wedding, and try to get a concrete idea of his interest in the various details. Does it sound like flowers are flowers in his book? Okay, then you can more or less leave him out of that decision. And if hes cramming lettuce leaves in his ears to block sound, you definitely dont want to drag him into it. Save his sanity (and yours) by designating one night a week as wedding-free.

Doing it all yourself

The problem: We love nothing better than seeing the clever projects that couples come up with to make their weddings unique. But even we have to draw the line somewhere. Theres doing it yourself, and then theres overdoing it yourself. After all, there are plenty of benefits to DIY. You can be sure no one else has the exact same thing, you might keep your budget in check, and (before you actually sit down to hand-tie 200 tiny ribbons) you probably think that it will make a fun story. The solution: Rather than taking on too many projects, pick the one (or two) that youre really in love with and put your resources (both mental and monetary) into working on those. For the others, do a little research and try to find a ready-made version that makes you happy. With so many great prefab goodies out there, chances are youll find one that fits your style and saves you a whole lot of time!

It may take one term, it may take two terms, but at least theres someone who gets the ball rolling . . .
A survey sponsored by British bank Barclays in May found Hong Kongs gay community faced widespread discrimination, with 85 percent saying they experienced a negative impact at their workplace. Hong Kong is definitely lagging behind, Chan said, explaining that same-sex couples have no right to public housing, property inheritance or tax allowances granted to heterosexual married couples. There is no protection for gay couples. I hope we can enact laws to ban discrimination against ones sexual orientation as soon as

Realizing that grape isnt your colour with two months to go

The problem: When you started planning your wedding, you knew just what you wanted: pink bridesmaid dresses, peonies, and classic, engraved invites. Now that youve been hard at work for a few months, you know just whatwedding colours you want: jewel tones, orchids, and funky, bold invites. Too bad youre stuck with thewedding style you first chose ... or are you? The solution: You should feel free to rethink, redo, and revamp any element of your wedding that you want unless youve accepted a ring from it (just kidding). This doesnt have to mean yet another huge investment or reneging on a bunch of contracts youll be surprised how easy it is to make simple additions or subtractions and change your whole style. Already ordered those pastel bridesmaid dresses? Think about adding a bold sash or accessorising with chandelier earrings to liven them up a bit. Unsure about the colour scheme you chose? Pay an extra visit to your flourist and work out changes to your bouquets and centerpieces adding new blooms in all of your arrangements will introduce a new colour throughout the room 5

Earthworms marry in Taiwan ceremony

TAIPEI Seventy lucky earthworms have been married off in an elaborate wedding ritual in south Taiwan in a bid to raise awareness about the environment and the problem of soil erosion, organisers said on September 17. The worms arrived on September 16 at Takang Park in Tainan city inside a traditional wedding sedan draped in red cloth to tie the knot with the soil of the park, Takang Community Development Association said. The ceremony was implemented exactly according to traditional Taiwanese customs, said Huang Sen-nan, the leader of the volunteer group. We want to raise public awareness about the need to protect the land where we live. Soil erosion -- which can contribute to landslides during typhoons -- is one of Taiwans main environmental problems. The presence of worms can help the prevention of soil erosion by improving soil structure and drainage. AFP

Freaking out because someone else has your gown

The problem: These days, to-be-weds spend so much time personalizing their weddings and trying to find really unique big-day details that it does seem reasonable to freak if another couple chooses the same favors or flowers or food. Before you decide to arm-wrestle for it, let us suggest a different way of dealing. The solution: If someone else steals one of your ideas, youll probably hear a lot

Blowing Your Budget

The problem: You came up with a number. You did some research. You revised the number. You started planning ... and now that numbers not going to cut it. Budgeting for a wedding can be the stuff of nuptial nightmares -- but that doesnt mean you should elope. The solution: If you find youve underestimated some expenses, dont panic. Instead, sit down with your fianc.
The Knot

Trying to drop two sizes before your final fitting

The problem: Youve found

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Traditional weddings remain popular for Chin

the like past because very tribe we believe those are in the very meaningful and world has precious. their own Nevertheless, some tradition reflecting of the tradition are their past generachanging because of tions including the the religion believes Chin tribe of Myanand their upgrade mar. In particular knowledge. We now they hold their realized that it is very wedding traditions foolish to appraise sacred and put a our daughter with lot of work into the money, therefore we ceremony. never ask money for Hornbills are Manpi the bride famous in love and price now a day, we veracity therefore just always oblige to we took that as our the bridegrooms side state mark and I that just to give the think we are also deepest love to our well known as lovdaughter, said Dr. ing each other and Thawng Go Thang, 60 veracity, Dr Gin En Chin couple receive blessings during their tradiyears-old. Cin told the Myantional wedding. Photo: MMT But in the ancient mar Times. time people were Chin people live asking as much money as paid in the event that in the north-west of Myanpossible for the Manpi (the bridegrooms relative has mar. They can be further bride price)...The husband or divided into 51 tribes different ever killed a person from the some other people may even brides side of the family. If groups spread across nine say that you are not precious so, they just give it back K6 townships and 476 village therefore you were paid so Min man is the price to tracts in the Chin state. little. Therefore in the ancient adopted a name. In time, the bride never ask very chin tradition a person little amount of money for the always need to start bride price, he said. the name with their Nuam Bawi Also, there are some grandpas or grandmas changes in the wedding tradilast name so they give tion of Chin according to the K2. In the days before Chin environment we live because Nu man/ Angkhen man is state was colonized, courtthe price to give to the mother nowadays many people from ship went something like the state immigrate to the of the bride as she gave birth this: When a girl and a boy cities so it is not really conveto the bride and took care of fall in love with each other, nient to use some tradition in her so they give a traditional the custom is for one of the cities such as killing the pigs blanket. closest friends of the boy at home. Kan man is K3, and is only talk to the parents of the When I get married I given if the bride has elder boy and let them know that would like to use the tradisister or brother who is not their son has fallen in love tional style. Its is not only beyet married. with the girl and they want cause it comes from our past If they are all agree on to marry. but also I believe that some of these negotiations the So the boys parents go to the traditions are really good ceremony is finished. Acthe girls house with a bottle to follow, said 25 years-old cording to the old traditions, of alcohol which normally Chin man, Kappu, about his the brides family give their called Zuthawl pia (give an daughter a Saseng (a basket), opinion on the traditional alcohol bottle for an engageSaseng sin (a blanket to cover style of the wedding. ment) and talk about the the basket), Tu (a mattock), engagement. Hei (an axe) and ZuBel (a If the girls parent agree bottle for alcohol). Today, they drink the alcohol. And however, most of the people they continue talking to from Chin state are living choose the betrothal date in the cities and give their which they think is auspidaughters money and jewels. cious. The date is normally These traditions continued take a month after the enuntil around 1899 when the gagement, but it depends on missionaries from America the two families. came to Chin State and After they have done converted the population to the agreement they hold a Christianity. Chin people are Mopina (ceremony to take always started the important the bride from her house) at events and ceremonies with the bride house on the date drinking alcohol in ancient chosen at the first meeting. time...we modernized some To start the Mopina ceremony the responsible person of our traditions according to [Christianity] such as we from the bridegrooms side use to bring sugar and milk have to give K4 to the brides instead of alcohol, said Dr. family as Thaman which Gin En Cin, who is working means to ask permission to for developing Chin literature, take the bride. From there, Although we modernized a long and complex negotiasome of our tradition styles to tion over money begins, with appropriate with our religion many different payments and environment we still keep passing between the families. using many traditions from Thalloh man is the price

Ring designs offer new traditions

are choosing platinum. I IN Myanmar, the custom think platinum rings have of wearing a wedding ring Nyein Ei Ei Htwe become popular since first arrived with migrant 2008. Customers think Chinese people decades diamonds look more atago, but has now become tractive with platinum rather than gold. Many a common habit despite the lack of tradition. customers also like to wear a diamond locket Daw Shwe Ou, owner of Shwe Ou goldsmith on a platinum necklace, Ma Zar Zar Win said. and gold shop said this is creating a demand Platinum wedding ring designs are not only for different wedding ring designs that have popular with diamonds but also Sat Phyat their own meanings with many goldsmiths (designs cut into the ring), she said. While it is and shops working on new designs every year. popular for customers to write their names in And it is not only for wedding rings as some short form or a personal dates on the inside of people are now buying rings for engagements. gold wedding rings, it cant work for platinum For engagements, the ring symbolise rings. sharing the same idea of going through life Old couples can choose a platinum ring together and to let both families and close with crazy designs while young people can relatives know they are preparing for that life. choose a very simple pair of rings, so we cant While for a wedding ring it symbolises the say which designs are for whom, said Ma Zar strong decision they have made and loyalty to Zar Win. each other, she said. In another difference This year, we created a pair of wedding from gold rings, rings with four diamonds set in gold that symcustomers bolises a pair: a son and daughter. do not Another ring fohas a large dia-

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mond surrounded by small diamonds that gives the meaning of a head of the family surrounded by other members. There are many designs with such meanings, said Daw Shwe Ou. But most customers will choose a design without thinking of the meaning, she added. Some customers buy our designed wedding rings but some want to create them by themselves from catalogues and designs from other shops, said Daw Shwe Ou. It costs about K150,000 for a pair of golden rings in Shwe Ou Gold shop and the prices depend on the diamonds on each ring. In Myanmar, most people buy gold rings over platinum because gold is easier to value and can be repaired easily, said Daw Shwe Ou. However, Ma Zar Zar Win, sales manager of Shwe Nagar platinum and gold shop said that platinum rings are becoming more popular, not only for young couples but older customers too. For wedding rings, even older couples

cus on weight because the price does not vary so much, she said. With either platinum or gold rings, the symbol of a wedding is mostly expressed by the quality and size of the diamond. The cheapest pair of diamond rings cost K500,000 said Ma Chan Mya Win, owner of Sat Kyar Shwe Yee diamond and jewellery shop. The design doesnt determine the rings price in our shop because we have our own designers for our four branches and they always make new designs. Mostly, our wedding rings are simple to show off the diamonds on it, said Ma Chan Mya Win. In general, young customers choose smaller diamonds while older couples usually like to show off a big diamond, she said. A pair of rings that cost around K1,000,000 to K1,500,000 are the most popular. But some pay K6 million for a pair and will collect them months before their wedding, said Ma Chan Mya Win. To make a new design for a platinum ring takes a week but is rare to have to do it in a rush because customers tend to try and buy their rings months ahead, she said.

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Kyo Gyi Chaik makes a popular comeback

Si Thu Lwin

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ccording to sources in the silk industry, the new modern Kyo Gyi Chaik (big cord embroidery) can be seen in at least 75 percent of ceremonies and wedding receptions in Myanmar today. At donation ceremonies, people enjoy the normal Kyo Gyi Chaik in great style, while they choose golden and diamond stones added design in wedding ceremonies. In the past two years, the design called Pa-ra-paik [smaller cord embroidery] was popular. But this year, both youth and elderly people enjoy Kyo Gyi chaik design that has becomes fashionable again in the market. In the past, it was chosen by only elder people but now young people also like it as a traditional dress, said U Hein Ko Ko. They take pride in choosing it. And the silk woven chaik design market will be strong in any times because youth has also accepted that just chaik longyi is presentable on occasions, U Hein Ko Ko, from Nay La Silk cloth shop in Amarapura township in Mandalay Region told

the Myanmar Times. The standard of the design of Kyo Gyi Chaik is expected to be strong till 2013 to 2014, predicted by analysts from weaving industry in Amarapura tsp. U Than Myint, deputy chairman of the association of weaving industry in Amarapura, said that the market share of the silk cloth from Amarapura is 75 percent across Myanmar. People mostly order it in bright colours, mostly the youth, and order it before the end of the period of the Buddhist lent, to be able to wear their preference design in coming wedding ceremony. People in the past choose the colour of the wedding dress according to astrology, but nowadays they mostly choose the youths favourite colour such as deep pink, orange, golden colour, bright light green and deep bright purple. The design of Pa-ra-peik chaik design, that popular previous years, is just two to three inches wide line but the design of Kyo Gyi chaik, that fashionable again in ceremonies and receptions, has three and half inches wide line to till five inches. The chaik design with added floral, arabesque patterns on the design of Kyo Gyi chaik are the most popular, said silk cloth industry workers in Amarapura township.

People look at a Kyo Gyi Cheik design in Nay La Silk cloth shop in Amarapura tsp in Mandalay. The price of the Pa-ra-peik design is ranged from K 300,000 to K 500,000, while Kyo Gyi chaik design is from K 600,000 up to K 1,000,000. In the past few years, the demand for hand weaving chaik design were low because the design of silk woven chaik could be done on a computer and printed onto the dress, but people now are interested again in hand woven cloth, said Designer Ko Myo Min Soe from Mandalay township. This year, people prefer the chaik design with added with diamonds [instead of] sequins. I felt quite satisfied in my work to create the new dress design for wedding dress in chaik style...I can create an excellent works by combining the modern design and the past design, Ko Myo Min Soe told to the Myanmar Times. This year, we created a new design named silver palace ( Ngwe-nan-daw) in which a side line fringed with diamond

Photo: si thu lwin

stones, he added. There are different kinds of dye used for chaik weaving. Most come from India, with China, Thailand and the United States making up the rest. It takes two months to make the new design chaik cloth with gold or diamond stones, but it will take only one week if the customer wants to add gold or diamond stones in an old design.
Translated by Thiri Min Htun