Mon in Myanmar (Burma)

Introduction / History

The Mon of Myanmar generally live in the region southeast of Yangon and in Mon and Kayin States along the coast. The Mon migrated from China and the northern territories into what is now known as Thailand and Myanmar (Burma) and established the first great civilization in that region. They pioneered wet rice farming, introduced the nationals to Buddhism, and gave them their alphabet. Between the fifth and eighth centuries, their kingdom was at its peak. However, in the centuries that followed, they were at constant war with the Burmese. The Mon were finally defeated by the Burmese in 1757, and the time of their political independence ended. That was also around the time when the British took Myanmar as a colony.

What Are Their Lives Like?

The Mon have lived in village settlements from the last three or four hundred years. Their houses are always situated east and west. They are rectangular, wood-framed houses raised above ground on poles. The walls and floors are made of woven bamboo mats, and the roofs are made of thatch. The wealthier Mon may live in homes with plank walls and floors. There is a verandah in front and a kitchen at the back of the house. A monastery is located in each village.

Most of the Mon are family farmers, although a few are merchants and craftsmen. The farmers generally raise fruits or vegetables. Irrigated rice is their principal crop, and it is grown for both consumption and trade. The wet rice farmers cultivate their fields with plows drawn by buffalo or oxen. Families grow vegetables, sugar cane and pineapples in home gardens. Supplementary crafts for the men include carpentry and brick making; while the women engage in pottery, weaving and basket-making. Some of the men have full-time jobs as blacksmiths.

Mon families are not particularly patrilineal (male-dominated), except when dealing with the "house spirit." They believe this deity is located in the home of the eldest living male of a lineage. The spirit's clothing and gear hang in a basket on the southeastern post of the house.

The Mon do not have formal weddings. Instead, when a boy and girl decide to marry, the boy's friends tell the girl's parents. The groom is allowed to move in with the bride and her family for up to three years. The couple then establishes their own separate household.

What Are Their Beliefs?

The Mon people were the first in their region to receive Buddhism, and they were among those who spread this religion throughout Southeast Asia.

Religion is very important to the Mon. Like most peoples in Myanmar they mix spirit worship with Buddhism. Those who are traditional animists believe that good and evil spirits inhabit non-living objects. Their beliefs have been partly influenced by Hinduism, where spirits known as tewatao are associated with trees and fields. Other spirits, such as ancestral spirits, spirits that cause illness, and spirits that have magical influence, are called kalok.

Buddhist monks act as mediators between villagers and the spirits. Other practitioners include shamans (priests or priestesses), doctors, astrologers and witches. They believe witches cause illnesses or spirit possession. The Buddhists believe that a sick person has an insufficient accumulation of merit, so they make offerings to images of the Buddha on his behalf. To alleviate the illness, shamans (mostly women) put on spirit dances, at which time they sometimes become possessed by evil spirits. The doctor then seeks to exorcise the spirits by reciting chants.

What Are Their Needs?

Few of the Mon have accepted Jesus Christ as their savior. There are other tribes in Myanmar who can be thrust out to reach them.

Like other ethnic groups, the Mon people face a dangerous government that does not hesitate to use violence against innocent people.

Prayer Points

Ask the Lord of the harvest to send forth laborers to minister to the Mon.
Ask the Holy Spirit to grant wisdom and favor to those who reach out to them.
Pray that God will give Mon believers boldness and love to share Christ with their own people.
Ask the Lord to bring forth strong and growing Mon Christian fellowships that will result in even more fellowships and discipled Christ followers.

Text Source:   Joshua Project