#htamein

The girl wears a striped silk hta-mein (wrap-around skirt) and a close-fitting jacket of fine muslin or cotton known as an ein-gyi. Her hair is adorned with a floral headband and she wears necklaces and earrings.

During the Konbaung Dynasty (1752-1885), rich jewellery, fine fabrics such as silk and garments such as her jacket were reserved for court officials and their wives by sumptuary laws.

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In international women's day, we should be celebrating this day instead we still have to grief again. As for today, we use Htamein (longyi, sarong) to protest against the dictatorship in many cities.

During last month and this, we see heroic women leading, participating and supporting the protests. Most of all, sacrificing their lives for us! Women have been on the front line, we had been brutally hit, unlawfully arrested, cruelly treated and drag out by the security forces but we have never back down. We never once said to the sons and daughters to not go to the protests. We never think twice to sacrifice to save others. We never surrender. We risk our all to fight against injustice. We never hesitate to give away our foods to the protesters. We are the first ones to participate in CDM. We are the ones leading the protests. We are the ones who are open to ideas and suggestions. We are fighting for equality for all and our democracy at the same time. We raised our three fingers when the protests pass-by. We never look away from injustice. As long as we live, the world will be a better place, kinder place, fairer place. We hold the power as much as the man. We are half of our population.

I want to not only honor the women who would be the role models of next generations but also the men who show solidarity and stand together to fight for humanity.

Today we use Htamein (longyi, salong) as our flag, our symbol for equality, to crash the patriarchy, to destroy the taboos! We are stronger together! We are not to be left behind! We are half the population! We play our roles!

I called out to those who believe women are less worthy, less spiritual power (bhone) than men - Shame on you!

No matter the genders, colors and beliefs, We Are Homo Sapiens! Equality for all is everyone's right!

Our Htamein ⚡ Our Flag ⚡ Our Victory

To the men who wear Htamein on their head, to show the people we are equal and Longyi did not make you less bhone (spiritual power) than those of women's. Thank you for showing your solidarity and humanity! Thank you for joining hands in fighting the long rooted patriarchy in our country!

Women and men wearing Htamein (longyi) on their head and body to show solidarity to equality for all!

Photo credit to original posters, friends and news outlets

everyday htamein

(via http://www.bl.uk/onlinegallery/onlineex/apac/photocoll/b/largeimage60540.html)

Women who [smoked] large sheroots [were] noted with some astonishment by European visitors, who also commented on women's relative freedom, beauty and confidence. This girl wears a striped silk hta-mein (wrap-around skirt) and a close-fitting jacket of fine muslin or cotton known as an ein-gyi.  During the Konbaung Dynasty (1752-1885), rich jewellery, fine fabrics such as silk and garments such as her jacket were reserved for court officials and their wives by sumptuary laws. After the fall of the Burmese monarchy they were worn by the wealthy.