Nyunt Win (Natalin)
PYATHO, the 12th month of the Myanmar calendar, brings cool, dew-drenched days. Clematis smilacifolia blooms during this time, infusing the northern air breezes with its fragrant scent.
Farmers harvest the paddy and heap up them in Pyatho. The month also sees bountiful winter crops. The weather is fine and the donation ceremonies are usually held this month. Myanmar people donate the whole year round.
Another flower that blooms in Pyatho alongside Clematis smilacifolia is the Bulbophyllum auricomum. This flower is considered the most valuable flora, adorned with various poetic names in U Toe’s poem “Ramayakan”.
Myanmar’s ancient kings held the equestrian festivals in Pyatho. It was not just a festival, but it also was a competition to select the heroes. According to the ancient Myanmar poem (Trachin) bearing the words “wearing gold embroidery on the waist”, the equestrian festival was held in the reign of Tasishin Thiha Thu during the Pinya era. Moreover, the poem “Myin Saing Shwe Pyi” by Ngasishin Kyaw Swa in the Pinya era featured practice sessions with elephants and horses by the king and his entourage. Therefore, it can be said that the equestrian festival emerged since then. Heroes were selected based on their elephant and horse-riding skills, and other martial arts.
The equestrian festival requires a space one mile long and two furlongs wide. Additionally, the area includes space for 37 types of horse-riding skills demonstrations and showcases of Myanmar’s martial arts, including Bando and Banshay. A royal tent is erected for the King to enjoy the festivities. To the right of the ring are spear targets at heights of 25, 40, and 60 cubits. Horse riders must first don their armour and ride skilfully around the ring. Then, they proceed to throw spears at the targets, aiming at the 25-, 40-, and 60-cubit marks step by step.
During the equestrian festival, the royal princes, king’s entourage and subjects can participate in the competitions. The contestants must have special awareness not to lose their hats and Longyis (sarongs for males) during the competitions. If not, he will feel ashamed and it is a sign of their poor skills. The queen and princesses throw their shawls and flowers to the outstanding ones. The outstanding horse rider enters the palace wearing the shawl on his chest and flowers on his ears.
The outstanding horse rider demonstrated his 37 types of horse-riding skills during the spear-throwing event. The leader of the Myanma Hsaing Waing, a traditional Myanmar orchestra under the King’s command, led the Hsaing Waing during the competitions. Heroes were grandly selected, and unique horse-riding champions emerged in Myanmar’s history. During the reign of King Min Khaung of the Inwa era, Thamein Bayan, who triumphed over the Chinese hero Garmani, became a renowned horse-riding hero.
The month of Pyatho is marked by unique festivals and a historic event: the country regained its independence on 4 January 1948 (9th Waning of Pyatho 1309 ME). Consequently, Pyatho is a month that embodies the war-like spirit of independence, along with celebrations of flowers and donation events. — Translated by KTZH