what is Burmese literature?
The literary tradition in this part of Asia is almost a millennium old. Its beginnings are to be connected with Buddhism and the Pali Cannon (this is why Pali, rather than Sanscrit, seems to be reflected also in the language); for a long time, Pali remained the medium of literary expression.
Classical Burmese literature is written in an elegant, rounded alphabet which is the country's own. It is written on palm leaves called peisa. There are many religious tales, based on Jataka literature. Later on, in the domain of both religious and secular literature, poetry became the predominant form. By the 15th century, four main genres developed: the poems based on Jataka tales, metaphysical ones, epic or historical songs of war, and lullabies dedicated to the royal family, such as the famous Yakhaing minthami eigyin (Cradle Song of the Princess of Arakan) composed around the middle of the 15th century. Another example of the same aulic genre is a poem written by a maid of honour, Yawei Shin Htwe, speaking of 55 styles of hairdressing.
In the 16th century, Thailand became a part of the Burmese realm; this is when Tai influence penetrated the culture of the conquerors. This cultural crosspollination brought the birth of the properly lyrical tradition, with emotional or philosophical yadu verses.
Classical Burmese literature is written in an elegant, rounded alphabet which is the country's own. It is written on palm leaves called peisa. There are many religious tales, based on Jataka literature. Later on, in the domain of both religious and secular literature, poetry became the predominant form. By the 15th century, four main genres developed: the poems based on Jataka tales, metaphysical ones, epic or historical songs of war, and lullabies dedicated to the royal family, such as the famous Yakhaing minthami eigyin (Cradle Song of the Princess of Arakan) composed around the middle of the 15th century. Another example of the same aulic genre is a poem written by a maid of honour, Yawei Shin Htwe, speaking of 55 styles of hairdressing.
In the 16th century, Thailand became a part of the Burmese realm; this is when Tai influence penetrated the culture of the conquerors. This cultural crosspollination brought the birth of the properly lyrical tradition, with emotional or philosophical yadu verses.
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