Karen are an ethnic group primarily found in Burma (Myanmar). These people live in small villages constructed out of bamboo and thatch.
Karen people possess a vibrant oral literature which they pass down to their children. Karen culture also has a deeply-held religious tradition and women are often expected to serve as primary caregivers.
Origins
Karen culture developed over time, evolving from a simpler lifestyle. These people, mostly living in hill-tribe villages, hold strong beliefs in nature and its spirits – land and water.
Karen are renowned for their rice farming in the mountains of Thailand and Burma, where they heavily depend on natural resources from their forests to provide food and fuel to their communities. Additionally, Karen believe that forests contain medicinal plants which serve to purify air for them; an ecosystem service they value highly.
Their diet consists of rice and vegetables from the forest, such as cucumbers, squash, bamboo shoots and mushrooms. Fish is also consumed; one of their favorite dishes is Nya U (Burmese ngape), a fermented fish paste served with rice and vegetables.
The Karen have a rich musical tradition, playing various stringed instruments. The t’na is an ancient harp with five or six strings; pa ku is a bamboo xylophone; and haw tu is an enormous wooden guitar-like instrument commonly used for church music.
Drums, mouth-harps, and other musical instruments imported from other parts of the world – particularly for Christian worship – are popular among the Karen. Additionally, they are renowned for their intricately woven clothes, blankets, and shoulderbags.
They also produce etched silver jewelry, baskets and embroidery for income. Some of these items are sold abroad to generate additional income.
Recently, however, the Karen have become more engaged in advocating for democracy and a better quality of life. Some of their initiatives have even received backing from the UN and other international organizations.
Karen culture is confronted by a range of challenges, but one in particular is the deforestation of their lands by large timber companies. Traditionally, they would burn small plots of forest to grow rice – this practice known as “swidden cultivation” – which is now imperiled due to indiscriminate logging taking place in Myanmar’s forests.
Today, the Karen people have made a stand against foreign lumber companies’ exploitation of their forests and to protect biodiversity in their area. Additionally, they support environmental initiatives designed to safeguard their wild-life habitat.
Religion
Religion is an array of ideas and practices that shape how people view their world, its inhabitants, and themselves. It can range from belief in one god to principles guiding behavior. Additionally, religious symbols, rituals or ceremonies serve as means by which believers express their convictions.
Karens practice a variety of religions. The majority are Buddhist, though some have converted to Christianity and some follow Animism. Animists believe that spirits from animals and nature are real and can harm humans if they eat meat or touch an animal’s skin. To protect themselves from these spirits, Karens use protective herbs.
The Karen are a large ethnic group in Burma and Thailand that has had a long-running conflict with the Burmese government. One of the most infamous battles involved Karen rebels of the 1800s who sought to establish their own state and rebel against Burmese rule.
Over centuries, Karen people have had an intense connection to their land. Commonly referred to as the “hill tribe” of Burma, they live across multiple regions in both Burma and Thailand. Karen speak a language heavily influenced by Mon-Khmer dialects from central Asia.
These people possess a rich culture, with distinct traditions reflected in their music and dances. Furthermore, they hold unique beliefs regarding their land and animals that are passed down through generations.
Most Karens adhere to Buddhism and Animism, however there are several Christian groups that have existed in Burma for centuries. Some of these churches are located within Karen refugee camps while others are open to the public.
Religion is an integral component of Karen society. It helps them comprehend their place within the world and gives them a purpose for living. Despite differences in beliefs, it can provide them with a sense of unity.
Karen finds that using technology helps her make better choices in life – whether that means choosing what foods to eat, treating an illness or when to plant their next crop of rice. Furthermore, it keeps her connected to family and friends.
Culture
Karen culture is marked by a peaceful and respectful relationship with nature. They practice animism, in which animals and plants are valued members of their lives. These help protect homes and crops from weather elements, nurture growth, and guide daily living for the Karen. Furthermore, they hold several religious beliefs such as Buddhism and traditional animist spiritual belief systems.
The Karen have an extensive oral tradition, particularly of traditional tales and legends. These are often told in the evenings, with young children often listening intently while playing.
Karen culture places great value on education. Children attend school from 5 to 20 years old, though some do not start until 10 years old. During adolescence, some children stay at home and work in the fields alongside their parents.
Women are seen as the primary caregivers and are accountable for their family’s health and wellbeing. Furthermore, they educate their children and ensure their future prospects.
Karen women typically refrain from going outside for a week after becoming sick, to give their bodies time to recover and prevent future attacks of illness. This custom allows them to rest and recover completely from an illness, thus preventing recurrences of illness.
The Karen also practice an ancient healing practice known as ‘na yi.’ It is similar to Chinese ‘jian feng,’ which involves repeatedly washing your body with cold water to rid yourself of toxins. This process typically lasts a month but may extend up to a year.
Another Karen healing practice involves eating foods that can cure illnesses. Common examples include green leafy vegetables, banana, acorns, coconuts and mushrooms; as well as various fruits and herbs.
Some of these foods can be transformed into a delectable meal by mixing them with rice and dried meat like venison or wild boar. Others are employed in creating medicinal remedies for those who have fallen ill.
The Karen have an array of musical instruments. A round and cast bronze drum featuring figures of frogs and elephants sits atop it, along with various stringed instruments. Additionally, bamboo panpipes and mouth-harps are used, along with imported guitars and electric keyboards for Christian church music.
Language
The Karen are an ethnic group spread throughout Southeast Asia. Legend has it that they first settled in southern Burma (now Myanmar) centuries ago from Tibet, Mongolia and China; later moving onto neighboring Siam (now Thailand).
Karen people primarily reside in mountain villages near the mountains of southern and eastern Burma. They practice shifting cultivation of the rotating field type, and are primarily subsistence rice farmers.
Karens are predominantly Theravada Buddhists, though about 15% practice Christianity. Additionally, they practice animism – the belief that each individual possesses thirty-seven spirits or klar which represent their unique personality.
Many Karen communities practice an intricate blend of animist rituals and Buddhist practices. Animists believe in helpful female guardian spirits called ther myng khae, local spirits, as well as both beneficial and malicious ghosts.
Men and women traditionally hold distinct gender roles that are legally enforced. While men are responsible for hunting animals and protecting crops, women tend to take care of children as well as cooking meals.
Karens are employed in a variety of professions, such as fishing and logging. Unfortunately, the Karens’ dependence on the logging industry has resulted in the reduction of wild game and edible plants which has led to malnutrition and anemia among them.
Some Karens have turned to guerrilla warfare against the government, leading to the destruction of entire communities. As a result, Karens have experienced intense persecution.
Education is highly valued in Karen culture, with children beginning school at age 5 and continuing on until they turn 20 years old. During adolescence, some children must stay home to take care of younger siblings while teens may have to work in fields alongside their parents.
Karen women are expected to be the primary caretakers in their families, which requires them to put in long hours working hard in fields, carrying heavy loads, and performing other duties as well.
Karen people view marriage as a life-long commitment. It is traditional for boys or girls to propose marriage to their village, with the villagers having final say on whether the union will be suitable and not offend any spirits.
