The Karen tribe is an ethnic Chinese group belonging to the Sino-Tibetan ethnic group, located mainly in Burma and Thailand.
Karen culture is a blend of Buddhist and Animist beliefs. They believe there are spirits everywhere: in the mountains, trees and rivers.
Origins
Karen culture can be traced back to the first millennium BCE when their ancestors fled Central Asia’s mountains and settled in Tibet and China. At that time, three main subgroups existed: Kayah (Sgaw Karen), Gekho and Kayan.
Karen people possess a distinct identity and sense of community, regardless of their diverse traditions or geographical origins. Their ancient beliefs still influence their daily lives and lifestyles significantly.
Karen women often weave their clothing at home using a small “Backstrap” loom, keeping their traditions alive while providing them with an income.
Another aspect of Karen culture is their religious beliefs. Some adhere to one religion exclusively, while others have a diverse mix of beliefs.
Karens often practice Animist traditions alongside Buddhism. These beliefs emphasize helping and serving their community, including protecting the environment and spirits that protect it. Furthermore, Karens believe in helpful female guardian spirits called Ther Myng Khae who can be appeased through food offerings or small tokens of appreciation.
Volunteering with GVI offers you the unique chance to immerse yourself in Karen culture! For instance, you might volunteer in Huay Pakoot, a northern mountain village.
At Karen Camp, you have the unique chance to participate in traditional activities like weaving and farming. These endeavors help preserve Karen culture while providing you with an opportunity to connect with the local community.
Karen women can be found at the market selling handicrafts, such as jewelry. Some pieces are crafted from natural materials while others are composed of glass or brass. These adornments serve to symbolize bravery, purity and honesty.
Beliefs
Karen culture is an eclectic mingling of traditions, beliefs and languages. It mainly adheres to two religions: Christianity and Animism. As a people, the Karen are diverse with distinct sub-ethnic groups each having their own set of beliefs.
Karens are an ethnic group from eastern Burma and western Thailand that speak 12 mutually intelligible languages (Karenic languages). They belong to the Tibeto-Burman ethnic group within Sino-Tibetan family, predominantly divided into lowland Pwo and highland Sgaw-speaking groups.
The Karen tribe were originally what the Han Chinese called the ancient Di, one of five non-Han Chinese tribes who invaded northern China between 304-316 AD and formed a kingdom in modern-day Gansu province. Around 7th century AD they migrated to Myanmar and became known as the Karen people.
Karen people believe that their bodies are composed of 37 Klar (spirits). If one or more minor or major spirits leave, then sickness will ensue. As such, they hold Geeju – a festival held to appease these wandering spirits with offerings such as rice, fruit or betel nuts.
Karen people believe that by tying a white thread around their wrists during this ceremony, they can summon the spirits of their deceased to return home. This practice ensures all Klar are present and that no sickness will strike again within the body.
Karen culture emphasizes the importance of marriage within their society, to prevent conflicts among villagers.
Marriage
Marriage is one of the cornerstone social institutions, binding two people together as spouses. This union grants them sexual relations, allows for procreation and ensures permanence within the relationship while also helping regulate sexual behavior and regulate population growth.
Karen hill tribes are an ethnic group living along the Thailand-Myanmar border in places such as Mae Hong Son, Chiang Mai and Chiang Rai. These 4 sub-groups have their own languages and customs that set them apart.
Each subgroup has its own distinctive dress and way of life. Karen living in the mountains practice slash-and-burn agriculture, while those on lower grounds cultivate irrigated paddy fields.
Their villages typically consist of 25 houses raised on stilts. The inhabitants sleep on floor mats and cook over open fires. They obtain their drinking water from a nearby river and wash their clothes there too.
Many Karens hold a deep faith in nature spirits and strive to live harmoniously with the land, trees, mountains and water around them. Their rituals involve working in unison with “Lord of the Land and Water”, guardian spirits and souls to maintain harmony within themselves.
They practice rotation over vast tracts of land, historically practicing rice farming but now growing cash crops such as corn, soy beans, cabbage and coffee.
They are deeply religious, believing in the healing power of prayer to keep them healthy, contented and secure. Additionally, adultery is strictly forbidden for them.
Food
The Karen people are a tribe located in South East Asia that has been there for hundreds of years. They make their livings by farming various types of crops, raising livestock and selling their products on the markets.
They are an amiable group with a strong sense of community. They regularly come together for meetings and share information. Furthermore, they hold strong beliefs in spirits; they believe there are spirits everywhere and need to be appeased with small offerings like fruits.
On my GVI volunteer trip, I visited Huay Pakoot Village in the Northern Mountains of Thailand. Here, I gained valuable insight into their beliefs and culture.
I was shocked to learn that Karen people still hold a great respect for spirits. They believe the spirits are instrumental in helping them with their work, such as agriculture and animal husbandry, plus they protect their families.
Karen culture offers tourists a unique opportunity to connect with local people and gain an insight into how they live. I find this aspect of Karen life quite captivating.
If you’re interested in cooking but unsure what to make, ask the Karen people nearby for suggestions. Many of their recipes can be easily prepared quickly and at minimal expense.
Karen cuisine is well-loved among tourists and locals alike, such as Chicken a la Karen or her signature crab cakes. These quick dishes can be quickly prepared in no time and served over rice, pasta or mashed potatoes for added variety.
Dress
The Karen are a group of Tibeto-Burman people that speak 12 unintelligible languages. Most Karens are Buddhists living in villages or farms; others are Christians and animists. These groups can be divided into two categories: S’ghaw Karen and Pwo Karen.
The S’ghaw Karen are a group of people living in the mountains between Mae Hong Son and Chiang Mai, often referred to as “Red Karens.”
Karen people do not speak a written language like other Burmese peoples; rather, they speak an exclusive dialect of Shan language that is heavily influenced by Mon and Thai languages.
Karen women are skilled weavers, using a back-strap loom to craft clothes and bags with intricate patterns that take months to complete.
They often don woven v-neck tunics and turbans of natural colors. Additionally, they often add brass rings to their necks over time as adornment.
Karen culture holds that the spirits of their ancestors are responsible for their lives, protecting them from evil and keeping them healthy. Though predominantly Buddhist, many Karen have converted to Christianity.
Their beliefs have largely endured the British occupation and resistance, yet they have also been subject to various forms of exploitation. Forced relocation, rape, sexual violence and discrimination against their beliefs have caused many Karen people to flee their homes.
The Karen are a people of great spiritual power and their faith in the spirit world has an immense effect on their way of life. They believe in 37 “klar,” or souls, which make up each individual, and that illness or misfortune is caused by one of these “klar” leaving one’s body. Therefore, they pay special attention to what these spirits need and take great care for their wellbeing.
