Profile
The Mon language belongs to the Austro-Asiatic language family. It is a member of the Mon-Khmer language family. Although the dialects vary depending on the region, the Mon language is the same. Researchers say that Mon literature, written from around the 5th century AD to the present, can be divided into three periods.
Location
Before the formation of Mon State, the area that formed Mon State was part of Tanintharyi Region. Mon State is a state in southeastern Myanmar, bordered by the Andaman Sea to the west, Bago to the north, Karen to the east, and Tanintharyi to the south. Mon State covers an area of 1,229 square kilometers and is divided into 10 townships, with Mawlamyine as its capital.
Kyaikthiyo Pagoda
Kyaikthiyo Pagoda in Kyaiktho Township is located on Paunglaung Mountain, which is part of the East Yoma Mountain Range. The mountain on which the pagoda is located is called Kyaikthiyo Pagoda. The peak on which Kyaikthiyo Pagoda is located is 3,615 feet above sea level. The way Kyaikthiyo Pagoda is located is amazing. At the edge of a large and steep rock, a large head-shaped stone with a circumference of about 50 feet has been lifted and placed. On top of that rock is a 15-foot-high pagoda.
Culture and Tradition
Mon state was founded around 300 BC - the Mon people were the earliest settlers among the various tribes that migrated into Myanmar. There were distinct classes within Mon society – including the monarch, emperor, commander, nobles, wealthy individuals and dukes. The literary and cultural heritage of the Mon people was influenced by tribalism, feudalism and imperialism.
The Mon people despise turtles as a creature of bad omen. They even worship turtles before wedding ceremonies.
Traditional Dress
Traditional dress for Mon men features a collarless white shirt with red check, two large pockets and four fabric ties at the front. The arms are straight without pleats. The Longyi is typically red colour with white check and with a white stripe in the middle.
The dress for Mon women is typically a long-sleeved white blouse with V-shaped neckline, and fastened with five ties. The longyi is usually red and includes black weave pattern, coloured stripes, and plain red fabric. Mon women often wear a shawl - called a yat toot - which wraps diagonally over the body covering one shoulder and then dropping behind the back.