SSBU

ABSTRACT

The aim of this research is to elicit the role of tea leaf in Ta Ang (Palaung) traditional culture and subsistence patterns especially of those who live in Namhsan Township. The study identify the connection between economic life of Ta Ang (Palaung) and tea leaf, describe the meaning of value on tea leaf in Ta Ang (Palaung), and illustrate the cultural symbol of tea leaf for Ta Ang (Palaung).

This study is done from the symbolic anthropological point of view. The Palaungs call themselves in their own language as "Ta Ang". Tea production is the main source of income for Ta Ang national. The tea leaf is considered to be a metaphor of Ta Ang (Palaung) nationals at present. The King Alaung Sithu who was one of the famous kings in Myanmar, gave the seeds (tea) to Ta Ang (Palaung). Then they started to cultivate the tea as their main crop and after that, their life has been mainly related to the tea plantation. Because of the giving the tea seeds by King Alaung Sithu, they held the festival in memory of King Alaung Sithu annually. Tea leaf is not staple food for Ta Ang (Palaung) but it is important one. There is quite difference between the perception of tea leaf in other people and the Ta Ang (Palaung). They love tea plant and they satisfy their lives living with tea plantation business. Ta Ang (Palaung) nationals are born, grow up, and die under the tea plant. They consider Laphet as their benefactor. There are two festivals concerning Laphet (tea leaf) in Ta Ang: Community (bHk) Kathein pwe and Lwai Sai pagoda festival. By studying these festivals, find out their perception of Tea Leaf in their live. The symbolic importance of tea leaf has been deeply embedded in the Ta Ang's traditional belief and daily life: tea leaf as their soul, tea leaf as their benefactor, and tea leaf as self.

Key words:

Symbolic Anthropology, traditional culture, Palaung, Ta Ang, King Alaung Sithu, tea plant, subsistence patterns, Laphet (tea leaf), perception, symbol, belief, value, metaphor, benefactor PhD Department Of Anthropology, University Of Yangon, 2012.

Includes References and Appendices.

CONTENTS

ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS

ABSTRACT

LISTS OF TABLES

LISTS OF FIGURES

LIST OF CHARTS

Chapter

1. INTRODUCTION

1.1 Purpose of the study

1.2 Research questions

1.3 Objectives of the study

1.4 Compositions of the study

1.5 Conceptual Framework of the study

2. LITERATURE REVIEW

2.1 Anthropological approach to culture

2.1.1 Evolutionary Approach to culture

2.1.2 Historical approach to culture

2.1.3 The configurational approach to culture

2.1.4 Functional approach to culture

2.1.5 Structural Approach to culture

2.1.6 Neoevolutionary approach to culture

2.1.7 Symbolic approach to culture

2.2 Review on the previous studies

3. RESEARCH METHODOLOGY

3.1 Study Design

3.2 Applied Theory

3.3 Study Site

3.4 Research Method

3.5 Duration

3.6 Ethical Considerations

3.7 Strength and Limitation

4. HISTORICAL BACKGROUND OF TA ANG (PALAUNG) NATIONALS

4.1 Migration of Ta Ang (Palaung)

4.2 Background of the study site

4.3 Other economic activities

4.4 The various descriptions in the meaning of "Palaung and Ta Ang"

4.5 The linkage between tea leaf and Ta Ang (Palaung) in the past

4.5.1 Migration of tea

4.5.2 Tea production in the World

4.5.3 Status of expended tea growing in Myanmar

4.5.4 History of tea in Ta Ang (Palaung)

5. ECONOMIC ASPECT OF TEA LEAF

5.1. The tea leaf in economy

5.2. Tea and tea plantation today

5.3. Seasonal names for the tea leaf and routine work for tea plantation

5.4. Tea cultivation methods

5.4.1. Traditional cultivation method

5.4.2. Modern cultivation method

5.5. Production and distribution of tea

5.5.1. Production

5.5.2. Distribution

5.6 Symbolic activities in tea plantation and making three kinds of tea

5.7 Tea problems in today

6. SYMBOLIC IMPORTANCE OF TEA LEAF

6.1 Tea leaf as a metaphor of self

6.1.1. The Perception of Tea leaf in Ta Ang (Palaung)

6.2 Tea leaf in Festivals

6.2.1. History of Lwai Sai (Padamyar Mountain) pagoda

6.2.2 Lwai Sai (Padamyar Mountain) pagoda festival and Symbolic life sovior Mani Sithu

6.2.3 The process of the festival

6.2.4 Mani Sithu Symbolic Veneration Ceremony and Community Kathein Pwe

6.2.5. The procession with carrying portable symbolic image of King Mani Sithu

6.3. Tea leaf in daily life

6.3.1. The tea leaf in social relation

6.3.2. The symbolic tea leaf in the Flag

6.3.3. Tea leaf in saying

6.3.4. Life History

7. DISCUSSION

7.1 Tea leaf and concept of tradition

7.2 Diversity of meaning in tea leaf

7.3 Tea leaf in particular culture

8. CONCLUSION AND RECOMMENDATION

8.1 Conclusion

8.2 Recommendations

REFERENCES

APPENDICES
Yee Yee Cho A Symbol Of A Particular Culture: The Meaning Of Tea Leaf In Palaung Nation, Nam San Township, Shan State (North)