Picture this: you've arrived in Myanmar, a land where the sun gently kisses the earth and vibrant splashes of red adorn the ground. The local women, their faces painted with entrancing designs, welcome you into their enchanting world. What is the secret behind these captivating patterns gracing their cheeks? Is it an ode to beauty, a hushed hint of ancient medicinal knowledge, or perhaps a quiet celebration of tradition passed down through the generations? 

Nestled within Myanmar's many wonders is the art of thanaka—a precious blend of practicality, beauty, and age-old tradition. This captivating practice sees women and children skilfully applying a mixture of ground bark and water to their faces, creating a myriad of mesmerising designs. With each stroke, a story unfolds—one that carries whispers of unwritten history that beg to be explored.

Read also: How to Apply for Myanmar Visa in Malaysia

Table of Content

1. Thanaka: The Burmese Way of Beauty
2. History of Thanaka
3. Making of Thanaka
4. Thanaka Application and Styles

Why Do Burmese Women Paint Their Faces?

Thanaka: The Burmese Way of Beauty

Known as thanaka, the yellowish-white substance is derived from the barks of the Murraya tree. It has been used for over thousands of years in Myanmar as cosmetics – simply by grinding the barks into a paste that is applied onto the face in patterns deemed the most appealing for each individual. On top of that, thanaka is also loved for what is claimed to be its protective properties. It is used day-to-day as natural sunscreen to dutifully shield the skin from harmful UV rays and the sweltering weather.

This form of beauty is perhaps what makes Myanmar so incredibly unique. While many native cultures are on a brink of extinction, the usage of thanaka is fortunately still widely practiced among Burmese women, children and a large number of men. It has become a part of the Burmese way of life, effectively distinguishing the country from the rest of Indochina. Nevertheless, the application of thanaka can be marginally observed in Thailand, Vietnam and Laos, to which the practice has spread to.

Why Do Burmese Women Paint Their Faces?

Young Burmese boys with thanaka face painting in Kyaikto

History of Thanaka

Take a step back in time and journey through pages of history etched with the golden hues of Thanaka—a time-honoured adornment that has graced the faces of the Burmese for over 2,000 years. This venerable cultural emblem traces its roots back to the rise and shine of the Bagan kingdom, where queens and commoners alike embraced this refreshing beauty elixir.

Crafted from the fine-ground bark of the Thanaka tree—a native plant that flourishes in the arid lands of Myanmar—this golden paste not only cooled the skin in the scorching Burmese sun but also emerged as a symbol of immaculate beauty. Over the centuries, its reputation seeped into cultural norms and everyday life, transforming it from merely a beauty accessory to a cherished tradition—mirroring the very heart of Myanmar's soul.

Making of Thanaka

The paste is made by grinding the bark with a small amount of water on a kyauk pyin - a circular slate slab. The barks can very commonly be found and the grinding process usually takes place at home. Ready made paste, however, are becoming increasingly available as technology gradually takes over the way things are produced in Myanmar.

Thanaka is derived from the barks of the Murraya tree

Thanaka is made by grinding the bark with a small amount of water on a kyauk pyin

Thanaka Application and Styles

The paste is customarily applied to the face in the form of circular patches on the cheeks. Those with more distinct patterns will instantly catch the eyes of curious passers-by, whether in stripes or playful zigzags. The product bears the subtle fragrance of sandalwood while containing active ingredients such as coumarin and marmesin that makes it highly effective although completely unprocessed.

An elderly Burmese woman with thanaka face painting smoking a cheroot cigar

A Burmese toddler with beautiful thanaka painted in the shape of leaves

A Burmese girl wearing thanaka face paint in distinctive patterns

Heading to Myanmar? Get ready to be wowed by the countless fascinating and intriguing Burmese cultures.

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