Culture and Traditions of Karen-Padaung

The ‘Long-Necks’ Karen-Padaungs’ culture and traditions are easily associated with their brass rings. Prominent and aesthetically alluring, these brass rings worn on their necks and fore limbs represent feminine beauty, “family prosperity” (AsiaTravelTV, N.D.), and wealth. (Waddington, 2002)

Padaung girls wear their first rings at the young age of 5-6 years old, and their necks “grow longer as additional rings are added with each passing year”. (Chiangmai & Chiangrai Magazine, 2010) Looking deeper into the origins of this practice, it is reported as an effort by the Karen-Padaungs to “preserve their culture” while they had been banished from Burma many generations ago. In remembrance of their tribal struggles and ancestors who had fought so hard against death, this ring-wearing tradition had been passed down till today. (Ascension, N.A.) It is also interesting to note that should a woman commit adultery, her rings will be removed so that with her neck “weakened by years of not supporting the neck, she must spend the rest of her life lying down.” (Waddington, 2002)

Apart from ring-wearing, the Karen-Padaungs also have a custom of wearing “carved elephant tusks in their ears”. (Chiangmai & Chiangrai Magazine, 2010) This is applicable only for married women. As for unmarried ladies, they wear white dresses called ‘hses’ (Karens, 2000) instead of the hand-embroided colorful blouses that married women are seen wearing. (Waddington, 2002)