There was a 'Traditional Mon New Year Festival' in Mon Buddhist Temple at 6505 Decatur Road in Fort Wayne on Apr. 16 and 17. ‘The Mon Youth Organization' hosted this festival.
The festival that took place here in Fort Wayne was in a temple that Burmese people remodeled inside to look like a traditional temple.
Outside of the temple, there were both the American flag and the Burma flag which were waving in the wind. And small, gold Buddha, which has a little smile and his hands on his knee. He was sitting in front of the building, like he was guarding the temple from evils.
Also, inside of the temple, there were three Buddhas. The shape of each Buddha was similar to the others. Each Buddha had a benevolent smile and was sitting in the Lotus position; one leg crossed over the other, with his hands palms up on his knees. Each Buddha wore a orange-colored shawl around his shoulder.
The middle Buddha was the biggest among the three Buddhas. Two small sizes of Buddhas were located on either side of the big statue. In front of these Buddhas, there were lots of Burmese people. They looked excited to celebrate their New Year, and they were talking in the Burmese language, which sounds like Chinese. They were yelling, but to them it was talking. It was very loud, which made people feel they were fighting when they weren’t.
Pakao Mon, who is studying nursing to enter the university, was at the festival. Mon served Burmese traditional foods, such as chicken, spicy vegetables and soup. These foods seemed to be like normal food but they smelled like special spices.
After eating the food, the Burmese people went into the temple. At that time, in front of the three Buddhas, there were monks who were covered by brown fabric. The Burmese people were facing the monks, bowing to them and praying.
After praying, a monk was throwing candies and coins to the people sitting. That was the sweetest “rain” ever. The Burmese people tried to pick the candies and the coins. The purpose of this ceremony is for good luck.
After finishing praying, the seven monks were sitting in the chairs next to the temple in one row and people were pouring water on the monks’ hands, which means good luck for them.
Also, around them, other people were pouring waters on each other. Burmese people were pouring the water or spraying perfume on their shoulders. Then, they mix white powder with the water and then put that on their faces like a mask. Some mischievous children painted it all over their face.
Then all the white-faced people went to the little house to dance the traditional dances. Some guys were playing the Burmese traditional instruments that looked like a drum, a bell and a little cello. With the music, ladies were dancing by using their hands and feet. They stuck both their thumb and middle finger together and then twirled their hands. Their feet were moving back and forth. The dance fit well with the music. The guys were turning in a wide circle outside of ladies dancing.
During the festival, there is nothing related to the American culture. Only Burmese cultural things are allowed, like the temples, the foods, and praying to the Buddha and pouring water on each other.
Keeping their country’s culture is very important, since the power of culture is tremendous. The Burmese people are keeping their own culture in America by celebrating their New Year’s Day on their date and in their own way. This is a very good attitude. Even if they are poor and do not know English very well, they at least know how to share and enjoy their holiday. “It is not only celebrating New Year’s Day, but keeping our cultures, since it is just four days out of the year,” Mon said.
When the migrants keep their own history and continue their culture, they are ready to adjust to a new culture without being confused about their own country's identity.
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