THANAKA is a traditional cultural cosmetic item of Myanmar that provides warmth in winter and coolness in summer while emitting a pleasant fragrance. It has been cherished for over 2,000 years as a valued cosmetic used by Myanmar women for beauty and skincare.
The refreshing scent of Thanaka from the Shinmataung area applied by a woman is soothing and delightful. Even in the modern era, where Western beauty products are widely favoured, many Myanmar women still deeply appreciate and prefer Thanaka, serving as a testament to its cultural significance and enduring legacy.
All efforts to highlight the distinctive characteristics of Myanmar’s proud and long-standing cultural tradition of Thanaka and to nominate it for UNESCO’s Intangible Cultural Heritage list should be welcomed. Since 2020, efforts have been underway to have Myanmar’s Thanaka culture recognized as an intangible cultural heritage by UNESCO. However, additional supporting documents and public participation evidence are required. As such, public movements related to Myanmar’s Thanaka were organized in Yangon and Mandalay on a recent full moon day.
The Full Moon Day of Tabodwe (on 12 February) is not only a traditionally auspicious day but also a significant occasion as it coincides with Union Day, a historic day that strongly symbolizes national unity. On this special day, it is a source of pride that the Myanmar Thanaka Public Movement was initiated, an event highly valued by the ethnic communities of the Union.
As a way to preserve invaluable intangible cultural heritage for the country, the government has designated an annual observance of Myanmar’s traditional Thanaka day. In honour of Myanmar Thanaka Day, a traditional Thanaka ceremony and a Thanaka performance competition were held at the bund of Inya Lake in Yangon with participation of hundreds of Myanmar people.
At the Thanaka Day public movement, a public opinion survey was conducted to gather views on the value, benefits, and usage of Thanaka across different age groups, as well as to support its recognition by UNESCO. To commemorate Myanmar Thanaka Day, the public movement has encouraged nationwide activities throughout February, designating it as “Thanaka Week” or “Thanaka Month”.
The survey on public opinions regarding Myanmar Thanaka will continue, and the findings are set to be submitted to UNESCO on 31 March. Therefore, all Myanmar people should show their appreciation and respect for Myanmar’s Thanaka by actively working to ensure it is included in the UNESCO World Intangible Cultural Heritage List, thus elevating the honour of the country and the people through Thanaka.
