A Study On The Worship Of White Elephants In Myanmar

The study on the worship of white elephants in Myanmar can help us have a better understanding of the same custom in other countries in the same area and the development of Myanmar culture.The custom of worshiping white elephants is varied in forms.There are specific titles for white elephants,beliefs for worshiping white elephants and some practices to worship white elephants.The worship of white elephants is a kind of culture which evolved from the concept of white elephants worship.It is generally believed that the worship of white elephants in Myanmar originated from the spread of “foreign culture” in Myanmar.After the Indian culture represented mainly by Brahman-Hinduism and Buddhism came to Myanmar,the concept of white elephants worship was absorbed and accepted.But from the perspective of culture,the worship of white elephants is "local".That is,the worship of white elephants is a combination of Burmese ancestors' custom and the beliefs that white is a sacred color.The integration of foreign culture has enriched this concept of worship.The worship of white elephants has been developing,since it came into being.In the class society,especially during the feudal history,the ruling class emulated certain habits of elephants in order to consolidate their ruling.They made good use of Brahman-Hinduism,Buddhism and other religions to endow new cultural meanings,including royal power,auspiciousness,glory,wealth,country.During the entire process of occurrence,development,evolution,and inheritance,the custom of worshiping white elephants showed many characteristics,such as utility,multiplicity and mystery.Under the new social and historical environment,it has showed a tendency of secularization.The worship of white elephants also plays an important part in Myanmar's social life.It civilizes the people,maintains people's relationship and regulates social order.