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When we visited Burma in 2014 we were so very lucky to catch a Monk Novitiation Ceremony and head-shaving, as these ceremonies are normally not made public. The ceremony is usually preceded by a parade a day earlier - and we happened to come by the parade along our route. Our guide then made some inquiries and told us that we will be allowed to attend and shoot the full ceremony the following day! Woohoo! And we were the only 6 photographers there! The ceremony concluded with the head shaving of the boys who will become monk novices.
More information about the Novitiation Ceremony or Shinbyu can be found here:
Wonderful and colorful images, Bobby and for sure not something we see a lot. I didn’t get to see that event while I was there. While the head shaving images of boys are obvious but there are young folks that look like girls. Are they in the process of becoming nuns?
Very good question, Joshua! Those young girls are there for their nun novitiation too - but somehow we didn’t get to witness the head shaving - which would have been even more interesting to watch and shoot. Our guide Win told us that this was the first monk novitiation he had witness in 10 years - as it’s near impossible to tell when the ceremony will take place.
AGeoJO wrote:
Wonderful and colorful images, Bobby and for sure not something we see a lot. I didn’t get to see that event while I was there. While the head shaving images of boys are obvious but there are young folks that look like girls. Are they in the process of becoming nuns?
Really beautiful photography, Bobby. As a bit of a student of the many world religions, I am always struck by the visual beauty that so often accompanies the expression of faith - the temples/churches themselves, the art/sacred symbols and especially the special garments that devotees wear to/during special ceremonies.
This is a magnificent series that makes me want to know more. Thanks for posting. Voted!
I echo all the above kudos Bobby! Just fantastic images bringing into light parts of the World some seldom see! Cultures endured over centuries, yet not lost to the modern chaos.
Beautiful colors, tack sharp, exposures dead on....Wonderful photography Bobby!
Dan
Thanks Bill! Yes, the ceremonial and traditional costumes of different countries are interesting and usually very colorful, and you will see them at these ceremonies and festivals.
say_doyster wrote:
Really beautiful photography, Bobby. As a bit of a student of the many world religions, I am always struck by the visual beauty that so often accompanies the expression of faith - the temples/churches themselves, the art/sacred symbols and especially the special garments that devotees wear to/during special ceremonies.
This is a magnificent series that makes me want to know more. Thanks for posting. Voted!
Danpbphoto wrote:
I echo all the above kudos Bobby! Just fantastic images bringing into light parts of the World some seldom see! Cultures endured over centuries, yet not lost to the modern chaos.
Beautiful colors, tack sharp, exposures dead on....Wonderful photography Bobby!
Dan
bobbytan wrote:
Thank you, Rajan ... and my apologies for the photo overload!
Bobby, I meant that as a general comment. Right now we have to keep scrolling down. If a gallery could be embedded, it would present a much better viewing experience.
