Myanmar is called the “Land of Gold.” This name becomes apparent when traveling by air over cities like Mandalay and Yangon, where shining stupas and pagodas spread out in the streets below become visible.
Wherever you go, it’s impossible not to see a Buddhist temple adorned with gold or covered in gold leaf. The temples in the city centers are large, while smaller temples can be found under old trees outside people’s homes.
Among the thousands of temples spread across the country, nearly all display gold work.
Temples of Bagan
The Irrawaddy River flows through this golden land. Its banks offer a true picture of Myanmar, with large temples on the hills, monsoon clouds hovering over the forests, and houses close to the water.
According to the Mandalay Business Forum, there are 700 golden temples on the nearby hills of this city. Around 2,200 temple ruins are scattered around Bagan.
In its prime, between the 11th and 13th centuries, the Bagan kingdom was home to 10,000 temples. This was also the period when Buddhism, a religion with a history of two thousand years, spread rapidly in the region.
Sacred Gold
In Myanmar, gold is considered sacred. With 90% of the population being Buddhists, gold holds special significance because it symbolizes the sun, which is associated with qualities like knowledge and enlightenment.
According to the Harvard Divinity School’s religious education project, local people adorn temples with gold to pay tribute to Buddha.
Sithu Htoon, a local guide from Yangon, explained, “Gold is valuable in Myanmar because we can find it in the river. It’s part of our land, easily accessible, and that’s why we offer it to Buddha.”
However, gold is not only used in temples. It is also used in traditional medicines, face creams, food, and beverages. On special occasions, gold leaf is mixed with rice and lentils and added to drinks. Gold is a part of the land and people’s lives here.
Htoon mentioned, “We use bananas and gold leaf for face masks. It’s great for the skin; gold disappears in three to five minutes. I believe it gets absorbed into our skin and brings a smile.”
Searching for Gold
The most significant sources of gold are the mines around Mandalay. Gold is also found in riverbeds, where local people continue to search for it using traditional methods despite new technology.
Mercury is used to separate gold from sand in riverbeds, but its toxic effects impact local river fish and people’s health. According to Myanmar Times, illegal gold mining has also caused damage.
However, according to The Independent, there are local projects trying to improve mining practices to protect the environment and people’s health.
Gold Leaf Making in Mandalay
In the central area of Mandalay, a section is known as the “Gold Leaf Quarter,” where people work in the intense heat to create gold leaf.
Htoon said that most gold leaf workshops are family businesses where men process gold and women cut gold leaf sheets.
Making Gold Leaf
Once gold sheets are cut into square pieces, they are placed in bamboo paper and sent to be offered to Buddha. Women in this area also apply gold leaf to wooden jewelry on Buddha statues.
According to Htoon, gold is not only applied to temples and jewelry but also used as an offering on bananas and coconuts.
People here also use gold leaf in another way. It is mixed with a paste from the Thanaka wood and applied to the skin to protect it from the sun. It is also used for decoration and to brighten the skin.
Gold as Currency
Historically and even now, gold is used as currency in Myanmar. Due to political and economic instability, gold is valued more than local currency.
According to locals, people prefer buying gold over opening savings accounts in banks to ensure future prosperity or to keep it as jewelry. Some people keep gold pieces to use as capital during difficult times.
Even small towns have gold shops where buying and selling can be done.
Htoon said, “Since gaining independence in 1948, the country and economy have not been stable. That’s why people want to keep gold to secure their future.”
Local Generosity
For decades, under the shadow of a military junta, Myanmar was isolated but has recently opened up to foreign tourists. Buddhist culture is part of daily life in these tourist spots.
Early in the morning, Buddhist monks and nuns go out into the streets and markets in search of food offerings. Charity is an important part of local culture, expressed through the generosity and kindness of the people, who might greet you with a cup of tea or biscuits or proudly offer whatever food they have.
Htoon says, “The people here are very nice and friendly; they always smile. They just want to help and don’t expect anything from you.”
Offering Gold
Every morning at 4 a.m., the Mahamuni Paya Temple in Mandalay, the most sacred temple here, becomes crowded. Monks wash the face of the golden Buddha statue in a ceremony.
People buy gold leaf, which costs about two thousand kyats or roughly one dollar for five sheets, and stand in line to stick it onto the Buddha as an offering.
