What is thanaka?

It’s a natural powder made from the ground tree bark of thanaka trees in Myanmar. It’s used as a natural form of sunscreen and it’s good for your skin!

If you venture far enough in the Northwestern parts of Thailand, you might come across some hill tribes using it on their faces.

However, it is most prominently used in Myanmar.

So prominently used, you will see people of all classes, ethnic groups using it, regardless of the occasion, regardless of whether or not they have to go to work. 

This is just what they do. It’s a thing.

Now, why am I writing about it?

Because it inspires the heck out of me.

At first, I thought it was only women who do it, but men do it too. 

I also thought you had to do it with a certain pattern, and different shapes have different meanings.

Nope. 

You put it on whichever way you like.

You can draw circles on your cheeks, a straight line down your nose, or just apply it all over your face. It doesn’t matter. It’s up to you, anybody can do it, and most importantly, nobody will judge you for it.

(Ok fine, I saw some people put hearts on their foreheads, I felt like that was a little much, lol)

Three Reasons Why Thanaka Powder Inspires Me:

1. I come from a place where people don’t put thanaka powder on their face. The fact that I see people using it here on the daily basis and for that to be the norm just inspires me. If I was to do that in the states, everybody will be staring at me wondering what in the world I am doing, or if I’ve gone crazy.

2. I love how this tradition is allowed in the workplace. I walked through a more modern shopping mall and did not see it there, nor did I see it on flight attendants and at airports, so perhaps it is not encouraged in more “modern settings” but despite that, I like the fact that this traditional practice is more or less accepted throughout the country.

3. Self-expression. You know me, it has to be about self-expression. In the western world, men don’t wear makeup. Women wear makeup. In Myanmar? The sky is the limit for both men and women when it comes to thanaka. I love that. They don’t need fancy clothes or the newest shoes. They have thanaka powder. To be honest, I’m actually kind of jealous.

So, thanaka powder. You can use water and grind it on a stone if you want to do it the traditional way. Or you can buy it pre-made at the store. Whatever the case, it’s a staple here in Myanmar, and I love it. 

Self-expression and pride at its finest. 

Hold onto your roots, remember your roots, celebrate your roots.

by Jason Lam