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Previously, Sgaw, Paku, Bwe, Thaungthu, White Kayin, Po, Kayah(Red Kayin),
Padaung, Yinbaw, Zayein, Yintale, Gheko, Gheba, Manumanaw, Pa 0 were included
in the Kayin stock. Actually we can categorize the above into two groups: Kwin
Kayin meaning Kayins from the plains and Hill Kayins, meaning Kayins that live
in the hilly regions.
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All those in the Kayah group are hill Kayins while the Po and Sgaw Kayins are
Kwin Kayins. The men wear hand woven long dresses with vertical red and white
stripes and longyis.The women dress in short black dresses with various designs
and green, blue or black htameins with horizontal stripes. The hair is gathered
at the back and the heads are covered with scarves. The women also wear
necklaces, bracelets and earrings. The Kayin celebrate New Year and bone
gathering (of departed ancestors or dead persons) ceremonies. There is also a
special ceremony called "Aw" where the young persons from both sexes engage in
a kind of a verbal duet and out-do each other.
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The Kayin are famous for traditional wrestlers and boxers. They are also
interested in other forms of martial arts.
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For any infringements of tradition or customs fines or compensations are
levied. Their musical instruments are the hom made from buffalo hom, harp,
bamboo xylophone and the brass drum with a frog motif. Both the Po and the Sgaw
have their ownwritten language.
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They keep the items that are used at the traditional not offering ceremony
separate from other things. The Kayin celebrate two New Years; one on the First
day of the Pyatho new moon (February) and another on the first day of the
Tabodwe new moon (March). Kayin Don dance is very popular, as it is a very
lively and joyful dance. Kayin are widespread in the Kayin State and the
Ayeyarwady delta.
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| A Kayin couple in traditional dress |
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| A Kayin lady (Papun) |
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| Two Hill Kayin sisters (Thandaung) |
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