Thanakkha
A Myanmar Cosmetic
“Thanakkha”, the Myanmar traditional cosmetic, is available only in our country and cannot be found in any other countries. For foreigners visiting Myanmar, they will first recognize the lovely faces of Myanmar girls with yellow strips on their cheeks. That is Myanma traditional Thanakkha.
Thanakkha is the natural cosmetic and it is very essential for Myanmar ladies. In Myanmar, from kids to grandparents, they apply Thanakkha. Thanakkha is the symbol of Myanmar ladies. In the morning, Myanmar ladies wash their faces and they apply Thanakkha. And they are satisfied.
Thanakkha is used not only for foundation but also for powder. Moreover, they applied daily because it prevents sunlight, skin getting rough for only face and prevents damaging of skin. The fragrance of Thanakkha is very sweet-smelling and soothing constantly. The cream of Thanakkha is bitter and it gives a cool feeling when putting one. So tourists, who visited Myanmar, studied Myanma Thanakkha interestedly. Some of students put on Thanakkha while studying their lessons at night because of its cool effect.
The botanical name of Thanakkha tree is Limonia Acidissma. It grows mostly in the middle and the arid zone of Myanmar. It is hard and it likes dry soil. The colour and fragrance of Thanakkha is gradually different from the place it grows and condition of the soil. Thanakkha tree has two types, the male plant and female plant and the quality of the male plant is better and it is more expensive. “ShinMaDaung” Thanakkha produced from Shwe Bo region is most costly and likely. Thanakkha tree lasts about 3 to 10 years. The girth of three years old Thanakkha is 2 inches. The marketable Thanakkha term is 35 years old. That is why Myanmar Thanakkha is rare and precious.
You have to clean the Thanakkha piece first. Then grind it on, round and smooth surface 3 legged of flat rock called ‘kyaykpyin’ (ေက်ာက္ျပင္). When grinding, you have to put a little amount of water. In doing so, you can exercise for arms. Some young ladies and children apply Thanakkha, on the cheek in faces chapes like cycle, square, leave and toys. That is termed ‘ba-gwet’. You can see would-be novice with ‘ba-gwet’(ပးကြက္). in Myanmar novitiation ceremony.
Myanmar Thanakkha can be used not only as cosmetic but also as traditional medicine. You can apply Thanakkha with salt for itching of the skin. The advantage of Thanakkha to feed the children is because it’s cool the body. Hence, Myanma Thanakkha is a kind of plant which is very useful.
At present, industrial works and technologies are developing in Myanmar. They invent ready made Thanakkha which needs not to be grinded. Moreover, they produce Thanakkha liquid, Thanakkha powder in the market oriented economic system.
Myanmar is flourishing with Sasana and culture. On special religious days, Myanmars pay respect to older persons with Thanakkha joss stick.
In conclusion, Myanmar Thanakkha is also very precious and it is the pride of Myanmar people. Myanmar ladies and Myanmar Thanakkha can not be divided. We are proudly present our Myanmar Thanakkha amongst various kinds of make - up of other countries.