18th November 2006
Once again, behind the times...
Happy New Year and welcome to the Shan Cultural Assoiation UK (SCA_UK). Sadly, I was unable to miss this big annual event and, more disappointingly, this was the first major event run by the fledgling SCA_UK. I hope it was a great time - any comments and insights into the event would be great appreciated.
The event was held from 14:30 - 17:00 at the Wilkins JBR room (Jeremy Bentham Room), in the main building of the University College London in central London in celebration of the 2101st year of the Shan calendar. It is believed that the Tai people, to which the Shan (also referred to as the Tai Yai) belong, began using their own calendar some twenty-one centuries ago. Historical evidence and studies into the Nan Chao Tai Kingdom date back to the early Common Era and strongly indicate the existence of a Tai civilisation with its own administrative, agricultural, literary and belief system in addition to the use of its own calendar during this period (The accurate date of origin and implementation of the Shan calendar await scholarly inquiry). Thanks to some concerted efforts to revive Shan Culture in the last century, the Shan New Year celebration has been the biggest festival for the Shan worldwide for sometime. This year, 2006, the Shan Cultural Association in the UK (SCA_UK) (alternative website), a newly formed association that aims to promote Shan literature and culture in multicultural society of the United Kingdom, organised a Shan New Year celebration in London. Several key speakers, including Dr. Susan Conway, the author of “The Shan” (2006) and a researcher at SOAS and Dr. Sai Tin Maung, a Shan and an orthopaedic consultant, were present to speak to the attendees. Additionally, traditional elements of Shan culture, including traditional Shan dance, music, art and crafts, clothing, delicious food and much more was able for those lucky enough to attend.
I am sure that it was an amazing event thoroughly enjoyed by all.
SCA_UK
Although in its infancy, the SCA_UK is active and eager to promote Shan culture and literature to interested parties. If anyone has any further details or events schedule to pass on, please do so at your convenience. Although I cannot (and should not) publish individuals contact details - until authorised to do so - I will act as a conduit for any thoughts, comments, questions and ideas for the SCA_UK.
Happy New Year and Mai soong kha,
Khun Naw Liang
