The Padaung People is actually a sub-group of the Karens. Thus they are also known as the Karen Padaung, although they call themselves, “Ka-Kaung”. They live in the remote hills in the Kayah and Shan State borderlands (refer to the map of burma) and speak Karenic language. They are originated from what is called, “Kang Yan”, which according to some researchers, has extint hundreds of years ago.

         A small number of the Padaung People can also be found in Thailand. It is known that some of this people can be seen in the Mae Hong Son area of northwest Thailand. This could be explained that, some Padaung people have been forced out of Burma in the past during their struggle for autonomy. Many entered Thailand illegally, thus becoming refugees. When the tourist industry became more flourished in Burma, this group of Padaung People became objects of tourist fascination.

      In the Burma’s hill where this group of people thrive, patches of irrigated land could be seen. The Padaungs are indeed a group of agriculturists, who are highly skilled in this domain. With their heavy rings round their neck, pressing against their shoulders, these Padaung women still carry out numerous chores. These chores include carrying of water for their domestic use, spinning of cloth, walking long distances to the market to sell their liqour and other produce and to tend to the farm. On top of that, they have still got to look after their children.

      Although Burma is a Buddhist state, the Padaung were traditionally animists. They worshipped to a wide array of hill spirits. During certain ceremonies, the Padaung would ward off evil spirits but invite friendly ones to celebrate with them, during festive seasons.

        However, large numbers of the Padaung people have gradually converted their religion to that of Catholics. In a way, the culture values of Padaungs are slowing disintegrating.

            Let us now explore to their world of "THE RINGS"

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