Salwe
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Salwe (Template:Langx, Script error: No such module "IPA".) are issues for Burmese orders. A salwe is a shoulder-belt formed with metal chains, normally fashioned in gold or silver, which are fastened in four places, in shields or bosses, and worn over the shoulder like an officer's sash.Script error: No such module "Footnotes".Script error: No such module "Check for unknown parameters".
The Burmese monarchy used the salwe was purely secular, as it was used to recognize merit and service to the state.Script error: No such module "Footnotes".Script error: No such module "Check for unknown parameters".
Etymology and origins
The Burmese language word salwe Script error: No such module "Lang". is a corruption of the Hindi term janeu (जनेऊ).Script error: No such module "Footnotes".Script error: No such module "Check for unknown parameters". Janeu (also known as upanayana) in Hindi, refers to a sacred investiture or Brahminical cord found in the higher castes of Hindu society.Script error: No such module "Footnotes".Script error: No such module "Check for unknown parameters".
It is of ancient Burmese origin.Script error: No such module "Footnotes".Script error: No such module "Check for unknown parameters". The salwe is referenced in the Salwedin Sadan (Book of the Order), a Burmese text that states the number of salwe cords that members of each of the four Hindu varnas wore:
- Rulers (Khattiya) - 9 cordsScript error: No such module "Footnotes".Script error: No such module "Check for unknown parameters".
- Ritualists (Brahmana) - 6 cordsScript error: No such module "Footnotes".Script error: No such module "Check for unknown parameters".
- Merchants (Vessa) - 1-3 cordsScript error: No such module "Footnotes".Script error: No such module "Check for unknown parameters".
- Commoners (Sudda) - noneScript error: No such module "Footnotes".Script error: No such module "Check for unknown parameters".
Usage
The number of strands or threads indicate rank in the order.Script error: No such module "Footnotes".Script error: No such module "Check for unknown parameters". The salwe was worn as a symbol of high character, to maintain the purity of character of one's family or caste.Script error: No such module "Footnotes".Script error: No such module "Check for unknown parameters".
During the Konbaung Dynasty, high-ranking ministers with immunity from various forms of execution (thetdawshay) also wore salwe of 18 strands.Script error: No such module "Footnotes".Script error: No such module "Check for unknown parameters". The following is a list of Konbaung-era grades and corresponding number of salwe strands conferred:
| Grade | Number of strands |
|---|---|
| King | 24 |
| Crown Prince | 21 |
| Shan Sawbwas, Princes of the Blood | 18 |
| Shan Myosas, other Royal Family Members | 15 |
| High-ranking Ministers (Mugyi, Matgyi) | 12 |
| Lower-ranking Ministers (Mulat, Matlat, Mu-nge, Matnge) | 3-9 |
Current usage
The following salwes are currently issued by the Government of Burma:
References
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