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.Template:Sfn
The Burmese monarchy used the salwe was purely secular, as it was used to recognize merit and service to the state.Template:Sfn
Etymology and origins
The Burmese language word salwe Script error: No such module "Lang". is a corruption of the Hindi term janeu (जनेऊ).Template:Sfn Janeu (also known as upanayana) in Hindi, refers to a sacred investiture or Brahminical cord found in the higher castes of Hindu society.Template:Sfn
It is of ancient Burmese origin.Template:Sfn 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 cordsTemplate:Sfn
- Ritualists (Brahmana) - 6 cordsTemplate:Sfn
- Merchants (Vessa) - 1-3 cordsTemplate:Sfn
- Commoners (Sudda) - noneTemplate:Sfn
Usage
The number of strands or threads indicate rank in the order.Template:Sfn The salwe was worn as a symbol of high character, to maintain the purity of character of one's family or caste.Template:Sfn
During the Konbaung Dynasty, high-ranking ministers with immunity from various forms of execution (thetdawshay) also wore salwe of 18 strands.Template:Sfn 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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