Thanakha

The earliest literary reference to thanakha is in a 14th-century poem written by King Razadarit's Mon-speaking consort.[4] Mentions of thanakha also exist in the 15th-century literary works of Burmese monk-poet Shin Raṭṭhasāra (1486-1529).[4]

Thanakha wood (Hesperethusa crenulata) for sale

Kyauk pyin stone slabs for grinding thanakha at a pagoda market in Sagaing

The wood of several trees may be used to produce thanakha cream; these trees grow abundantly in central Myanmar. They include principally Murraya spp. (thanakha) [2] but also Limonia acidissima (theethee or wood apple).[5] The two most popular are Shwebo thanakha from Sagaing Region and Shinmadaung thanakha from Magway Region. A more recent contender sold as a paste is Taunggyi Maukme thanakha from southern Shan State. Thanakha trees are perennials, and a tree must be at least 35 years old before it is considered mature enough to yield good-quality cuttings. Thanakha in its natural state is sold as small logs individually or in bundles, but nowadays also available as a paste or in powder form.

Thanakha cream is made by grinding the bark, wood, or roots[2] of a thanakha tree with a small amount of water[5] on a circular slate slab called kyauk pyin,[6] which has a channel around the rim for the water to drain into.

Thanakha cream has been used by Burmese men, women, and children ( especially women as make-up )for over 2,000 years.[6] It has a fragrant scent somewhat similar to sandalwood.[2][7] The creamy paste is applied to the face in attractive designs, the most common form being a circular patch on each cheek, nose, sometimes made stripey with the fingers known as thanakha bè gya, or patterned in the shape of a leaf, often also highlighting the bridge of the nose with it at the same time.[6] It may be applied from head to toe (thanakha chi zoun gaung zoun). Apart from cosmetic beauty, thanakha also gives a cooling sensation and provides protection from sunburn.[1] It is believed to help remove acne and promote smooth skin.[6] It is also an anti-fungal.[2] The active ingredients of thanakha are coumarin and marmesin.[8]

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  Market stall keeper wearing thanakha, Mandalay
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  Market children with thanakha, Mandalay
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  Thanakha seller at Kaunghmudaw Pagoda, Sagaing
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  A Karen child (an ethnic group in Burma and Thailand) with Thanakha on her face.
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  A Burmese Hindu woman wearing Thanakha.
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  A girl wearing Thanakha in Yangon.

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• Culture of Myanmar
• Culture of India
• Hinduism in Myanmar