Pathein hti

Nowadays, these umbrellas become essential decorating tools in traditional festivals and ceremonies and they are also one of the famous souvenir items to be picked up by foreign visitors.

[1] Pathein hti umbrellas were first used over 130 years ago, invented by a royal handicraft maker called U Shwe Sar (Burmese: ဦးရွှေစာ) during the era of Thibaw Min in the late 19th century.

[2][3] Throughout the fuedal era from the Bagan to Konbaung periods, only Royal families and monks traditionally had the rights to use umbrellas, which were seen as a symbol of reverence that signified power and authority, and embodied a sense of nobility.

This process balances traditional handcrafting techniques with steps that ensure high-quality and visually appealing umbrellas, capturing the essence of Pathein's umbrella-making heritage.

[11] These festivals and events showcase the Pathein umbrella as more than a practical item, it is also a symbol of Myanmar's cultural pride, artistry, and tradition.

In addition, it is also a well-known souvenir of Myanmar for foreign visitors[12] and is top of the mind for local Burmese travellers looking to bring gifts to take home after visiting Pathein.

[6] However, in recent times, small business using the traditional methods have faced economic hardship due to decreases in demand, scarcity of raw materials and a lack of workers how can acquire the necessary skills.