Shades of Heritage: The Story of Burma’s Iconic Parasols

Bold and bright, hand-painted with florals and folkloric scenes, parasols may seem ornamental. But in Burma, they are steeped in tradition and dressed in many ways. Some are minimalist, lacquered in earthy tones, catching the light in soft golden arcs. They might appear to be purely decorative, but these parasols carry centuries of history and craftsmanship within their folds.

In Burma, the parasol is a deeply symbolic object. It once shaded kings and monks, crowned temples and pagodas, danced through festivals, and now, continues to tell its story from rooftops, restaurants, and beyond. 

Across all Burma Burma locations in India, parasols serve as a recurring design element. It’s our way of making each restaurant not just a place to eat, but a space where history, craft, and culture are celebrated in every detail.

The town that built an empire of shade

The soul of the Burmese parasol lives in Pathein, a riverside town in the Ayeyarwady Delta. It has been known for centuries as the heart of parasol-making. Here, umbrella making is an art form, a family legacy, and a source of cultural pride.

The story dates back to the late 19th century, when a royal craftsman named U Shwe Sar, famed for creating elaborate umbrellas for King Thibaw Min’s court. He moved from the royal palace to Pathein. There, he shared his techniques with local artisans. What began as an exclusive symbol of royalty soon grew into a vibrant cottage industry. Over time, Pathein’s parasols became an integral part of Burma’s cultural identity due to their craftsmanship and intricate, hand-painted details.

Today, many of these workshops are still family-run, passed down through generations. A single parasol can take over a week to complete, and each one is a unique reflection of the artisan’s skill and imagination. Even as the world modernises, Pathein remains synonymous with parasol-making and serves as a living link to Burma’s royal past and cultural soul.

The art of making a Pathein parasol

Every Pathein parasol is a labour of love, a slow process involving engineering and art. Every step is performed by hand.

It begins with the careful selection of bamboo. The canopy is traditionally made from paper or cotton, and treated with natural oils like sesame to make it water-resistant. Natural dyes give the parasol its signature vibrant colours. And, once the fabric is stretched over the frame and glued with a paste of tapioca starch or rice flour, the real artistry begins: painting.

Each parasol is hand-painted with motifs ranging from lotus blossoms (purity) to peacocks (royalty) and celestial beings (divine protection). The painting is meticulous, often taking several days. Some artisans even incorporate stories from folklore, weaving myths and cultural narratives into their designs.

The finished product is a functional piece of artwork, a symbol of heritage, and a piece of living history.

More than just shade

In Burmese society, parasols have long carried layers of meaning beyond their practical purpose. Historically, they were markers of power and prestige. The number or style of parasols often reflected one’s social standing.

But the parasol’s symbolism goes beyond earthly hierarchy; it is deeply woven into Buddhist philosophy. Known as one of the Eight Auspicious Symbols (Ashtamangala), the umbrella (hti in Burmese) represents protection: A symbol of shielding devotees from the heat of suffering and the storms of ignorance. This sacred symbolism is visible across Burma’s spiritual landscape.

In some of the country’s most cherished traditions, especially during Shinbyu — a ceremony where young boys become novice monks — children parade through the streets under parasols, symbolising spiritual shelter as they embark on their new journey. During Thingyan, Burma’s water festival celebrating the New Year, parasols are spun and twirled in jubilant dances, becoming a symbol of renewal and joy.

Even today, monks and nuns continue to use traditional parasols in daily rituals.

Parasols in modern-day Burma

As mass-produced umbrellas have taken over parasols in everyday use, the Pathein hti remains a beloved cultural emblem. They are ubiquitous at festivals, weddings, and temple fairs, often carried as symbols of blessing, joy, and continuity. Tourists seek them out as souvenirs, while artists reinterpret them as statement décor pieces in homes and hotels.

A story told in shade at Burma Burma

At Burma Burma, parasols are more than a decorative flourish. For us, they are a thread that connects our philosophy. That’s why, in each location across India, parasols feature as part of the interior storytelling.

More importantly, they remind diners that Burma Burma isn’t just about food. It’s about craftsmanship, tradition, and connection; and about bringing centuries-old stories into contemporary spaces where they can continue to inspire.