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The water buffalo or domestic Asian water buffalo (<i>Bubalus bubalis</i>) is a large bovid originating in South Asia, Southeast Asia, and China. Today, it is also found in Europe, Australia, and some American countries. The wild water buffalo (<i>Bubalus arnee</i>) native to Southeast Asia is considered a different species, but most likely represents the ancestor of the domestic water buffalo
Rice is the seed of the monocot plants Oryza sativa (Asian rice) or Oryza glaberrima (African rice). As a cereal grain, it is the most important staple food for a large part of the world's human population, especially in Asia and the West Indies.<br/><br/> Rice is the most important grain with regard to human nutrition and caloric intake, providing more than one fifth of the calories consumed worldwide by the human species.<br/><br/> There are many varieties of rice and culinary preferences tend to vary regionally. For example in India, there is a saying that 'grains of rice should be like two brothers, close but not stuck together', while in the Far East there is a preference for softer, stickier varieties.<br/><br/> Because of its importance as a staple food, rice has considerable cultural importance. For example, rice is first mentioned in the Yajur Veda and then is frequently referred to in Sanskrit texts. Rice is often directly associated with prosperity and fertility, therefore there is the custom of throwing rice at weddings.
Rice is the seed of the monocot plants Oryza sativa (Asian rice) or Oryza glaberrima (African rice). As a cereal grain, it is the most important staple food for a large part of the world's human population, especially in Asia and the West Indies.<br/><br/> Rice is the most important grain with regard to human nutrition and caloric intake, providing more than one fifth of the calories consumed worldwide by the human species.<br/><br/> There are many varieties of rice and culinary preferences tend to vary regionally. For example in India, there is a saying that 'grains of rice should be like two brothers, close but not stuck together', while in the Far East there is a preference for softer, stickier varieties.<br/><br/> Because of its importance as a staple food, rice has considerable cultural importance. For example, rice is first mentioned in the Yajur Veda and then is frequently referred to in Sanskrit texts. Rice is often directly associated with prosperity and fertility, therefore there is the custom of throwing rice at weddings.
Rice is the seed of the monocot plants Oryza sativa (Asian rice) or Oryza glaberrima (African rice). As a cereal grain, it is the most important staple food for a large part of the world's human population, especially in Asia and the West Indies.<br/><br/> Rice is the most important grain with regard to human nutrition and caloric intake, providing more than one fifth of the calories consumed worldwide by the human species.<br/><br/> There are many varieties of rice and culinary preferences tend to vary regionally. For example in India, there is a saying that 'grains of rice should be like two brothers, close but not stuck together', while in the Far East there is a preference for softer, stickier varieties.<br/><br/> Because of its importance as a staple food, rice has considerable cultural importance. For example, rice is first mentioned in the Yajur Veda and then is frequently referred to in Sanskrit texts. Rice is often directly associated with prosperity and fertility, therefore there is the custom of throwing rice at weddings.
Water Puppetry or Múa rối nước, literally 'puppets that dance on water' originated in the Red River Delta. The puppets are carved from water-resistant wood to represent traditional rural lifestyles and mythical creatures. Standing behind the watery stage, waist-deep in water, the hidden puppeteers skillfully manoeuvre their wooden charges to the music of a traditional orchestra.
Mahishasura's father Rambha was king of the asuras, and he once fell in love with Princess Mahishi, who was cursed to be a water buffalo; Mahishasura was born out of this union. He is, therefore, able to change between human and buffalo form at will (<i>mahisha</i> is Sanskrit word for buffalo).
Durga Puja, also referred to as Durgotsava or Sharadotsav is an annual Hindu festival in South Asia that celebrates worship of the Hindu goddess Durga. It refers to all the six days observed as Mahalaya, Shashthi, Maha Saptami, Maha Ashtami, Maha Nabami and Vijayadashami.<br/><br/> The Durga Puja festival marks the victory of the Goddess Durga over the evil buffalo demon Mahishasura. Thus, the Durga Puja festival epitomises the victory of Good over Evil. In Bengal, Durga is worshipped as Durgotinashini, the destroyer of evil and the protector of her devotees.
Almost exactly twice the size of Portugal and with a similar population, Cambodia is a relatively flat, low-lying land. It is situated at the heart of Indochina and has a total area of just over 180,000sq km (69,500sq miles). It shares land borders with Thailand to the north and west, Laos to the northeast and Vietnam to the east and southeast.<br/><br/> Cambodia has a 443km (277 miles) coastline on the Gulf of Thailand in the southwest. The country is divided for administrative purposes into 23 provinces including Phnom Penh. The capital, Phnom Penh, is located in the southeast.
Durga Puja, also referred to as Durgotsava or Sharadotsav is an annual Hindu festival in South Asia that celebrates worship of the Hindu goddess Durga. It refers to all the six days observed as Mahalaya, Shashthi, Maha Saptami, Maha Ashtami, Maha Nabami and Vijayadashami.<br/><br/> The Durga Puja festival marks the victory of the Goddess Durga over the evil buffalo demon Mahishasura. Thus, the Durga Puja festival epitomises the victory of Good over Evil. In Bengal, Durga is worshipped as Durgotinashini, the destroyer of evil and the protector of her devotees.
Almost exactly twice the size of Portugal and with a similar population, Cambodia is a relatively flat, low-lying land. It is situated at the heart of Indochina and has a total area of just over 180,000sq km (69,500sq miles). It shares land borders with Thailand to the north and west, Laos to the northeast and Vietnam to the east and southeast.<br/><br/> Cambodia has a 443km (277 miles) coastline on the Gulf of Thailand in the southwest. The country is divided for administrative purposes into 23 provinces including Phnom Penh. The capital, Phnom Penh, is located in the southeast.
The Goddess Durga, fighting Mahishasura, the buffalo-demon (Hindu Mythology). In the clouds the Devas or celestial beings are seen watching the event. The story is recorded in the Devi Mahatmya and the Devi Bhagavata and is the background for Durgapuja, the annual Hindu festival each autumn.<br/><br/> In Hinduism, Durga is a form of Devi, the supremely radiant goddess, depicted as having eight arms, riding a lion or a tiger, carrying weapons and a lotus flower, maintaining a meditative smile, and practicing mudras, or symbolic hand gestures.<br/><br/> An embodiment of creative feminine force (Shakti), Durga exists in a state of svātantrya (independence from the universe and anything/anybody else) and fierce compassion. Kali is considered by Hindus to be an aspect of Durga. She is thus considered the fiercer, demon-fighting form of Shiva's wife, goddess Parvati. Durga manifests fearlessness and patience, and never loses her sense of humour, even during spiritual battles of epic proportion.<br/><br/> At the Durga Puja festival, Durga is celebrated as the mother of Ganesha, Kartikeya, Lakshmi and Saraswati.
Remarkable for their military prowess, their receptivity to Christianity, and their intricate all-embracing kinship network, the Kachins are a hardy mountain people living in the remote hills of northern Burma and on the peripheries of India and China.<br/><br/> 'Kachin' is actually a Burmese word that does not exist in any of the local dialects. Each Kachin tribe has a different name for themselves and their neighbours, but no word to describe the whole group. There are the Jinghpaw (known as Jingpo in China and Singpho in India), the Maru, the Lashi, the Atsi (or Szi), the Lisu and the Rawang—but those represent linguistic groups rather than actual nationalities. Far more important bonds are formed by an intricate system of clans, which cuts across tribal barriers.<br/><br/> Every 'Kachin' belongs to one of five original families: Marip, Maran, Lahpai, N'Hkum and Lattaw. These clans are related in an all-embracing kinship network of extreme complexity. In practice, however, this system binds together the Kachins into a remarkably tight-knit society.
Originally built in the 16th century, Wat Pho is Bangkok's oldest temple. King Rama I of the Chakri Dynasty (1736—1809) rebuilt the temple in the 1780s.<br/><br/> Officially called Wat Phra Chetuphon, it is one of Bangkok's best known Buddhist temples and is nowadays a major tourist attraction, located directly to the south of the Grand Palace. Wat Pho is famed for its Reclining Buddha and renowned as the home of traditional Thai massage.
Mandalay, a sprawling city of more than 1 million people, was founded in 1857 by King Mindon to coincide with an ancient Buddhist prophecy. It was believed that Gautama Buddha visited the sacred mount of Mandalay Hill with his disciple Ananda, and proclaimed that on the 2,400th anniversary of his death, a metropolis of Buddhist teaching would be founded at the foot of the hill.<br/><br/> The Irrawaddy River or Ayeyarwady River, also spelt Ayeyarwaddy is a river that flows from north to south through Burma (Myanmar). It is the country's largest river and most important commercial waterway.<br/><br/> Originating from the confluence of the N'mai and Mali rivers, it flows relatively straight North-South before emptying through the Irrawaddy Delta into the Andaman Sea. Its drainage area of about 255,081 km² covers a large part of Burma. After Rudyard Kipling's poem, it is sometimes referred to as 'The Road to Mandalay'.
Beng Mealea was built as a Hindu temple, but there are some carvings depicting Buddhist motifs. Its primary material is sandstone and it is largely unrestored, with trees and thick brush thriving amidst its towers and courtyards and many of its stones lying in great heaps. For years it was difficult to reach, but a road recently built to the temple complex of Koh Ker passes Beng Mealea and more visitors are coming to the site, as it is 77 km from Siem Reap by road.<br/><br/> The history of the temple is unknown and it can be dated only by its architectural style, identical to Angkor Wat, so scholars assumed it was built during the reign of king Suryavarman II in the early 12th century. Smaller in size than Angkor Wat, the king's main monument, Beng Mealea nonetheless ranks among the Khmer empire's larger temples: the gallery which forms the outer enclosure of the temple is 181 m by 152 m. It was the center of a town, surrounded by a moat 1025 m by 875 m large and 45 m wide.
Beng Mealea was built as a Hindu temple, but there are some carvings depicting Buddhist motifs. Its primary material is sandstone and it is largely unrestored, with trees and thick brush thriving amidst its towers and courtyards and many of its stones lying in great heaps. For years it was difficult to reach, but a road recently built to the temple complex of Koh Ker passes Beng Mealea and more visitors are coming to the site, as it is 77 km from Siem Reap by road.<br/><br/> The history of the temple is unknown and it can be dated only by its architectural style, identical to Angkor Wat, so scholars assumed it was built during the reign of king Suryavarman II in the early 12th century. Smaller in size than Angkor Wat, the king's main monument, Beng Mealea nonetheless ranks among the Khmer empire's larger temples: the gallery which forms the outer enclosure of the temple is 181 m by 152 m. It was the center of a town, surrounded by a moat 1025 m by 875 m large and 45 m wide.
Beng Mealea was built as a Hindu temple, but there are some carvings depicting Buddhist motifs. Its primary material is sandstone and it is largely unrestored, with trees and thick brush thriving amidst its towers and courtyards and many of its stones lying in great heaps. For years it was difficult to reach, but a road recently built to the temple complex of Koh Ker passes Beng Mealea and more visitors are coming to the site, as it is 77 km from Siem Reap by road.<br/><br/> The history of the temple is unknown and it can be dated only by its architectural style, identical to Angkor Wat, so scholars assumed it was built during the reign of king Suryavarman II in the early 12th century. Smaller in size than Angkor Wat, the king's main monument, Beng Mealea nonetheless ranks among the Khmer empire's larger temples: the gallery which forms the outer enclosure of the temple is 181 m by 152 m. It was the center of a town, surrounded by a moat 1025 m by 875 m large and 45 m wide.
Beng Mealea was built as a Hindu temple, but there are some carvings depicting Buddhist motifs. Its primary material is sandstone and it is largely unrestored, with trees and thick brush thriving amidst its towers and courtyards and many of its stones lying in great heaps. For years it was difficult to reach, but a road recently built to the temple complex of Koh Ker passes Beng Mealea and more visitors are coming to the site, as it is 77 km from Siem Reap by road.<br/><br/> The history of the temple is unknown and it can be dated only by its architectural style, identical to Angkor Wat, so scholars assumed it was built during the reign of king Suryavarman II in the early 12th century. Smaller in size than Angkor Wat, the king's main monument, Beng Mealea nonetheless ranks among the Khmer empire's larger temples: the gallery which forms the outer enclosure of the temple is 181 m by 152 m. It was the center of a town, surrounded by a moat 1025 m by 875 m large and 45 m wide.
Angkor Wat was built for King Suryavarman II (ruled 1113-50) in the early 12th century as his state temple and capital city. As the best-preserved temple at the Angkor site, it is the only one to have remained a significant religious centre since its foundation – first Hindu, dedicated to the god Vishnu, then Buddhist. It is the world's largest religious building. The temple is at the top of the high classical style of Khmer architecture. It has become a symbol of Cambodia, appearing on its national flag, and it is the country's prime attraction for visitors.<br/><br/>Angkor Wat combines two basic plans of Khmer temple architecture: the temple mountain and the later galleried temple, based on early South Indian Hindu architecture. It is designed to represent Mount Meru, home of the devas in Hindu mythology: within a moat and an outer wall 3.6 kilometres (2.2 mi) long are three rectangular galleries, each raised above the next. At the centre of the temple stands a quincunx of towers.
Dvarapala (Sanskrit) is a door or gate guardian often portrayed as warrior or fearsome asura giant, usually armed with a weapon. The statue of dvarapala is a widespread architectural element throughout Hindu and Buddhist cultures, as well as in areas influenced by them like Java.<br/><br/> The kingdom of Champa (Campadesa or nagara Campa) Chăm Pa in Vietnamese, 占城 Chiêm Thành in Hán Việt and Zhàn chéng in Chinese records) was an Indianized kingdom that controlled much of southern and central Vietnam from approximately the 7th century through to 1832.<br/><br/> Champa reached its apogee in the 9th and 10th centuries. Then began a gradual decline under pressure from Đại Việt, the Vietnamese polity centered in the region of modern Hanoi. In 1471, Viet troops sacked the northern Cham capital of Vijaya, and in 1697 the southern principality of Panduranga became a vassal of the Vietnamese emperor.<br/><br/> In 1832, the Vietnamese emperor Minh Mạng annexed the remaining Cham territories. Mỹ Sơn, a former religious center, and Hội An, one of Champa's main port cities, are now UNESCO World Heritage sites.
Mandalay, a sprawling city of more than 1 million people, was founded in 1857 by King Mindon to coincide with an ancient Buddhist prophecy. It was believed that Gautama Buddha visited the sacred mount of Mandalay Hill with his disciple Ananda, and proclaimed that on the 2,400th anniversary of his death, a metropolis of Buddhist teaching would be founded at the foot of the hill.<br/><br/> The Irrawaddy River or Ayeyarwady River, also spelt Ayeyarwaddy is a river that flows from north to south through Burma (Myanmar). It is the country's largest river and most important commercial waterway.<br/><br/> Originating from the confluence of the N'mai and Mali rivers, it flows relatively straight North-South before emptying through the Irrawaddy Delta into the Andaman Sea. Its drainage area of about 255,081 km² covers a large part of Burma. After Rudyard Kipling's poem, it is sometimes referred to as 'The Road to Mandalay'.
Mandalay, a sprawling city of more than 1 million people, was founded in 1857 by King Mindon to coincide with an ancient Buddhist prophecy. It was believed that Gautama Buddha visited the sacred mount of Mandalay Hill with his disciple Ananda, and proclaimed that on the 2,400th anniversary of his death, a metropolis of Buddhist teaching would be founded at the foot of the hill.<br/><br/> The Irrawaddy River or Ayeyarwady River, also spelt Ayeyarwaddy is a river that flows from north to south through Burma (Myanmar). It is the country's largest river and most important commercial waterway.<br/><br/> Originating from the confluence of the N'mai and Mali rivers, it flows relatively straight North-South before emptying through the Irrawaddy Delta into the Andaman Sea. Its drainage area of about 255,081 km² covers a large part of Burma. After Rudyard Kipling's poem, it is sometimes referred to as 'The Road to Mandalay'.
Every late May or June, near the beginning of the Rainy Season, two little-known but archaic rituals are held in the environs of Chiang Mai, northern Thailand. These are the related Pu Sae and Ya Sae ceremonies, which are believed to pre-date the introduction of Buddhism to Northern Thailand. The traditions which they encompass similarly pre-date Thai and even Mon settlement in the area, and are associated with the Lawa, the earliest-known inhabitants of Chiang Mai.<br/><br/> According to tradition, Pu Sae and Ya Sae are the guardian spirits of Chiang Mai. Together with their son, Sudeva Rikshi, they wander the slopes of Doi Suthep (Suthep Mountain), where they are attended by six lesser spirits. Although they are now thought of as 'giants', in their lifetimes Pu Sae and Ya Sae were almost certainly Lawa, the indigenous inhabitants of the region before the establishment of the Mon Kingdom of Haripunjaya (Lamphun), and whilst the Thai still lived mainly in South China.<br/><br/> Legend has it that Pu Sae, Ya Sae and their son were cannibals, who took great delight in human flesh. Once, when the Buddha was travelling in these regions, he passed through the area inhabited by the three cannibals. The fierce family followed his trail, intending to make a meal of him. Whilst meditating at Ban Panghai, Tambon Saluang, Mae Rim, the Buddha became aware of their intentions, and stamped on a boulder which to this day bears his footprint, and has become a shrine.
Every late May or June, near the beginning of the Rainy Season, two little-known but archaic rituals are held in the environs of Chiang Mai, northern Thailand. These are the related Pu Sae and Ya Sae ceremonies, which are believed to pre-date the introduction of Buddhism to Northern Thailand. The traditions which they encompass similarly pre-date Thai and even Mon settlement in the area, and are associated with the Lawa, the earliest-known inhabitants of Chiang Mai.<br/><br/> According to tradition, Pu Sae and Ya Sae are the guardian spirits of Chiang Mai. Together with their son, Sudeva Rikshi, they wander the slopes of Doi Suthep (Suthep Mountain), where they are attended by six lesser spirits. Although they are now thought of as 'giants', in their lifetimes Pu Sae and Ya Sae were almost certainly Lawa, the indigenous inhabitants of the region before the establishment of the Mon Kingdom of Haripunjaya (Lamphun), and whilst the Thai still lived mainly in South China.<br/><br/> Legend has it that Pu Sae, Ya Sae and their son were cannibals, who took great delight in human flesh. Once, when the Buddha was travelling in these regions, he passed through the area inhabited by the three cannibals. The fierce family followed his trail, intending to make a meal of him. Whilst meditating at Ban Panghai, Tambon Saluang, Mae Rim, the Buddha became aware of their intentions, and stamped on a boulder which to this day bears his footprint, and has become a shrine.
Every late May or June, near the beginning of the Rainy Season, two little-known but archaic rituals are held in the environs of Chiang Mai, northern Thailand. These are the related Pu Sae and Ya Sae ceremonies, which are believed to pre-date the introduction of Buddhism to Northern Thailand. The traditions which they encompass similarly pre-date Thai and even Mon settlement in the area, and are associated with the Lawa, the earliest-known inhabitants of Chiang Mai.<br/><br/> According to tradition, Pu Sae and Ya Sae are the guardian spirits of Chiang Mai. Together with their son, Sudeva Rikshi, they wander the slopes of Doi Suthep (Suthep Mountain), where they are attended by six lesser spirits. Although they are now thought of as 'giants', in their lifetimes Pu Sae and Ya Sae were almost certainly Lawa, the indigenous inhabitants of the region before the establishment of the Mon Kingdom of Haripunjaya (Lamphun), and whilst the Thai still lived mainly in South China.<br/><br/> Legend has it that Pu Sae, Ya Sae and their son were cannibals, who took great delight in human flesh. Once, when the Buddha was travelling in these regions, he passed through the area inhabited by the three cannibals. The fierce family followed his trail, intending to make a meal of him. Whilst meditating at Ban Panghai, Tambon Saluang, Mae Rim, the Buddha became aware of their intentions, and stamped on a boulder which to this day bears his footprint, and has become a shrine.
Every late May or June, near the beginning of the Rainy Season, two little-known but archaic rituals are held in the environs of Chiang Mai, northern Thailand. These are the related Pu Sae and Ya Sae ceremonies, which are believed to pre-date the introduction of Buddhism to Northern Thailand. The traditions which they encompass similarly pre-date Thai and even Mon settlement in the area, and are associated with the Lawa, the earliest-known inhabitants of Chiang Mai.<br/><br/> According to tradition, Pu Sae and Ya Sae are the guardian spirits of Chiang Mai. Together with their son, Sudeva Rikshi, they wander the slopes of Doi Suthep (Suthep Mountain), where they are attended by six lesser spirits. Although they are now thought of as 'giants', in their lifetimes Pu Sae and Ya Sae were almost certainly Lawa, the indigenous inhabitants of the region before the establishment of the Mon Kingdom of Haripunjaya (Lamphun), and whilst the Thai still lived mainly in South China.<br/><br/> Legend has it that Pu Sae, Ya Sae and their son were cannibals, who took great delight in human flesh. Once, when the Buddha was travelling in these regions, he passed through the area inhabited by the three cannibals. The fierce family followed his trail, intending to make a meal of him. Whilst meditating at Ban Panghai, Tambon Saluang, Mae Rim, the Buddha became aware of their intentions, and stamped on a boulder which to this day bears his footprint, and has become a shrine.
Every late May or June, near the beginning of the Rainy Season, two little-known but archaic rituals are held in the environs of Chiang Mai, northern Thailand. These are the related Pu Sae and Ya Sae ceremonies, which are believed to pre-date the introduction of Buddhism to Northern Thailand. The traditions which they encompass similarly pre-date Thai and even Mon settlement in the area, and are associated with the Lawa, the earliest-known inhabitants of Chiang Mai.<br/><br/> According to tradition, Pu Sae and Ya Sae are the guardian spirits of Chiang Mai. Together with their son, Sudeva Rikshi, they wander the slopes of Doi Suthep (Suthep Mountain), where they are attended by six lesser spirits. Although they are now thought of as 'giants', in their lifetimes Pu Sae and Ya Sae were almost certainly Lawa, the indigenous inhabitants of the region before the establishment of the Mon Kingdom of Haripunjaya (Lamphun), and whilst the Thai still lived mainly in South China.<br/><br/> Legend has it that Pu Sae, Ya Sae and their son were cannibals, who took great delight in human flesh. Once, when the Buddha was travelling in these regions, he passed through the area inhabited by the three cannibals. The fierce family followed his trail, intending to make a meal of him. Whilst meditating at Ban Panghai, Tambon Saluang, Mae Rim, the Buddha became aware of their intentions, and stamped on a boulder which to this day bears his footprint, and has become a shrine.
Mandalay, a sprawling city of more than 1 million people, was founded in 1857 by King Mindon to coincide with an ancient Buddhist prophecy. It was believed that Gautama Buddha visited the sacred mount of Mandalay Hill with his disciple Ananda, and proclaimed that on the 2,400th anniversary of his death, a metropolis of Buddhist teaching would be founded at the foot of the hill.<br/><br/> The Irrawaddy River or Ayeyarwady River, also spelt Ayeyarwaddy is a river that flows from north to south through Burma (Myanmar). It is the country's largest river and most important commercial waterway.<br/><br/> Originating from the confluence of the N'mai and Mali rivers, it flows relatively straight North-South before emptying through the Irrawaddy Delta into the Andaman Sea. Its drainage area of about 255,081 km² covers a large part of Burma. After Rudyard Kipling's poem, it is sometimes referred to as 'The Road to Mandalay'.
Located in the northeast of the country, Shan State covers one-quarter of Burma’s land mass. It was traditionally separated into principalities and is mostly comprised of ethnic Shan, Burman Pa-O, Intha, Taungyo, Danu, Palaung and Kachin peoples.<br/><br/> The ethnic Tai-Shan people are believed to have migrated from Yunnan in China. The Shan are descendants of the oldest branch of the Tai-Shan, known as ‘Tai Long’ (Great Tai) or ‘Thai Yai’ (Big Thai). The Tai-Shan who migrated to the south and now inhabit modern-day Laos and Thailand are known as ‘Tai Noi’ (Little Tai) or ‘Tai Nyai’.<br/><br/> The Shan have inhabited the Shan Plateau and other parts of modern-day Myanmar as far back as the 10th century CE. The Shan kingdom of Mong Mao (Muang Mao) existed as early as the 10th century CE, but became a Burmese vassal state during the reign of King Anawrahta of Pagan (1044-1077).
The British conquest of Burma began in 1824 in response to a Burmese attempt to invade India. By 1886, and after two further wars, Britain had incorporated the entire country into the British Raj. To stimulate trade and facilitate changes, the British brought in Indians and Chinese, who quickly displaced the Burmese in urban areas. To this day Rangoon and Mandalay have large ethnic Indian populations. Railways and schools were built, as well as a large number of prisons, including the infamous Insein Prison, then as now used for political prisoners.<br/><br/> Burmese resentment was strong and was vented in violent riots that paralysed Rangoon on occasion all the way until the 1930s. Burma was administered as a province of British India until 1937 when it became a separate, self-governing colony. Burma finally gained independence from Britain on January 4, 1948.
The British conquest of Burma began in 1824 in response to a Burmese attempt to invade India. By 1886, and after two further wars, Britain had incorporated the entire country into the British Raj. To stimulate trade and facilitate changes, the British brought in Indians and Chinese, who quickly displaced the Burmese in urban areas. To this day Rangoon and Mandalay have large ethnic Indian populations. Railways and schools were built, as well as a large number of prisons, including the infamous Insein Prison, then as now used for political prisoners.<br/><br/> Burmese resentment was strong and was vented in violent riots that paralysed Rangoon on occasion all the way until the 1930s. Burma was administered as a province of British India until 1937 when it became a separate, self-governing colony. Burma finally gained independence from Britain on January 4, 1948.
Buffalo curd (in Sinhala <i>meekiri</i>, in Hindi <i>dahi</i>) is a traditional type of yogurt prepared from buffalo milk. It is popular throughout south Asian countries such as Bangladesh, India, Pakistan, Sri Lanka, Nepal, etc. Buffalo milk is traditionally better than cow milk due to its higher fat content making a thicker yogurt mass. Mostly clay pots are used as packaging material for Buffalo curd. The naming <i>curd</i> is traditionally used in the Indian subcontinent to refer to yogurt, while another word, <i>paneer</i>, is used to denote curd in the British English word sense.
Buffalo curd (in Sinhala <i>meekiri</i>, in Hindi <i>dahi</i>) is a traditional type of yogurt prepared from buffalo milk. It is popular throughout south Asian countries such as Bangladesh, India, Pakistan, Sri Lanka, Nepal, etc. Buffalo milk is traditionally better than cow milk due to its higher fat content making a thicker yogurt mass. Mostly clay pots are used as packaging material for Buffalo curd. The naming <i>curd</i> is traditionally used in the Indian subcontinent to refer to yogurt, while another word, <i>paneer</i>, is used to denote curd in the British English word sense.
This early 19th- century pencil sketch shows a Javanese ploughman tending to his rice paddy. His plough is pulled by two water buffaloes.<br/><br/> With a population of 136 million, Java is the world's most populous island, and one of the most densely populated regions in the world. It is home to 60% of Indonesia's population. The Indonesian capital city, Jakarta, is in west Java.<br/><br/> Java was the centre of powerful Hindu-Buddhist empires, Islamic sultanates, the core of the colonial Dutch East Indies, and was at the centre of Indonesia's campaign for independence. The island dominates Indonesian social, political and economic life.
This illustration by Louis Delaporte is one of dozens he produced during his two-year venture (1866-68) with the Mekong Exploration Commission sponsored by the French Ministry of the Navy, the intention of which was to lay the groundwork for the expansion of French colonies in Indochina. Traveling the Mekong by boat, the small French delegation voyaged from Saigon to Phnom Penh to Luang Prabang, then farther north into the uncharted waters of Upper Laos and China's Yunnan province, before returning to Hanoi in 1868 by foot, accompanied by porters and elephants.
The Nyahuen or Hyanon are a Mon-Khmer ethnic group of about 5,000 persons who inhabit about 30 villages in Champasak province in southern Laos. The Nyahuen are strongly animist with spirits and shamans being consulted for virtually every decision. The Nyahon believe each person has seven different souls. They especially revere a spirit called 'Brrah'. Other spirits of nature include the spirit of trees, water, rice fields, thunder and mountains. Shamans, or spirit priests, conduct regular ceremonies where they make sacrifices and offer up prayers to protective spirits. Offended spirits are identified by a ritual involving rice and the organs of a chicken. Special ceremonies are held in the event of a natural disaster or epidemic.
Almost exactly twice the size of Portugal and with a similar population, Cambodia is a relatively flat, low-lying land. It is situated at the heart of Indochina and has a total area of just over 180,000sq km (69,500sq miles). It shares land borders with Thailand to the north and west, Laos to the northeast and Vietnam to the east and southeast.<br/><br/> Cambodia has a 443km (277 miles) coastline on the Gulf of Thailand in the southwest. The country is divided for administrative purposes into 23 provinces including Phnom Penh. The capital, Phnom Penh, is located in the southeast.
Laozi (Lao Tzu, c. 6th century BCE) was a mystic philosopher of ancient China. His association with the Daodejing (Tao Te Ching) has led him to be traditionally considered the founder of Taoism (also spelled 'Daoism'). He is also revered as a deity in most religious forms of the Taoist religion, which often refers to Laozi as Taishang Laojun, or 'One of the Three Pure Ones'. Laozi translated literally from Chinese means 'old master' or 'old one', and is generally considered honorific.
During the reigns of King Mongkut, King Rama IV (1851—68) and King Chulalongkorn, Rama V (1868—1910), the vast majority of Siamese were rice farmers who employed simple methods and rudimentary tools to work the fields. Nevertheless, harvests were bountiful due to the climate and fertile soil, and many farmers were able to produce three harvests per year. Prior to the kings' modernisation drive, Siam's farmers had to give one-quarter of their rice harvest to the king as tax. To ensure the entire population was well fed, Siam had a law that only when three year's supply of rice was stocked, would the country export the product. Similar state monopolies existed for other foods.
Angkor Wat was built for King Suryavarman II (ruled 1113-50) in the early 12th century as his state temple and capital city. As the best-preserved temple at the Angkor site, it is the only one to have remained a significant religious centre since its foundation – first Hindu, dedicated to the god Vishnu, then Buddhist.<br/><br/> Angkor Wat combines two basic plans of Khmer temple architecture: the temple mountain and the later galleried temple, based on early South Indian Hindu architecture. It is designed to represent Mount Meru, home of the devas in Hindu mythology: within a moat and an outer wall 3.6 km long are three rectangular galleries, each raised above the next. At the centre of the temple stands a quincunx of towers.<br/><br/> Angkor Wat is the world's largest religious building. The temple provides the perfect legacy for classical Khmer architecture. It has become a symbol of Cambodia, appearing on its national flag, and it is the country's prime attraction for visitors.
The Goddess Durga, fighting Mahishasura, the buffalo-demon (Hindu Mythology). In the clouds the Devas or celestial beings are seen watching the event. The story is recorded in the Devi Mahatmya and the Devi Bhagavata and is the background for Durgapuja, the annual Hindu festival each autumn.<br/><br/> In Hinduism, Durga is a form of Devi, the supremely radiant goddess, depicted as having eight arms, riding a lion or a tiger, carrying weapons and a lotus flower, maintaining a meditative smile, and practicing mudras, or symbolic hand gestures.<br/><br/> An embodiment of creative feminine force (Shakti), Durga exists in a state of svātantrya (independence from the universe and anything/anybody else) and fierce compassion. Kali is considered by Hindus to be an aspect of Durga. She is thus considered the fiercer, demon-fighting form of Shiva's wife, goddess Parvati. Durga manifests fearlessness and patience, and never loses her sense of humour, even during spiritual battles of epic proportion.<br/><br/> At the Durga Puja festival, Durga is celebrated as the mother of Ganesha, Kartikeya, Lakshmi and Saraswati.
The small but historic town of Hoi An is located on the Thu Bon River 30km (18 miles) south of Danang. During the time of the Nguyen Lords (1558 - 1777) and even under the first Nguyen Emperors, Hoi An - then known as Faifo - was an important port, visited regularly by shipping from Europe and all over the East.<br/><br/> By the late 19th Century the silting up of the Thu Bon River and the development of nearby Danang had combined to make Hoi An into a backwater. This obscurity saved the town from serious fighting during the wars with France and the USA, so that at the time of reunification in 1975 it was a forgotten and impoverished fishing port lost in a time warp.
Ko Sukorn is home to around 2,500 Thai Muslims, mainly fishing families, but also farmers growing coconuts, rice and rubber in the island’s fertile interior.<br/><br/> Trang province was dependent on tin mining until the first rubber seedlings were brought into Thailand around 1901 – part of a long journey from South America via the neighboring Malay States.<br/><br/> Rubber, palm oil and fishing are the mainstays of the province's economy. Tourism is making an increasing impact as Trang’s Anadaman Coast and islands are increasingly developed and popularized.
Ko Sukorn is home to around 2,500 Thai Muslims, mainly fishing families, but also farmers growing coconuts, rice and rubber in the island’s fertile interior.<br/><br/> Trang province was dependent on tin mining until the first rubber seedlings were brought into Thailand around 1901 – part of a long journey from South America via the neighboring Malay States.<br/><br/> Rubber, palm oil and fishing are the mainstays of the province's economy. Tourism is making an increasing impact as Trang’s Anadaman Coast and islands are increasingly developed and popularized.
The Samui Archipelago was first ‘discovered’ as a budget traveler’s paradise back in the 1970s, but has since moved considerably upmarket. Together with Phuket, the main island of the group, Ko Samui, is Thailand’s premier beach resort, and is truly a lovely island.<br/><br/> The chief seaside destinations are Chaweng Beach on the island’s east coast and Lamai on the south coast. The island is ringed by a well-maintained metalled road, and the hilly interior is simply packed with more coconut trees than it seems possible to imagine.
Wat Saket Ratcha Wora Maha Wihan (usually Wat Saket) dates back to the Ayutthaya era, when it was called Wat Sakae. King Rama I (1736 - 1809) or Buddha Yodfa Chulaloke renovated the temple and renamed it Wat Saket. The Golden Mount (Phu Khao Thong) is a steep hill inside the Wat Saket compound. It is not a natural outcrop, but an artificial hill built during the reign of Rama III (1787 - 1851) or King Jessadabodindra.
Dong Ho painting (Vietnamese: Tranh Đông Hồ or Tranh làng Hồ), full name Dong Ho folk woodcut painting (Tranh khắc gỗ dân gian Đông Hồ) is a genre of Vietnamese woodcut paintings originating from Dong Ho village (làng Đông Hồ) in Bac Ninh Province, Vietnam.<br/><br/> Using the traditional điệp paper and colours derived from nature, craftsmen print Dong Ho pictures of different themes from good luck wishes, historical figures to everyday activities and folk allegories. In the past, Dong Ho painting was an essential element of the Tết holiday in Vietnam.
Every late May or June, near the beginning of the Rainy Season, two little-known but archaic rituals are held in the environs of Chiang Mai, northern Thailand. These are the related Pu Sae and Ya Sae ceremonies, which are believed to pre-date the introduction of Buddhism to Northern Thailand. The traditions which they encompass similarly pre-date Thai and even Mon settlement in the area, and are associated with the Lawa, the earliest-known inhabitants of Chiang Mai.<br/><br/> According to tradition, Pu Sae and Ya Sae are the guardian spirits of Chiang Mai. Together with their son, Sudeva Rikshi, they wander the slopes of Doi Suthep (Suthep Mountain), where they are attended by six lesser spirits. Although they are now thought of as 'giants', in their lifetimes Pu Sae and Ya Sae were almost certainly Lawa, the indigenous inhabitants of the region before the establishment of the Mon Kingdom of Haripunjaya (Lamphun), and whilst the Thai still lived mainly in South China.<br/><br/> Legend has it that Pu Sae, Ya Sae and their son were cannibals, who took great delight in human flesh. Once, when the Buddha was travelling in these regions, he passed through the area inhabited by the three cannibals. The fierce family followed his trail, intending to make a meal of him. Whilst meditating at Ban Panghai, Tambon Saluang, Mae Rim, the Buddha became aware of their intentions, and stamped on a boulder which to this day bears his footprint, and has become a shrine.
Every late May or June, near the beginning of the Rainy Season, two little-known but archaic rituals are held in the environs of Chiang Mai, northern Thailand. These are the related Pu Sae and Ya Sae ceremonies, which are believed to pre-date the introduction of Buddhism to Northern Thailand. The traditions which they encompass similarly pre-date Thai and even Mon settlement in the area, and are associated with the Lawa, the earliest-known inhabitants of Chiang Mai.<br/><br/> According to tradition, Pu Sae and Ya Sae are the guardian spirits of Chiang Mai. Together with their son, Sudeva Rikshi, they wander the slopes of Doi Suthep (Suthep Mountain), where they are attended by six lesser spirits. Although they are now thought of as 'giants', in their lifetimes Pu Sae and Ya Sae were almost certainly Lawa, the indigenous inhabitants of the region before the establishment of the Mon Kingdom of Haripunjaya (Lamphun), and whilst the Thai still lived mainly in South China.<br/><br/> Legend has it that Pu Sae, Ya Sae and their son were cannibals, who took great delight in human flesh. Once, when the Buddha was travelling in these regions, he passed through the area inhabited by the three cannibals. The fierce family followed his trail, intending to make a meal of him. Whilst meditating at Ban Panghai, Tambon Saluang, Mae Rim, the Buddha became aware of their intentions, and stamped on a boulder which to this day bears his footprint, and has become a shrine.
Every late May or June, near the beginning of the Rainy Season, two little-known but archaic rituals are held in the environs of Chiang Mai, northern Thailand. These are the related Pu Sae and Ya Sae ceremonies, which are believed to pre-date the introduction of Buddhism to Northern Thailand. The traditions which they encompass similarly pre-date Thai and even Mon settlement in the area, and are associated with the Lawa, the earliest-known inhabitants of Chiang Mai.<br/><br/> According to tradition, Pu Sae and Ya Sae are the guardian spirits of Chiang Mai. Together with their son, Sudeva Rikshi, they wander the slopes of Doi Suthep (Suthep Mountain), where they are attended by six lesser spirits. Although they are now thought of as 'giants', in their lifetimes Pu Sae and Ya Sae were almost certainly Lawa, the indigenous inhabitants of the region before the establishment of the Mon Kingdom of Haripunjaya (Lamphun), and whilst the Thai still lived mainly in South China.<br/><br/> Legend has it that Pu Sae, Ya Sae and their son were cannibals, who took great delight in human flesh. Once, when the Buddha was travelling in these regions, he passed through the area inhabited by the three cannibals. The fierce family followed his trail, intending to make a meal of him. Whilst meditating at Ban Panghai, Tambon Saluang, Mae Rim, the Buddha became aware of their intentions, and stamped on a boulder which to this day bears his footprint, and has become a shrine.
Every late May or June, near the beginning of the Rainy Season, two little-known but archaic rituals are held in the environs of Chiang Mai, northern Thailand. These are the related Pu Sae and Ya Sae ceremonies, which are believed to pre-date the introduction of Buddhism to Northern Thailand. The traditions which they encompass similarly pre-date Thai and even Mon settlement in the area, and are associated with the Lawa, the earliest-known inhabitants of Chiang Mai.<br/><br/> According to tradition, Pu Sae and Ya Sae are the guardian spirits of Chiang Mai. Together with their son, Sudeva Rikshi, they wander the slopes of Doi Suthep (Suthep Mountain), where they are attended by six lesser spirits. Although they are now thought of as 'giants', in their lifetimes Pu Sae and Ya Sae were almost certainly Lawa, the indigenous inhabitants of the region before the establishment of the Mon Kingdom of Haripunjaya (Lamphun), and whilst the Thai still lived mainly in South China.<br/><br/> Legend has it that Pu Sae, Ya Sae and their son were cannibals, who took great delight in human flesh. Once, when the Buddha was travelling in these regions, he passed through the area inhabited by the three cannibals. The fierce family followed his trail, intending to make a meal of him. Whilst meditating at Ban Panghai, Tambon Saluang, Mae Rim, the Buddha became aware of their intentions, and stamped on a boulder which to this day bears his footprint, and has become a shrine.
Every late May or June, near the beginning of the Rainy Season, two little-known but archaic rituals are held in the environs of Chiang Mai, northern Thailand. These are the related Pu Sae and Ya Sae ceremonies, which are believed to pre-date the introduction of Buddhism to Northern Thailand. The traditions which they encompass similarly pre-date Thai and even Mon settlement in the area, and are associated with the Lawa, the earliest-known inhabitants of Chiang Mai.<br/><br/> According to tradition, Pu Sae and Ya Sae are the guardian spirits of Chiang Mai. Together with their son, Sudeva Rikshi, they wander the slopes of Doi Suthep (Suthep Mountain), where they are attended by six lesser spirits. Although they are now thought of as 'giants', in their lifetimes Pu Sae and Ya Sae were almost certainly Lawa, the indigenous inhabitants of the region before the establishment of the Mon Kingdom of Haripunjaya (Lamphun), and whilst the Thai still lived mainly in South China.<br/><br/> Legend has it that Pu Sae, Ya Sae and their son were cannibals, who took great delight in human flesh. Once, when the Buddha was travelling in these regions, he passed through the area inhabited by the three cannibals. The fierce family followed his trail, intending to make a meal of him. Whilst meditating at Ban Panghai, Tambon Saluang, Mae Rim, the Buddha became aware of their intentions, and stamped on a boulder which to this day bears his footprint, and has become a shrine.
Every late May or June, near the beginning of the Rainy Season, two little-known but archaic rituals are held in the environs of Chiang Mai, northern Thailand. These are the related Pu Sae and Ya Sae ceremonies, which are believed to pre-date the introduction of Buddhism to Northern Thailand. The traditions which they encompass similarly pre-date Thai and even Mon settlement in the area, and are associated with the Lawa, the earliest-known inhabitants of Chiang Mai.<br/><br/> According to tradition, Pu Sae and Ya Sae are the guardian spirits of Chiang Mai. Together with their son, Sudeva Rikshi, they wander the slopes of Doi Suthep (Suthep Mountain), where they are attended by six lesser spirits. Although they are now thought of as 'giants', in their lifetimes Pu Sae and Ya Sae were almost certainly Lawa, the indigenous inhabitants of the region before the establishment of the Mon Kingdom of Haripunjaya (Lamphun), and whilst the Thai still lived mainly in South China.<br/><br/> Legend has it that Pu Sae, Ya Sae and their son were cannibals, who took great delight in human flesh. Once, when the Buddha was travelling in these regions, he passed through the area inhabited by the three cannibals. The fierce family followed his trail, intending to make a meal of him. Whilst meditating at Ban Panghai, Tambon Saluang, Mae Rim, the Buddha became aware of their intentions, and stamped on a boulder which to this day bears his footprint, and has become a shrine.
Every late May or June, near the beginning of the Rainy Season, two little-known but archaic rituals are held in the environs of Chiang Mai, northern Thailand. These are the related Pu Sae and Ya Sae ceremonies, which are believed to pre-date the introduction of Buddhism to Northern Thailand. The traditions which they encompass similarly pre-date Thai and even Mon settlement in the area, and are associated with the Lawa, the earliest-known inhabitants of Chiang Mai.<br/><br/> According to tradition, Pu Sae and Ya Sae are the guardian spirits of Chiang Mai. Together with their son, Sudeva Rikshi, they wander the slopes of Doi Suthep (Suthep Mountain), where they are attended by six lesser spirits. Although they are now thought of as 'giants', in their lifetimes Pu Sae and Ya Sae were almost certainly Lawa, the indigenous inhabitants of the region before the establishment of the Mon Kingdom of Haripunjaya (Lamphun), and whilst the Thai still lived mainly in South China.<br/><br/> Legend has it that Pu Sae, Ya Sae and their son were cannibals, who took great delight in human flesh. Once, when the Buddha was travelling in these regions, he passed through the area inhabited by the three cannibals. The fierce family followed his trail, intending to make a meal of him. Whilst meditating at Ban Panghai, Tambon Saluang, Mae Rim, the Buddha became aware of their intentions, and stamped on a boulder which to this day bears his footprint, and has become a shrine.
Every late May or June, near the beginning of the Rainy Season, two little-known but archaic rituals are held in the environs of Chiang Mai, northern Thailand. These are the related Pu Sae and Ya Sae ceremonies, which are believed to pre-date the introduction of Buddhism to Northern Thailand. The traditions which they encompass similarly pre-date Thai and even Mon settlement in the area, and are associated with the Lawa, the earliest-known inhabitants of Chiang Mai.<br/><br/> According to tradition, Pu Sae and Ya Sae are the guardian spirits of Chiang Mai. Together with their son, Sudeva Rikshi, they wander the slopes of Doi Suthep (Suthep Mountain), where they are attended by six lesser spirits. Although they are now thought of as 'giants', in their lifetimes Pu Sae and Ya Sae were almost certainly Lawa, the indigenous inhabitants of the region before the establishment of the Mon Kingdom of Haripunjaya (Lamphun), and whilst the Thai still lived mainly in South China.<br/><br/> Legend has it that Pu Sae, Ya Sae and their son were cannibals, who took great delight in human flesh. Once, when the Buddha was travelling in these regions, he passed through the area inhabited by the three cannibals. The fierce family followed his trail, intending to make a meal of him. Whilst meditating at Ban Panghai, Tambon Saluang, Mae Rim, the Buddha became aware of their intentions, and stamped on a boulder which to this day bears his footprint, and has become a shrine.
The water buffalo or domestic Asian water buffalo (Bubalus bubalis) is a large bovine animal, frequently used as livestock in southern Asia, and also widely in South America, southern Europe, north Africa, and elsewhere. Buffalo are used as draft, meat, and dairy animals. Their dung is used as a fertilizer and as a fuel when dried. In Chonburi, Thailand, Pakistan and in southwestern region of Karnataka, India, there are annual water buffalo races known as Kambala.
The water buffalo or domestic Asian water buffalo (Bubalus bubalis) is a large bovine animal, frequently used as livestock in southern Asia, and also widely in South America, southern Europe, north Africa, and elsewhere. Buffalo are used as draft, meat, and dairy animals. Their dung is used as a fertilizer and as a fuel when dried. In Chonburi, Thailand, Pakistan and in southwestern region of Karnataka, India, there are annual water buffalo races known as Kambala.
The water buffalo or domestic Asian water buffalo (Bubalus bubalis) is a large bovine animal, frequently used as livestock in southern Asia, and also widely in South America, southern Europe, north Africa, and elsewhere. Buffalo are used as draft, meat, and dairy animals. Their dung is used as a fertilizer and as a fuel when dried. In Chonburi, Thailand, Pakistan and in southwestern region of Karnataka, India, there are annual water buffalo races known as Kambala.
The Miao are a linguistically and culturally related group of people recognized by the government of the People's Republic of China as one of the 55 official minority groups.<br/><br/> Miao is a Chinese term and does not reflect the self-designations of the component sub-groups, which include (with some variant spellings) Hmong, Hmu, A Hmao, and Kho (Qho) Xiong. The Miao live primarily in southern China, in the provinces of Guizhou, Hunan, Yunnan, Sichuan, Guangxi, Hainan, Guangdong, and Hubei.<br/><br/> Some members of the Miao sub-groups, most notably Hmong people, have migrated out of China into Southeast Asia (northern Vietnam, Laos, Myanmar (Burma) and Thailand). Following the communist takeover of Laos in 1975, a large group of Hmong refugees resettled in several Western nations (United States, France, Australia, and elsewhere.)
The Miao are a linguistically and culturally related group of people recognized by the government of the People's Republic of China as one of the 55 official minority groups.<br/><br/> Miao is a Chinese term and does not reflect the self-designations of the component sub-groups, which include (with some variant spellings) Hmong, Hmu, A Hmao, and Kho (Qho) Xiong. The Miao live primarily in southern China, in the provinces of Guizhou, Hunan, Yunnan, Sichuan, Guangxi, Hainan, Guangdong, and Hubei.<br/><br/> Some members of the Miao sub-groups, most notably Hmong people, have migrated out of China into Southeast Asia (northern Vietnam, Laos, Myanmar (Burma) and Thailand). Following the communist takeover of Laos in 1975, a large group of Hmong refugees resettled in several Western nations (United States, France, Australia, and elsewhere.)
Fenghuang is Chinese for Phoenix and refers to the mythical sacred firebird that can be found in the mythologies of the Persians, Greeks, Romans, Egyptians, Chinese, and (according to Sanchuniathon) the Phoenicians.<br/><br/> Legend suggests that two phoenixes on discovering the town hovered overhead for some considerable time before reluctantly flying away.<br/><br/> Fenghuang town is a well-preserved ancient town supposedly dating back to 248 BC. It is home to the Miao and Tujia minorities. The distinctive architecture includes Ming and Qing styles.
'Buffalo Soldiers' originally were members of the 10th Cavalry Regiment of the United States Army, formed on September 21, 1866 at Fort Leavenworth, Kansas.<br/><br/> This nickname was given to the 'Negro Cavalry' by the Native American tribes they fought in the Indian Wars. The term eventually became synonymous with all of the African American regiments formed in 1866.
Laozi (Lao Tzu, c. 6th century BCE) was a mystic philosopher of ancient China. His association with the Daodejing (Tao Te Ching) has led him to be traditionally considered the founder of Taoism (also spelled 'Daoism').<br/><br/> He is also revered as a deity in most religious forms of the Taoist religion, which often refers to Laozi as Taishang Laojun, or 'One of the Three Pure Ones'. Laozi translated literally from Chinese means 'old master' or 'old one', and is generally considered honorific.