In Union of Burma, there are a lot of tribes living in respective areas. Since 1972, the government tried to make the list of the tribes, but not fully described the cultures and traditions of the tribes each. According to the government document, there are one hundred and thirty five tribes in Burma.
When study about the tribes living in seven States and seven Divisions of Burma, it is seen that they initially came from the North and resettled in Burma. Therefore, they descended from a single big group or a single big tribe though they became different tribes in different areas.
Among the tribes, though other tribes are well known, Pa-oh tribe is less known. It is because only a little account of Pa-oh has been written so far.
Nowadays, Pa-ohs have improved their living standard and their food stuff and daily used objects have changed too into modern ones. But their dress remains unchanged and is the same as their ancestors'. They still much love to speak their native language.
Many Pa-ohs from villages attend Universities, and many passed their high schools and served in the government departments. But they still love to keep their ancient culture and tradition.
Pa-oh’s live throughout lower Burma and Shan State. And Pa-ohs who live in Shan State are second in number to those living in lower Burma. In lower Burma, Pa-ohs live especially throughout Thatung, Pegu, Taungu, Pha-an, and kohkarate areas. Pa-ohs who live in lower Burma no longer wear their traditional dress. They less speak Pa-oh language. Pa-ohs living in Shan State wear black dress and mostly speak Pa-oh language. Pa-ohs are among the tribes who are honest, friendly and lovely to be with.
Passing Shan hills, one can see those who wear black dress along the motor roadsides. They are Pa-ohs or Taungyos, mostly Pa-ohs. Pa-ohs plant thanutpet which is the primary raw material for traditional cigarette called "seipolate". Pa-ohs do farming, gardening and plant orange, coffee, thanutpet, Green tea plant, garlic, wheat, groundnut and potato.
A nation or in a smaller scale, a certain people's development depends on environmental factors such as its background, tradition, religion, geographical feature, climate and natural resources.
Therefore, for the development of pa-oh, Pa-oh people must know about Pa-oh. At the same time, for the unity of the tribes living in the same land and feeding on the same sort of food of mother land, each tribe should know one another. This is the aim which this book is written for.
Being a Pa-oh, the author had a burning desire to write about Pa-oh's culture and tradition. Thus, the author, with the utmost effort, gathered every source regarding Pa-oh people and included them all here in this book.
