In the Karen language, “Padong” means someone who wears brass neck – rings. These folk are more widely are know as the long necked Karen hill tribe who call themselves Lae Ke, and prefer others to call them Ka – Yan, having originated from Myanmar’s northern, highland state of Ka – ya. During 1985 – 1986 trading and tourism attractions caused them to relocate their villages to the Thai – Myanmar border area in Mae Hong Son Province where they have beenTheir main attraction to visiting tourists are the numerous brass rings worn around the neck and limbs by Padong women. Originally, it was said that in the olden days only girls born on full – moon Wednesday, and of pure Padong blood, could wear brass rings around the neck. And, if a girl refused to do so, she would be banished from the village and not receive any support. Banished girls were driven to shame and suffered until some of them chose death as a way out. However, these days, Padong girl and women are free to choose whether or not to wear the brass rings.
According to Padong culture, wearing brass neck – rings symbolizes a beautiful form of body adornment. Girls start with their first nine rings as early as five years of age and new sets are substituted every four years on nine separate occasions. The last change occurs when a women is 45 years old.
According to Padong culture, wearing brass neck – rings symbolizes a beautiful form of body adornment. Girls start with their first nine rings as early as five years of age and new sets are substituted every four years on nine separate occasions. The last change occurs when a women is 45 years old.
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