Salwe

Salwe on Mindon Min's shirt

Salwe (Burmese: စလွယ်, [səlwɛ̀]) are issues for Burmese orders. A salwe is a shoulder-belt formed with metal chains, normally fashioned in gold or silver, which are fastened in four places, in shields or bosses, and worn over the shoulder like an officer's sash.^[1]

The Burmese monarchy used the salwe was purely secular, as it was used to recognize merit and service to the state.^[1]

Etymology and origins

The Burmese language word salwe စလွယ် is a corruption of the Hindi term janeu (जनेऊ).^[2] Janeu (also known as upanayana) in Hindi, refers to a sacred investiture or Brahminical cord found in the higher castes of Hindu society.^[3]

It is of ancient Burmese origin.^[1] The salwe is referenced in the Salwedin Sadan (Book of the Order), a Burmese text that states the number of salwe cords that members of each of the four Hindu varnas wore:

1. Rulers (Khattiya) - 9 cords^[1]
2. Ritualists (Brahmana) - 6 cords^[1]
3. Merchants (Vessa) - 1-3 cords^[1]
4. Commoners (Sudda) - none^[1]

Usage

The number of strands or threads indicate rank in the order.^[1] The salwe was worn as a symbol of high character, to maintain the purity of character of one's family or caste.^[1]

During the Konbaung Dynasty, high-ranking ministers with immunity from various forms of execution (thetdawshay) also wore salwe of 18 strands.^[1] The following is a list of Konbaung-era grades and corresponding number of salwe strands conferred:

Current usage

The following salwes are currently issued by the Government of Burma:

• Pyidaungsu Sithu Thingaha
• Thiri Thudhamma Thingaha

Notes

References