Divorce is easy and open to each sex on the same terms. Most of the petty trade is carried on by women in bazaars and markets. "Women take part in all agricultural operations; they sow, transplant, reap, carry sheaves, thresh, winnow, and in exceptional cases even plough and cut weeds[1]." As they may not enter monastic schools, all women do not receive elementary education. But more are literate than among most other eastern races. Now that
Fig. 50. Monks.
representative institutions are to be established, it is understood that women will have the vote from the outset. They are as well qualified as men to enjoy this privilege. Burmese women commit practically no serious crimes. Their moral standard is high.
In religion, Burmans are strict Buddhists, though many traces of animism survive. Every village has its pagoda, its monastery (kyaung), its rest house (zayat) for travellers and pilgrims. The monastic Order is elaborately organized.
- ↑ Myaungmya Settlement Report.
