My earliest memories have always been about community. Whether it was a group of refugees gathered around to share a meal in the refugee camp or as we celebrate Burmese/Mon culture, here in America at our temple we built from the ground up. With the idea we have all overcame something and here is the growth, revival, and prosperity we have now has always been the core of our culture. I've grown up in the U.S for most of my life and even though I've grown up thousands of miles away from Myanmar, it is my community and family that keeps us connected to our culture.  

Today, I would like to share about Thingyan, also known as the Burmese Water Festival. This celebration happens every April and involves throwing water at each other. We come together to celebrate, dance away, pray, and reflect on the former year so we can renew. But Thingyan to us is more than just splashing water, praying, or traditional dances that took weeks to learn. It's joyful and a symbolic way of washing away the old year's bad luck and starting fresh. As refugees, we understand the importance of being able to start over and to live our life to the fullest. This tradition has roots in all our lives in different ways. As a young girl, I remember watching videos of people in Myanmar celebrating Thingyan, every street full of laughter and joy. Here in America, we celebrate in smaller ways but every year it gets bigger and better than the last.  

Even though we are miles away, I am so happy to celebrate a piece of my culture and to feel connected to a big piece of home. 

Written by Thin Y, CYI Engage president ('24-'25)