The 37 official Nat spirits of Burma (Myanmar) are honored throughout the year, but December sees concentrated worship at Mount Popa and major Nat shrines. The Nats are spirits of humans who died violent or unjust deaths and were elevated to guardianship roles. Nat kadaw (spirit wives/mediums) channel the Nats through dance and trance. The tradition predates Buddhism in Burma by centuries.
Southeast Asian · December 5