COERR Mae Sarieng promoted the Cultural Preservation in Traditional Clothing On March 15, 2021, the women group, numbering 30, gathered to share their knowledge and interest in Karen traditional clothing focusing on embroidery and design of their blouse, skirt, sarong, etc. and weaving, which had been created since the time of their ancestors and continued to present. As many of them came from different townships, the beautiful designs appeared in fabric, weaving, colors, materials, and pattern, reflecting the diversity of Karen unique, were discussed.

   In addition to COERR Mae Sarieng’s Cultural Preservation in Traditional Clothing, COERR Mae Sot promoted the cultural preservation in two traditional food recipes: Rice with Perilla Seed in Ban Nupo and Ta Ka Paw Rice Curry in Ban Mae La Temporary Shelter in Tak Province’s Umpang and Tha Song Yang Districts, respectively.

   Karen traditional food recipe reflected their living style which were based on highland geographical condition and local wisdom how food was created. In the former time, Karen people cooked rice and mixed with perilla seed and spices and wrapped in leaf. Such food could be taken along with them when they travelled long distances or worked in the farm where they could not cook. Rice with Perilla Seed was also used in important cultural rituals such as Karen wrist tying ceremony.

   Ta Ka Paw Rice Curry had come from the local wisdom of the farmers who added several vegetables, meat and ingredients in their rice so that the meal was enough to feed everyone in the family. Ta Ka Paw Rice Curry was also served in the Karen “Eating New Rice” ritual in the Karen New Rice Virtue Tradition.

   COERR had the elderly explained about history and lifestyle and how to make these ingredients while youth learned how to cook these recipes, as to strengthen their recipe transfer.

   Rice with Perilla Seed cooking class was organized at Nu Pho Temporary Shelter on March 16, 2021 with 38 participants of 29 females and 9 males.

   Ta Ka Paw Rice Curry cooking class as organized at Mae La Temporary Shelter on March 20, 2021, in which 50 youth of 37 females and 13 males participated.

Cultural Preservation “Rice with Perilla Seed” Recipe was organized By COERR in Ban Nupo Temporary Shelter

Cultural Preservation “Ta Ka Paw Rice Curry” Recipe was organized By COERR in Ban Mae La Temporary Shelter