For hundreds of years, women in Myanmar’s Kayah area have worn bronze rings around their necks. The rings are a traditional symbol of beauty. They also extend the necks of the women, making them very long. But now, younger Kayan women are turning away from the tradition of their ancestors. Mu Tu is one of the few women who knows how to make the traditional rings and put them on. She is 48 years old. She says, "The shorter sets are easier to make, everyone has their own preference. So if someone doesn't like what you've put on, you have to take it off and start over." Maria Khaing has been wearing rings on her neck, wrists and knees since she was eight-years-old. She is now 83. She said, “My dad told me I looked like a boy. He said, 'so I will buy you a gun to hunt as a man'. But I said, 'every girl is wearing the rings, so I want to wear the rings too'." Maria never removes the rings, even when cooking, eating or working.

What does tradition mean?
to be a hard worker
the transmission of customs or beliefs from generation to generation
to exchange money
the belief in a god or higher power
The rings extend the what of the women?
necks
arms
earlobes
fingers
Maria never removes the rings, even when cooking, eating or working.
always
sometimes
rarely
never