Nat

Na(t): god-like spirits venerated in Myanmar and Burmese communities abroad.

In association with official Buddhism, nasen (နတ်စိမ်း) are humans revered after their death, in particular the 37 Great Nats represented at the Shwezigon Pagoda, completed in 1102 after the instructions of Pagan King Anawrahta (r. 1044–1077).

Nats are also local guardian spirits of springs, trees, villages, mountains like the famous Mt Popa's guardian spirits) who are worshipped at small shrines and during nat pwè, yearly festivals including puppet and theater performances, village dances and shamanic rites performed by the nat kadaw နတ်ကတော်, lit. "consort of the Nat", a role traditionally passed from mother to daughter and, since the end of the 20th century, often impersonated by transgender women.

Much like the Neak-Ta in Cambodia, Nats are ubiquitous in Burmese daily life, especially in the villages. The all-night festivals of zat pwè, combining music, song, dance, drama, and comedy, are now popular in cities.