Zedis and Pahtos
Myanmar, © 26.Dec.2002 kN (all photos © gM)
Rows and rows of zedis and pahtos
Rows and rows of zedis and pahtos
89% of the people who live in Myanmar are Buddhist. Buddhism is a type of religion which was founded by Buddha 2500 years ago. There are 2 kinds of Buddhist buildings all over Myanmar. Can you see the difference between these 2 kinds of buildings below?

Zedi
Pahto

The building on the left is a zedi. The building on the right is a pahto.

Zedi
Zedi
Zedi
A zedi is in the shape of a bell. It is solid, meaning you cannot go inside. A relic of Buddha, which could be a small piece of very old hair, teeth, or bone from Buddha is buried inside the zedi. The zedi is important because it represents or is a symbol of Buddha, and it is a reminder to pray to Buddha.

A pahto is in the shape of a rectangular prism. It is hollow, meaning you can go inside. The pahto is important because it is a place to go to pray to Buddha.

   
Pahto
Hallway
Buddha statue

Inside a pahto, there is usually 1 hallway on each of the 4 sides of the building.

In each hallway, there is usually a large statue of Buddha.

Pahto

Praying in the morning
Praying at night
In the Buddhist religion, there is no special day of the week to visit the zedi or pahto. People come to pray on any day at any time from morning until night. Around a zedi and in a pahto, people take off their shoes and walk barefoot. People sit on the floor to pray. Sometimes, people pray silently, sometimes, people pray quietly outloud.