The Four White Umbrellas: The Burmese Creation of Kingship
According to Burmese mythology, the institution of kingship began in the earliest age of the world when human society descended into chaos and conflict after losing its primordial harmony. The people, suffering from theft, violence, and disorder, gathered together and elected the most virtuous and handsome man among them to be their ruler. They named him Mahasamrat (the Great Elected One), and as symbols of his authority, they offered him four white umbrellas — one for each cardinal direction. The white umbrella (hti) became the supreme symbol of Burmese kingship and sovereignty. Mahasamrat es