Sadly, the Burmese have lived in a constant state of instability, defense, bitterness, and fear. The thickly forested mountains of Thailand provide valuable lumber for the Burmese, while the fertile valleys support intense rice cultivation. With this process, the fields are cut and burned before any new crops are planted. To help in the fields, cattle and buffalo are raised to draw heavy wooden plows. It is a daily task for a whole Burmese family to go out into the fields to work.
Mothers work with their babies, while the older children accompany their grandparents.
Various types of houses can be found in the Burmese villages. The wealthier people often live in sturdy, mahogany homes that are raised off the ground and have plank floors and tile roofs. Those with lower incomes may live in thatched roof, bamboo houses that have dirt floors. All activities take place on the dirt floors, including eating and sleeping. Therefore, it is extremely impolite to enter a Burmese house wearing shoes.