At a Nat-Pwe offerings are displayed on tables situated at the foot of each of the statues. There will be bunches of bananas, the quantity depending on the Nat’s rank, on the symbolic numbers for that particular figure: the five jewels for Lord Buddha, the seven numbers of the Mahargiri family, the four Queen Mothers, nine hands for Koe Myo Shin, or just two bunches for the more modest Lords.
Bunches of flowers are tactfully arranged out of consideration for the dislikes or delights of each Nat: no frangipani (sagawa) leaves for Mahagiri, who was burnt alive under that tree, but abundant gladioli and sweet smelling jasmine for the Royal Mother of Popa, a flower eating ogress. The required things of each nat, like swords or fans, which are required in the performance of its dance are kept in the wings. Each morning dishes of food will be laid out on the tables together with cigarettes perfumes, Mandalay Rum and Whisky-gifts from the donor or his guests. It is easy to understand the Burmese liking for the whisky brand “White Horse” with its obvious association with Myin Phyu Shin.
