The Bow of Thanks (Kadaw)
A free Mid-Autumn Festival coloring page. US Letter, portrait, ready to print.
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From the story “The Bow of Thanks (Kadaw)” in Once Upon a Mid-Autumn Moon in Myanmar — eleven bedtime tales for ages 4–10, each with a word search and a coloring page of its own.
Saying sorry out loud
On the last night of Thadingyut, Min Min's family gathers in a lamplit room and the children kneel before their grandparents, parents and old teacher. Min Min is carrying something heavy: days earlier he snapped at his grandmother that she was too slow, and the sorry has stuck in his throat. When his turn comes, he says it, and she tells him it was forgiven the moment he spoke.
You will find children kneeling, palms pressed, before grandparents and an old teacher, with oil lamps everywhere and the full moon through the window.
What kadaw means
Kadaw is to pay respect, give thanks and, if needed, ask forgiveness. Children and grown-ups alike kneel, press their palms together and bow low to parents, grandparents and teachers. It is Myanmar's way of keeping love and respect strong between young and old.
About saying sorry
- Why is sorry so hard to say sometimes?
- Min Min's sorry sat like a heavy stone in his chest. What changed once he said it?
- Who has taught you something this year? How could you thank them?
A thank-you card
After coloring, fold a sheet of paper so the child can draw a thank-you card for someone who looks after them, saying the words while you write.