Birman Legend
The Birman cat is believed to have originated in Burma, where it was considered sacred, the companion cat of the Kittah priests. There is a legend as to how the Birmans developed the colors they are today: “Originally, the guardians of the Temple of LaoTsun were yellow-eyed white cats with long hair. The golden goddess of the temple, Tsun-Kyan-Kse, had deep blue eyes. The head priest, Mun-Ha, had as his companion a beautiful cat named Sinh. One day the temple was attacked and Mun-Ha was killed. At the moment of his death, Sinh placed his feet on his master and faced the goddess. The cat’s white fur took on a golden cast, his eyes turned as blue as the eyes of the goddess, and his face, legs and tail became the color of earth. However, his paws, where they touched the priest, remained white as a symbol of purity. All the other temple cats became similarly colored. Seven days later, Sinh died, taking the soul of Mun-Ha to paradise.”
The modern history of the Birman is almost as shrouded in mystery as its legendary origin. In 1919, a pair of Birman cats were sent to France. Unfortunately, the male died in transit. The female, already pregnant, survived and began the pedigree Birman breed in Europe. From this small foundation the Birman was established in the western world.
The French recognized the Scare de Birmanie in 1925. Loss of breeding animals during World War II led to a program of outcrosses for several years after the war. To be recognized as Birman, most registries require at least five generations after the out crossings. Birmans were recognized for championship in England in 1966 and by the Cat Fancier’s Association (CFA) in North America in 1967.
Sue DeLadi Bloomington, MN (952) 831-8541 home / (952) 201-6060 cell
Please, no phone calls before 5:30PM or after 9:00PM CT on weekdays. Calls accepted on weekends until 8PM CT.
[email protected]
The Birman cat is believed to have originated in Burma, where it was considered sacred, the companion cat of the Kittah priests. There is a legend as to how the Birmans developed the colors they are today: “Originally, the guardians of the Temple of LaoTsun were yellow-eyed white cats with long hair. The golden goddess of the temple, Tsun-Kyan-Kse, had deep blue eyes. The head priest, Mun-Ha, had as his companion a beautiful cat named Sinh. One day the temple was attacked and Mun-Ha was killed. At the moment of his death, Sinh placed his feet on his master and faced the goddess. The cat’s white fur took on a golden cast, his eyes turned as blue as the eyes of the goddess, and his face, legs and tail became the color of earth. However, his paws, where they touched the priest, remained white as a symbol of purity. All the other temple cats became similarly colored. Seven days later, Sinh died, taking the soul of Mun-Ha to paradise.”
The modern history of the Birman is almost as shrouded in mystery as its legendary origin. In 1919, a pair of Birman cats were sent to France. Unfortunately, the male died in transit. The female, already pregnant, survived and began the pedigree Birman breed in Europe. From this small foundation the Birman was established in the western world.
The French recognized the Scare de Birmanie in 1925. Loss of breeding animals during World War II led to a program of outcrosses for several years after the war. To be recognized as Birman, most registries require at least five generations after the out crossings. Birmans were recognized for championship in England in 1966 and by the Cat Fancier’s Association (CFA) in North America in 1967.
Sue DeLadi Bloomington, MN (952) 831-8541 home / (952) 201-6060 cell
Please, no phone calls before 5:30PM or after 9:00PM CT on weekdays. Calls accepted on weekends until 8PM CT.
[email protected]