ASIA 
A ‘seed of the sacred Bo-tree was carried to the tip 
of one of stupas surrounding the Schwe Dagon Pa- 
goda of Burma by a bird, and from it grew a little 
tree. Ficus religiosa is often seen growing epiphytic 
on branches of other trees. Worshippers entering 
the temple compound remove their shoes and in- 
variably bring flowers. 
To the melody of little silver bells tinkling in the 
breeze, a Burmese woman devoutly offers jasmine 
blossoms to Lord Buddha at the Golden Pagoda in 
Rangoon, with this prayer: ''May my spirit be fra- 
grant as this flower! May | always remember that, 
as the flower fades, so will my body die; may my 
life be more than body!" 
Women of Burma love flowers, wearing them in their 
hair and buying made-up floral pieces and garlands 
at the market as temple offerings. Favored are tiny 
roses, Jasmine, Plumierias, Lotus and Tuberoses. A 
Jasmine garland sells for | Rupee (22c) a 2!/5 foot 
wreath for 5 Rupees. 
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