Vocation

Karen, or Pagagayor, are a people known for their love of peace, tranquility, and solitude. They prefer to reside in remote forested areas. Traditionally, most Karen work as farmers--a profession that allows them to be indepedent and free. Liviing in the mountains and forests, they plant according to the seasons and the soil conditions of the area. Traditionally, the food they produce has been for personal consumption, not for sale to others. This holds true for raising animals. Chickens, pigs, etc. would be consumed by the family raising them, or amongst friends and relatives in the village. Relying on the water and the forest for their livelihood, they are deeply connected to the cycles of nature.

Farming amongst the Karen tribe Farming in the past Farming was without a doubt the pillar of Karen livelihood and the main occupation. Karen used to farm using slash and burn methods, but later they took to crop rotation, re-using the same patch of land to grow different crops. They also began planting rice in the plains by flooding the paddy--like the Thais--and re-planting the rice seedlings to improve yield. Elephants were used to clear virgin land for farming. Along with rice farming, the Karen also planted smaller family vegetable gardens for personal consumption. The crops of choice amongst Karen were beans, corn, ginger, eggplants, shallots, and other miscelleneous veggies. Cotton was also another important crop used as both a material for weaving into clothes for the whole family, and as a commercial product to be sold on the market, which brought a little income into the family coffer. Farming in the present The ancient profession of farming amongst the Karen has begun to change, keeping in step with major changes in technology and market forces. The Karen no longer farm simply for self-sufficiency, but have now become commercial farmers, attempting to produce as much as possible for shipment to the market. In order to accomplish this, they have had to start using greater and greater amounts of land and use modern technologies to replace more traditional ways. In the past, for example, water buffaloes were used to plow the fields. Now, modern gas-powered machines have replaced them. These changes have caused Karen farmers to begin competing both against the clock and against each other, each farmer trying to produce the greatest yield possible.

Commerce amongst the Karen tribe Commerce in the past The Karen have never had any currency of their own and in the past never traded using money. In general, exchange was the accepted practice. If, for example, a hunting expedition in the forest was successful, the kill might be brought to town to be exchanged for other household necessities. Often, the item wouldn't even make it into town as the Karen traded amongst themselves. It was up to the two parties trading to determine the value of their items and work out an acceptable trade agreement. Commerce in the present Over time, using a standard monetary currency has become the accepted practice in trade and commerce, taking the place of the old system of exchange amongst goods. The old system of exchange has not died off completely, however, and it is still possible to see these exchanges done amongst smaller items within Karen villages. Working as hired labor in the past The modern system of paying workers for their labor was a foreign concept to the Karen until recently. Instead, they relied on the system of "Ma daw ma ga," which in Pagagayor means, "bringing in guests." It is a system of sharing and helping out. When it comes time for one household to plant or harvest their rice, everyone in the village will come to help. The hosting family will feed the guests and then, when it comes time for the next family to plant or harvest, the hosting family and the rest of the village will go to help them out. Everyone helps out until the work is done. Working as hired labor in the present These days, the system of helping and sharing has virtually disappeared. Laborers expect to be remunerated for a day's work in cash, rather than "in kind." This corresponds, of course, to changes in the economy and the way people do business.

Raising animals in the past
Animals favored for raising for consumption within the family unit included pigs, chickens, and ducks. Cows and water buffalo would be used for plowing the fields, and elephants would be used for hauling timber. These animals might also be used in some of the various festivals and ceremonies held throughout the year, such as at a wedding, where a pig would be killed to feed the guests.

Raising animals in the present
Animals have begun to be used for more commercial purposes. The elephants, for example, are often used in the tour industry, giving rides to wide-eyed tourists. Atop the back of an elephant, tourists are often led through the forest and deep into nature. Ducks, chickens, and pigs are now often raised to be taken to slaughterhouses, killed, and then sold as meat to tourists. 

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