Many centuries ago by a sparkling lake, in a valley surrounded by majestic mountains, the temple of Lao-Tsun was guarded by 100 yellow-eyed white cats with long silken hair. The temple housed a beautiful golden goddess with sapphire blue eyes who watched over the transmutation of souls. The head monk, Mun-ha, whose beard had been braided with gold by the enlightend one, often knelt in meditation before the golden goddess,Tsun-Kyan-Kse. At his side was his faithful and beloved companion, a beautiful temple cat named Sinh. Sinh would always shared in his master's meditation. As the monk meditated, Sinh would gaze steadily at the golden goddess beautiful sapphire blue eyes.

One night as the moon rose, Mun-ha was in communion with the sacred goddess, Tsun-Kyan-Kse. He was deep in a transcendental state. So deep was his devotion, that he suffered no pain when the temple was attacked by marauders and Mun-ha was killed. At the moment of his masters death, Sinh placed his paws upon the monk's flowing robes and faced the golden goddess. Instantly, an amazing transformation took place. The hairs of Sinh's white fur were as though misted with a golden glow which radiated from the beautiful golden goddess. Her deep sapphire blue eyes became Sinh's very own. His face, ears, legs and tail became the velvety brown color of rich earth, but his four paws resting gently on his master, remained perfect white, a symbol of purity. The next morning the temple radiated with the transformation of the remaining ninety-nine white cats which with Sinh reflected the golden hue of a hundred brilliant sunrises. Sinh did not move from his place He stayed on the spot of his masters death, and gazed fervently into the sapphire eyes of the goddess. Exactly seven days later Sinh died carrying with him into Nirvana the soul of his beloved master,the monk Mun-ha.

This legendary breed, once believed to be the sacred companions of priests in the temples of Burma, first appeared in France in 1919, where they were recognized as a separate breed by the 1925.    By the end of World War 11, hardly any Birmans were alive and it was necessary to re-establish the breed.   This was done thanks to devoted breeders and by the 1960’s; Birmans were again plentiful and exported around the world.  They found their way to the USA and in 1967 they were recognized by the Cat Fanciers Association.