Traditional Puberty Rituals: A Comparative Study on Sinhala and Tamil Culture

Abstract

Human life is rooted in culture. The practices of all humans are often influenced by their culture. Among them, the traditional rituals of puberty are the unique practices which characterize specific cultural performances. This study aims to identify the differences and similarities between Sinhala Buddhists and Tamil Hinduism cultural practices on Puberty rituals. The study included 20 respondents drawn from Jaffna and Colombo, according to a purposive sample, and data analysis was done with a qualitative approach. The study reveals several similarities between the two cultures. As per the study, Puberty rituals serve both cultural and spiritual purposes. It is known in Sinhala as a flowering wedding an occasion. In Tamil “Periyamanasi Agivittal” “Puppadaindu Vittal” and “Pooppadaithal” use to call for such events. During this period girls do not eat the food that she usually takes up, to the end of menstruation. For whole days, she eats traditional foods like red rice Pongal, chickpeas Pittu, gingelly oil, and eggs.  Rice, vegetables, and TAMBUM Hodi (in Tamil culture, this is similar to 'Kajam', a combination of neem, cumin, and pepper) are the only foods permitted to Sinhala girls. In addition, during this period, dirty or used clothes are required to be worn by both cultures. Traditionally, menstruating girls could not wear sanitary pads in Tamil culture, but Sinhalese girls are now wearing sanitary pads that were not used in the past. These particular days were considered as 'Thudakku,' and in Sinhala, it is known as "Killa," which has a similar meaning to unclean. ." In Conclusion, there are many similarities as well as differences among the rituals but the purposes are similar.