The culture of Sri Lanka has been influenced by many things in the past.
Mostly it has been influenced by religion and colonialization by the Dutch,
the Portuguese and the British.
The Sinhalese new year (Sinhala/Tamil new year) is a very important cultural
practise in the island, the festival which falls in April (the month of
Bak) when the sun moves from the Meena Rashiya (House of Pisces) to the
Mesha Rashiya (House of Aries) Sri Lankans begin celebrating their National
New Year Aluth Avurudhu in Sinhala and Puththandu in Tamil. However, unlike
the usual practice where the new year begins at midnight, the National New
Year begins at the time determined by the astrologers. Not only the beginning
of the new year but the conclusion of the old year is also specified by
the astrologers. And unlike the customary ending and beginning of new year,
there is a period of a few hours in between the conclusion of the Old Year
and the commencement of the New Year , which is called the "nona gathe"
(neutral period). During this time one is expected to keep off from all
types of work and engage solely in religious activities.
Tea Culture in Sri Lanka
Being one of the largest producers of tea in the world, Sri Lankans drink
a lot of tea. Many Sri Lankans drink at least three cups a day. Sri Lanka
is also one of the best tea producing countries in the World and the Royal
Family of the United Kingdom has been known to drink Ceylon tea. Tea is
served whenever a guest comes to a house, it is served at festivals and
gatherings. It is served almost anywhere in Sri Lanka.
Religion in Sri Lanka
Sri Lanka's culture also revolves around religion. The Buddhist community
of Sri Lanka observe Poya Days, which are also important days of prayers
to the Hindus, once per month according to the Lunar calendar. The Hindus
and Muslims also observe their own holidays. Sri Lankans are very religious
because the history of the island has been involved with religion numerous
times. There are many Buddhist temples in Sri Lanka and many mosques, Hindu
temples and churches all across the island. The religious preference of
an area could be determined by the number of religious institutions in the
area. The North and the East of the island has many mosques and Hindu temples
because a large Tamil and Muslim population resides in those areas. Many
churches could be found along the southern coast line because many living
in those areas are Roman Catholic or Christian. The interior of the island
is mostly the Buddhist population and there are many Buddhists residing
in all parts of the island because they are the largest religious group
in Sri Lanka.
Music of Sri Lanka The two single biggest influences on Sri Lankan music are from Buddhism
and Portuguese colonizers. Buddhism arrived in Sri Lanka after the Buddha's
visit in 300 BC, while the Portuguese arrived in the 15th century, bringing
with them cantiga ballads, ukuleles and guitars, along with African slaves,
who further diversified the musical roots of the island. These slaves were
called kaffrinha, and their dance music was called baila. Traditional Sri
Lankan music includes the hypnotic Kandyan drums - drumming was and is very
much a part and parcel of music in both Buddhist and Hindu temples in Sri
Lanka.
Cuisine of Sri Lanka
HoppersThe cuisine of Sri Lanka draws influence from that of India, as well
as colonists and foreign traders. Rice, which is usually consumed daily,
can be found at any special occasion, while spicy curries are favourite
dishes for dinner and lunch. A very popular alcoholic drink is toddy, made
from palm tree sap. Rice and curry refers to a range of Sri Lankan dishes.
Sri Lankans also eat Hoppers which can be found anywhere in Sri Lanka. Many
Sri Lankans eat short eats as a snack which is a variety of hamburgers,
hot dogs, Chinese rolls, patties and pastries.
It also should be noted that much of Sri Lanka's urban areas now are
filled with many American fast food corporations, such as McDonald's.
Although many, especially elders and those who stubbornly stick to their
cultural cuisine, reject this, many of the younger generation have started
to take a liking to this new American cuisine.
