Sri Lankan Family Traditions

We have been fortunate to see a range of family traditions throughout our trip in Sri Lanka. Firstly, with our grandchildren who are sharing it with their Dutch Burgher Grandfather who was raised in Sri Lanka during his formative years and the other day their Great Uncle joined us. So there have been many childhood stories shared across three generations. Very special indeed!

Yesterday we visited Findlay’s Tea plantation and went on a guided tour to gain an understanding of how they produce green tea for a range of markets. Such labour-intensive hand work undertaken, mainly by women, who pick the top leaves of the tea bushes. At this plantation the tea bushes were mainly on steep hilly areas. Traditionally each tea plantation has their own line houses where the workers live permanently with their own stores and shops. Like small communities within each plantation. The following image was sourced from the www.findlay.net as Paul and I got caught in the rain and missed the first stage of the process of the women arriving with their baskets to be emptied for inspection. These workers must pick 20 kilos of tea leaves a day. They earn approximately AUS $4.80 a day if they meet their target. 

Secondly, an unexpected ‘moment’ of share delight for someone who loves fabrics and design. On the way to the tea plantation we stopped off at this very large hotel that also catered for weddings. One was in progress when we were arrived for a toilet break. Our tour guide Oscar asked if we could go into the room while photos were being taken of the bride and groom? In Sri Lanka a traditional wedding custom for the bride and groom is the wearing of Royal garments hired for the day from Royal collections. On their day they are referred to as the King and Queen. When permission was granted and I walked into the large venue I was totally captivated. 

So much so that I asked Oscar our guide if he would ask the couple if I could go up closer to look at the hand beaded garment. The cheek of it :)  When they said, yes then the following images will convey why I was so thrilled - a treasured moment in time for me on this trip. Trust me there have been many but this was so unexpected. Where else would you see a foreigner standing next to a King and Queen with her backpack on? The following images will provide a vignette of what took place, although the delicate handwork is not so evident in these photo, sadly.

Take care

Viti

 

Sri Lanka - Kandalama

Our first walk through the Centre of Colombo was with a local passionate historian, Mark Forbes. He commenced our city tour at the 17^th Century Old Colonial Dutch Hospital built in 1681 which has served different purposes over time. Today it is a restaurant precinct, but the architecture has been preserved. Amazing when you are standing absorbing the architecture and Mark says, now look up. Just beyond the roof of this beautiful building is a glass contemporary skyscraper. The changing face of Sri Lanka. Like so much of Asia.

Former Dutch Hospital built for their Army and Navy personnel. 

How poignant that I should find myself traveling with one of our son’s family whose children’s genealogy include Dutch Burghers from Sri Lanka formerly known as Ceylon. Wonderful to see the children with their other grandfather David who grew up here before his family migrated to Australia. His tales about his childhood as we drive or stop off at places on the way, is a bonus. It all seems right, that in the same year I am writing a tale about another lineage of these grandchildren’s heritage. A wonderful coming together is what comes to mind. To have the opportunity to enjoy it with them is special indeed. History in the making for this next generation of descendants who lives will be considerably different to ours as they grow up.

“TO RISE ABOVE THE RACISM OF THE PAST,

WE MUST ACKNOWLEDGE IT.”

(Quote from the Editor National Geographic)

Before I left Australia, I packed, ‘The Special Issue National Geographic April 2018’. This month’ issue focuses entirely on, ‘The Race Issue’ which celebrates, “…the 50^th Anniversary of Martin Luther King, Jr’s assassination, we explore what race means in the 21^st century.” Whilst I was reading through the articles I found myself reflecting upon what was happening between 1830’s – 1960’s in the Hokianga and King Country in regards to race.

Since 2011 I have spent time in India, Nepal and Vietnam involved with projects in relation to Women and Youth employment in the NGO Sector. This time it is purely for a holiday, but my research and sociological lens informs me that technology, mobility, and our cross-cultural children and their biracial children will continue a trend captured by, Patricia Edmonds in the April edition, "The Many Colors of Matrimony across racial and ethnic lines",will continue to break down racism. 

Staying at the amazing Kandalama which has been built into a rock face.

So much to learn from this captivating country, its history and its people. 

Until the next time - go well.

Viti