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