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The Meeting of Two Cultures

MSC archived stories - June 3, 2018

I'm so overwhelmed by Ana's energetic, enthusiastic and wonderful way to experience the culture of Mexico, so in my way of recognizing her immense talent, I’ve not only made a contribution to CI Empowerment Fund (i.e. supporting youth service projects in Mexico) this year in honor of her birthday, but also chosen her as my 2017 recipient of the HOPE scholarship!

Dear Ana

 

I hope this letter finds you in good health!

 

I received your beautiful photos of dancing at Romerías – one of Mexico’s largest religious festivals celebrated on October 12th. I know you had rehearsals the month before for the pageant carrying statue of the Virgin Mary from Guadalajara cathedral to Basilica Zapopan. The beautiful costume you're wearing reminds similar religious festivities we have in Sri Lanka. Are those huge picture frames in display at the Nina Rae Wesson Community Center?

 

You also had a school parade on November 2nd to celebrate the Day of the Dead. To have a mass celebration with food and drink, art installation and even a day for activism seem a long way from the traditional quiet family gatherings at cemeteries and public squares to honor deceased loved ones. What were you doing at the distillery in costumes and makeup?

 

 

You wanted to know about Dances in Sri Lanka. We have three principal dancing forms.

 

Kandyan Dance is traditionally performed to percussion only, imitating movements of elephant and peacock. Male dancers wear a skirt-like garment with their bare chests decorated with exquisitely silver regalia and spectacular headgear; silver bangles are also worn on the arms and ankles. The performance is accompanied with hectic rhythms of drums called “gata beraya”.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Low country Dance is highly ritualistic. This form of dance is performed to appease evil spirits which cause sickness. The dancers wear masks depicting many characters varied in forms of bird, demons, reptiles, etc.

 

Sabaragamuwa Dance is usually performed relating to the worshiping of God Saman much revered by local people.

 

Love, Chelaka

Comments

  1. chelaka16 March 2025 at 16:26

    What a wonderful way to share your culture, with fabulous pictures.

    June 3, 2018

    ReplyDelete
  2. chelaka16 March 2025 at 16:26

    Thank you for sharing your letter to Ana! Fascinating to hear about the various dances in Sri Lanka...I am sure Ana will love the photos.

    June 3, 2018

    ReplyDelete

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