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(Perera, 2010). This chapter presents facts regarding the traditional customs,

traditions, and beliefs prevailing in Ranamure village. Interviews conducted with the
residents of Ranamure revealed their extensive knowledge concerning these customs,

and this chapter discusses such traditional knowledge.

01.Traditional Customs of Ranamure

01.1 Hair Cutting and Reading Letters

In Ranamure village, the first letter reading ceremony performed when a child reaches

the age of three. If the child shows proficiency in handling words, a date is selected
after consulting an auspicious time. Typically, an auspicious sign is sought from an

uncle or the senior monk of the temple (Seneviratne, 2009). In Ranamure, this ritual is
often conducted by the child's uncle. A notable belief among the villagers is that an

uncle does not require an auspicious time to perform the first haircut of a small child.

01.02 Customs for Girls Reaching Puberty

The customs surrounding a girl reaching puberty, known variously as
Malwaraweema, Geteweema, Kotahaluweema, and Lamissiyakaweema, vary

regionally. In Ranamure, this event is referred to as Pila Hod Veema. This custom

appears to have contributed to the unique name used in the village. During this time,
men are prohibited from entering the house where a young woman has reached

puberty and instead must sit on the pile (pila), a significant cultural marker in

Ranamure's tradition (Fernando, 2012).

01.3 Funeral Customs
The ancient funeral customs of Ranamure and the surrounding villages have largely

faded. Historically, bodies were often wrapped in a mat and placed in the forest
without elaborate rituals. When a person died, their hands and feet were tied, a

practice referred to as "hand and foot donation" in Ranamure (Wijesinghe, 2008).

Prior to tying the hands and feet, the fingers were bound together using white cloth. A
mouth bandage was then applied; historically, before this step, yellow leaves were

placed in the mouth of the deceased. In Laggala Ranamure, rice is traditionally placed
in the mouth before the mouth bandage is secured.

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