Sri Lanka: Orchids and Traditions

My last blog had me wandering through the Botanical Garden in Kandy (the city not district). It was one of the best Botanical Gardens I have been in. Mind you, I haven't been in a lot of them but this one was astounding. It might be the climate or the soil but everything was just growing beautifully outside.

Orchids of infinite beauty

There was one greenhouse of note. It was overflowing with Orchids. I grew to love orchids when I lived in Colombia, South America. There, orchids could be found growing on trees just a few steps into the jungle. Here, in Sri Lanka, they grew and were nurtured in the greenhouse. The different colours and styles was overwhelming. An orchid looks like an orchid but the colors and designs are unique. Their colors vary but there are other differences as well; such as the size and the outer edges. Some are frilly and some are clean. Some are rounded and some are pointed. Here are just a few examples of the 100 plus we saw - and no I do not know their names.

Temple of Kandy

Kandy has a lot of things to do and see and one of these is a big Buddhist temple, so of course we visited it. It is large and had an inner room you could visit that was much older and deteriorated. Common throughout the Buddhist temples is that sections within the temple, especially near or around the Buddha, that only men can visit -- women cannot. At the entrance to the temples you will often see Lillies or Lotus blossoms that are symbolic to Bhuddhism and many are used in rituals.

They are available to purchase or buy at the entrance as are candles or similar prayer sticks to burn and sometimes incense. Most Buddhist temples have gold somewhere - on statues, on arches, on symbols or most commonly on Buddhas. Men are able to buy gold leaf to put on the Buddha in

the temple. Different temples have different customs to offer to a certain extent but they all should represent the five elements - wisdom, water, fire, water and earth. Each temple has its own story as to why they are in that spot. There may be a holy relic or scripture and this will be contained in a 'stupa', a bell shaped structure that may be very ornate or adorned in gold or fancy architectural additions.

Animals mean different things - I am not aware of what they all mean. Every temple has animals represented -- some more than others. Some have several in the grounds of the temple -- especially those related to the animals that represent the years. So twelve animals can be seen, set up according to the Chinese Zodiac. Different countries have slightly different rituals, if I can say that. I have visited Buddhist temples in Myanmar, Thailand, Laos, Sri Lanka, Vietnam, Cambodia and others. Each country has temples set up slightly differently. The story of the Buddha is always there but can be presented in different ways. The Buddha for each temple is known for something special and there will often be statues or a story in pictures to explain it. Many temples I have visited have this story around the ceiling, near the rafters (Myanmar), carved in a picture on the walls or on part of the Buddha statue (Thailand and Cambodia). Eight symbols are used in Buddhism and these are often found in some way in the story of the Buddha; white parasol, a conch shell, a treasure vase, a victory banner, a dharma wheel, a pair of golden fish, an endless knot, or a lotus flower. The temples are always places of sanctuary and calmness.

Traditional Dances ~ color galore

A special treat for me was going to see Traditional Dancers. It was dark inside so only some of my photos worked out but the colors were vivid and inspiring. I love the bright aqua colors and yellows. the costumes were stunning and the variety of instruments amazing. I know I keep using the big adjectives but I loved everything I saw in Sri Lanka. I may not buy a CD of their music but the rhythm and consistency were interesting, to say the least. There were a variety of dances with .

both men and women. The dances with the men included twirling and cartwheels as well as back flips. I could not do any such thing without landing flat on my face - or in the laps of the people in the front. The female dances had more leg lifts and spins with hand movements. They had a basket dance (I called it that) and a candle dance. They spun and jumped and the candle stayed lit! Amazing. For me it was the colors and the agility that were burnt into my brain. I wish I had a movie camera because the whole dance and the combination of movements took all my attention.

Another dance had two old men dancing. It was traditional and the dance had a message to it but

I can't remember what the story was at this point. It was funny and they danced it very well - infusing the dance with humour and mood. You can at least see that the costumes were beautiful. The beadwork and embroidery was extraordinary and must have weighed many pounds and yet they still moved with elegance and grace. The women with their jewelry and makeup were beautiful. I just don't know how the men danced and played their music with the heavy head pieces on and bead necklaces weighing them down.

I loved the energy and just the fact they have traditional dances. So many countries don't have anything like that, or they are disappearing. I suggest you try to see one if you go to Sri Lanka.