2016 Jul 28
Myths and superstitions are a massive part of our rich Sri Lankan culture. As such, there are a few popular beliefs which have unfailingly been passed down many generations. Undoubtedly, things have progressed in the 21st century and many of these myths have been busted. Let’s explore a few below.
1. Playing the piano at night will bring snakes to your house
Many Sri Lankans seem to believe that after hearing the melodious tunes of a piano after dark, the neighbourhood snakes will slither closer to your house. While they are able to sense low-frequency airborne sounds through vibrations, it is a known fact that snakes do not have external ear openings and eardrums. Amongst the many noises and vibrations travelling through the air at night, it is definitely not proven that a snake will choose to follow the tunes of a lone piano. This belief has been extended to other musical instruments as well. If beckoning snakes was this easy, our Sri Lankan snake charmers would really go out of business. So play the piano to your heart’s desire and don’t worry; that one Ed Sheeran song isn’t going to endanger your family.
2. Increased chances of a Demonic Attack during Menstruation
Even in the advanced 21st century, the myths and superstition surrounding menstruation are sky-high in our culture. The most popular and prevalent one states that women are very susceptible to demonic attacks when on their period. This is supposedly linked to PMS (Premenstrual Syndrome) and a change in a woman’s behaviour is linked to demonic possession. Countless scientific research has busted this myth, of course. Changes in hormonal activity produce very real symptoms in women causing mood changes. Because of this myth, women are advised not to visit temples or walk alone at night. Some are even told to remain indoors the whole time. If this were true, then brace yourselves, ladies: we’re all possessed. Sam and Dean from Supernatural should be coming to save us any day now.
4. The complexion of your baby can change with food intake
As bizarre as it sounds, many Sri Lankans believe that consuming certain foods during pregnancy will help them give birth to fair babies, with light coloured skin. It is important to note that the complexion of your baby is determined by their genetic composition, primarily derived from the mother and father of the child. True, certain foods will aid in giving birth to a healthy baby with healthy skin. However, this is in no way connected to the skin colour of your child. If this myth were true, we could evolve into a lighter coloured race a few generations down the line and all fairness cream companies would go bankrupt.
5. Repeating ‘Bloody Mary’ in front of your mirror will cause Mohini to appear
When growing up, we’ve all heard about the mysterious woman, Mohini. Her tale has many different versions, yet most can agree on certain factors: that she dresses in white, carries a baby, and is creepy as hell. A popular myth was derived from this story: if you repeat ‘Bloody Mary’ three times in front of your bathroom mirror at night, preferably amongst some ominous candles, she will appear in front of you. Oh, and possibly kill you, of course. Many of our Sri Lankan girl sleepovers were punctuated with the terror of summoning Mohini, which many actually attempted to do. After countless generations of unsuccessful Mohini missed calls, one would assume for myth to have died down. Yet, skeptic or not, most Sri Lankans tremble at the mere idea of summoning her, based on the slight possibility that it just may work.
5. Garden Snakes are not dangerous
Being a Sri Lankan, we have all come across snakes at some point in our lives, most likely the Garden Snake, Rat Snake or most commonly known as the ‘Garandiya’. After a possibly traumatic encounter with a garden snake, you will hear others telling you not to worry, because ‘Garandiyas are not dangerous. Nothing will happen’. And you have probably spent your whole life believing this. Unfortunately, garden snakes are descended from the most dangerous snake family in the world: the Black Mamba. While they may not be poisonous, they can most definitely infect you with a bite and kill you. The next time someone tells you to relax because it’s just a garden snake, you now have every reason to freak out and tell them it doesn’t matter: you don’t want to get bitten either way.
Many of these myths and superstitions have prevailed for generations down the line. They are given such importance in our culture that we may adhere to them even while knowing they hold not an ounce of truth. Having been engrained in us, these beliefs will pass on to the next generations as well, no matter how skeptic we may be. While we may eventually start realizing the danger of a garden snake, the terror of Mohini will most definitely prevail for years to come.
