Pahan rituals of mourning are deeply rooted in Sri Lankan culture and are an integral part of the grieving process. These practices have been passed down through generations and are followed to honor the deceased and provide solace to the grieving families. When a loved one passes away, the immediate family members enter a period of mourning known as "alu tola." During this time, the family refrains from participating in any form of celebrations or social gatherings. They dress in white as a symbol of purity and avoid adorning any kind of jewelry or accessories. The pahan practices of mourning also include specific rituals and ceremonies.
Many websites claim that the use of ashes on Ash Wednesday comes from pagan sources.
Immediately afterwards that great Sunday receives us, I mean on the sixteenth of the same month Pharmuthi Easter Sunday morning , on which our Lord having risen, gave us peace towards our neighbours. The priest, minister, or in some cases officiating layperson marks the forehead of each participant with black ashes, in the shape of a cross, which the worshiper traditionally retains until washing it off after sundown.
The pahan practices of mourning also include specific rituals and ceremonies. One such ritual is the "kapuwa," where a resident monk is invited to the house to lead the mourning family in prayers. The kapuwa recites Buddhist scriptures, chants blessings, and offers guidance to the grieving family members.
Ash Wednesday
In many Christian churches, Ash Wednesday is a day of repentance and the beginning of Lent. Ash Wednesday occurs 46 days before Easter and falls on different dates each year in conjunction with the fluctuating date of Easter. It is preceded by Shrove Tuesday, which is also celebrated as Mardi Gras.
Among Roman Catholics, Ash Wednesday is observed by fasting, abstinence from meat, and repentance—a day of contemplating one's transgressions. In the Anglican church, the Book of Common Prayer also designates Ash Wednesday as a day of abstinence from particular foods. Ash Wednesday is not observed in Eastern Christianity, and in other Christian denominations, including Lutheran churches, Methodist churches and Reformed churches, these practices are optional, with the main focus being on repentance.
Another important element of pahan practices is the performance of "dana," which involves giving alms to monks and the needy in the name of the deceased. This act of generosity is believed to bring peace and merit to the departed soul. The final and most significant pahan practice is the "pin paliya" or the death anniversary ceremony. On this day, family and friends gather to commemorate the deceased and offer prayers and tributes. It is common for the family to sponsor religious activities such as offering meals to monks, conducting sermons, and making donations to temples or charitable organizations. Throughout the mourning period, it is customary for the family to engage in acts of "deyak," which involve performing good deeds and acts of kindness. This includes providing food and shelter to those in need, sponsoring religious activities, and supporting the less fortunate. Pahan practices of mourning hold great cultural and religious significance in Sri Lanka. These practices help provide comfort and support to the bereaved families during their time of grief and loss. By following these customs, Sri Lankans honor and remember their departed loved ones, while also seeking spiritual guidance and solace..
Reviews for "When Grief Turns Toxic: Recognizing the Signs of Pahan Mourning"
1. Sarah - 1 star
I found "Pahan Practices of Mourning" to be incredibly boring and confusing. The characters were underdeveloped and lacked depth, making it difficult to connect with their struggles. The plot was disjointed and hard to follow, with a lot of unnecessary details that added nothing to the overall story. The writing style was also overly descriptive and repetitive, which made it hard to stay engaged. I was disappointed by this book and would not recommend it to others.
2. John - 2 stars
"Pahan Practices of Mourning" had an interesting premise, but the execution fell flat for me. The pacing was incredibly slow, with long stretches where nothing seemed to happen. The dialogue felt stilted and unnatural, making it difficult to believe in the characters' motivations. Additionally, the book lacked a clear resolution or satisfying conclusion, leaving me unsatisfied as a reader. While I appreciate the effort that went into the storytelling, I ultimately did not enjoy this book as much as I had hoped.
3. Emily - 2.5 stars
I had high hopes for "Pahan Practices of Mourning," but unfortunately, it failed to live up to my expectations. The writing was overly poetic and pretentious, often sacrificing clarity for style. The narrative structure was confusing and disjointed, making it hard to follow the story's progression. Despite the intriguing premise, I found myself feeling bored and disconnected from the characters. Overall, while there were moments of potential, this book did not resonate with me and left me wanting more substance and cohesiveness in the storytelling.