Abstract:
Culture is a powerful human tool. Culture includes knowledge, beliefs, art, law,
morals, customs, capabilities and habits acquired by man as a member of society. Basically
culture is divided into two categories. Those are material and non-material culture. ―Omens‖
are a part of non-material culture, inclusion Enigmatic beliefs. Rural Sri Lankan communities
have their own special cultural features including magic, faiths and beliefs. Omens are
viewed as a sign from the natural world that delivers a message of some sort. Typically this
message is seen as an indicator of the approach good or evil events. Omens are represented
by people, animals, trees, dreams, as well as astrology. This study was based on the social
role of omens.
The main objective of the study was to identify the social functions of omens.
Whether the functions are good and bad or visible and invisible.
The survey and functional methods were used to gather primary data. Data was
collected through observation and interviews because qualitative data is very important fact
for this research. The Sample was selected using random purposive method according to nonprobability
sampling theory. The sample consists of 20% of people including age and gender
based. Thalahena village in Giriullagama GN division in Mirigama secretariat division of
Gampaha district was selected as the research area.
The main finding is that many good social functions are fulfilled by omens in Rural
Cultural Sri Lankan Communities. In this regard, omens have to helped to,
Develop co-operation in rural Sri Lankan communities.
Help to Bond with their own religion.
Understand about weather.
These benefits of omens have also motivated people to love protect nature.
