A Study of The Social Role of “Omens” in Rural Cultural Sri Lankan Communities (With special reference to Mirigama secretariat division in Gampaha district)

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.