Folk Practices Research Articles

Xiaobugan decoction prevents CCl4-induced acute liver injury by modulating gut microbiota and hepatic metabolism

BackgroundThe liver plays a crucial role in detoxification and metabolism. When its capacity to metabolize foreign substances is exceeded, it can lead to acute liver injury (ALI). Therefore, preventing liver disease and maintaining daily liver health are of utmost importance. Xiaobugan Decoction (XBGD), a traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) formula, is recorded in ‘Fuxingjue’, is used in folk practice to promote liver health and regulate respiration. However, the hepatoprotective mechanisms of XBGD remained unclear. PurposeWe investigated the prophylactic and hepatoprotective effects of XBGD and explored its related molecular mechanisms using a mouse model of carbon tetrachloride (CCl4)-induced ALI. Study design and methodsXBGD composition was determined using analytical methods, and the main compounds were identified using ultra-high-performance liquid chromatography coupled with Q-Exactive focus mass spectrum (UHPLC-QE-MS) and high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC). A CCl4-induced L02 cell injury model was employed to explore the protective effects of XBGD on liver cells, and a CCl4-induced ALI mouse model was used to investigate the hepatoprotective effects of XBGD. ResultsCellular experiments demonstrated that XBGD had a protective function against L02 cell damage by increasing cell viability, restoring alanine aminotransferase (ALT), aspartate aminotransferase (AST), and superoxide dismutase (SOD) levels, reducing malondialdehyde (MDA) content, and improving mitochondrial membrane potential (ΔΨm). In the mouse ALI model, XBGD prevented ALI by reducing ALT, AST, and alkaline phosphatase (ALP) levels and inhibiting oxidative stress. Quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (qPCR), immumohistochemical staining and western blotting results revealed that XBGD exerted hepatoprotective effects by reducing inflammatory responses and inhibiting cell apoptosis. Furthermore, 1H-NMR metabolomics indicated that XBGD regulates hepatic and intestinal metabolism, whereas 16S rDNA sequencing demonstrated the regulatory effects of XBGD on the gut microbiota. Correlation analysis highlighted the close relationship among gut microbiota, metabolites, and ALI indicators. ConclusionsXBGD is a promising TCM for the prevention of CCl4-induced ALI via regulation of microbiota and metabolism. This study provides a new perspective on the development of hepatoprotective measures and the prevention of liver disease in daily life.

Pharmacokinetics of Oleandrin Following Administration of a Nerium oleander Extract in Mice

Background. Nerium oleander Linn is native of Mediterranean regions of Africa and Europe, where it is used in folk medical practices. The whole plant is known to be toxic. Various studies have shown its antimicrobial and anticancer properties. Oleandrin, the main toxic component in Nerium oleander is an inhibitor of P-glycoprotein. Cardiac glycosides, including oleandrin, are substrates of P-glycoprotein. The presence of other inhibitors in the alcoholic extract may potentially modify the pharmacokinetics of oleandrin. Given the therapeutic potential and the associated toxicity of the alcoholic extract, it is important to investigate the kinetics of oleandrin within this extract. Purpose. The objective of this study was to determine the pharmacokinetic parameters in mice following oral and I.V. administrations of a hydroalcoholic extract of Nerium oleander. Methods. Pharmacokinetic investigations of oleandrin, a cardiotonic glycoside and main active compound in Nerium oleander, were conducted in mice following intravenous administration (30 mg/kg) and oral administration (150 mg/kg) of the hydrolcoholic extract of Nerium oleander. For the oral route, seven times were chosen for the mice sampling. Four times were chosen for the intravenous route. Three mice per group were used at each time point. In the excretion study, seven mice were housed in a mouse urine collection device and a dose of 150 mg/g was administered. A urine sample was collected after 48 hours. Oleandrin was measured by LC-MS/MS validated method. MS data were acquired in the positive ion electrospray ionization (ESI) mode. Two deuterated internal standards, cocaine-d3 and digoxin-d3, were used. The retention times were 8.47 min for oleandrin, 4.78 min for deuterated internal standard cocaine d3 and 5,37 min for deuterated internal standard digoxin d3. Results. The equivalent doses of oleandrin administred to mice were 1710 ug/kg for the oral route and 342 ug/kg for the intravenous route. Oleandrin was rapidly absorbed after oral administration (Cmax at 10 min). The AUC0-inf (ug/L*min) values obtained after intravenous and oral dosing were 34797.7 and 107222 respectively, resulting in an oral bioavailability of 61.6 %. The apparent volume of distribution (Vss) was 0.55 L/kg and Clearance ClT was 0.01 kg* L/min.

Identification, Bioaccessibility, and Antioxidant Properties of Phenolic Compounds in Carob Syrup.

Carob syrup is a brown, thick syrup produced from carob pulp that can be directly consumed or used as a sweetener, which also finds applications in folk medicinal practices. In this work, the quali-quantitative phenolic profile of five different carob syrups was elucidated before and after in vitro gastro-intestinal digestion. Moreover, the anti-oxidant properties of undigested and digested carob syrups were investigated. A total of 75 phenolic compounds were identified in undigested carob syrups. The most important phenolic compound in all the samples was gallic acid, the concentration of which ranged between 54.28 and 117.73 mg/100 g. Additional compounds belonging to the classes of hydroxybenzoic acids (in particular glycosylated gallic acid derivatives), hydroxycinnamic acids, and flavonoids (especially flavonols) were also identified. During in vitro gastric digestion, gallic acid mono- and di-hexosides were diglycosylated, releasing gallic acid, which was further degraded in ellagic acid through oxidative polymerization in the intestinal phase of the digestion. Ellagic acid was the major compound detected after in vitro gastro-intestinal digestion of carob syrups. With few exceptions, the anti-oxidant properties of carob syrup were preserved even after digestion. Carob syrup can be considered an important source of phenolic compounds with demonstrated positive effects on human health.

Exploring traditional and modern approaches for extracting bioactive compounds from Ferulago trachycarpa

For more than two millennia, Ferulago species have been revered as therapeutic herbs, maintaining their significance in present-day folk medicine practices. Therefore, the present study was conducted to investigate the phytochemical composition, inhibitory effects on metabolic enzymes, and possible therapeutic applications of F. trachycarpa, specifically focusing on its efficacy in diabetes management, anticholinergic effects, and antioxidant capabilities. The current investigation comprised an evaluation of a range of extracts acquired via conventional and modern methodologies, such as soxhlet (SOX), maceration (MAC) accelerated solvent extraction (ASE), homogenizer-assisted extraction (HAE), supercritical fluid extraction (SFE), microwave-assisted extraction (MW), and ultrasound-assisted extraction (UAE). Various techniques were employed to assess their antioxidant capacity and enzyme inhibition. Furthermore, the research utilized ultra-high performance liquid chromatography-MS/MS (UHPLC-MS/MS) to ascertain the principal phenolic compounds that are responsible for the antioxidant capacity observed in the various F. trachycarpa extracts. Among these, extracts from HAE, ASE, and MW revealed the most promise across all methodologies tested for their antioxidant potential. Furthermore, SFE and MAC extracts inhibited the most enzymes, including cholinesterases, tyrosinase, α -amylase, and α -glycosidase, indicating their potential as efficient natural treatments for several health-related issues.

Sida cordifolia L.: Ethnobotany, Phytochemistry, Phytonanotechnology, and Commercial Application.

After a period of prolonged indifference, where synthetic drugs were preferred, interest in the biological aspects and bioactive ingredients of plants accountable for therapeutic potential has been explored eminently. Sida cordifolia L. is a perennial herb that has been widely utilized in Indian (Ayurveda, Unani, and Siddha), American, and Chinese folk medicine and herbalism practice for curing a wide range of ailments in human beings. The goal of this review is to elucidate indigenous knowledge parallelly with the pharmacotherapeutics potential of Sida cordifolia L. against various diseases. It is also intended to display pertinent information related to nanoparticle profiling. In the current comprehensive study, web-based searches were performed by using several databases, such as Google Scholar, PubMed, ResearchGate, Science Direct, and Scopus, to figure out relevant research work and data published in academic journals from 1930 to July, 2023 using single or combination of keywords listed herewith. More than 50 chemical constituents, including quinazoline and phenethylamine alkaloids, flavones, flavonol, phytosterol, fatty acids, etc., were reported to be found in different parts of healthy plants. Apart from traditional claims and pharmacological aspects, several marketed herbal formulations and granted patents were also described. Several in-vitro and in-vivo studies validated the usage of S. cordifolia as antiinflammatory, antibacterial, antifungal, antiprotozoal, anthelmintic, anticancer, antiulcer, cardioprotective, hypoglycemic, etc. agent. Few patents are also related to S. cordifolia, and more research work needs to be carried out for its potential granted to use as an antiviral agent and other new drug discovery molecules.

A Study on Herbal Finish for Wound Healing on Adhesive Bandage

Textile industry is one of the largest contributing sectors of India. It is the second largest employer after agriculture, provided direct employment to over 45 million people. Medical textiles are a category of textiles specifically designed for medical purposes, including first aid, clinical, surgical, and hygienic uses. They are engineered to provide various benefits such as biocompatibility, flexibility, strength, and sterility, anti-allergic, anti-bacterial, environmentally friendly, and cost-effective properties. In that an adhesive bandage is also known as sticking plaster, medical plaster, or simply plaster in British English, is a small medical dressing used for injuries not for serious injuries to require a full-size bandage. Finishes plays a major role in the field of medical textiles, in that herbal finishes are one such category. Tridax is a genus of plants in the family Asteraceae. The most well-known species in this genusis Tridax procumbens, commonly known as coat buttons or tridax daisy. It is a perennial herb that is native to tropical and subtropical regions, and it is widely distributed in countries such as India, Nigeria, Brazil, and the United States. Tridax procumbens has been used in various folk medicinal practices. Parts of the plant, such as the leaves and roots, have been used to treat conditions like skin infections, respiratory issues, digestive problems, and even snakebites in some cultures. This paper deals with the research on tridax finish applied on a bandage to analyse the wound healing property.

Waving and Beating of Willows

Abstract The practice of beating willows on Hoshanah Rabbah is a very unusual one, with no explanations offered in the Talmud or Midrash. In the ancient world, the willow represented both fertility and infertility, life and death, and the beating of willows can be connected both to beating with plants as a fertility ritual and as a form of scapegoat ritual. Echoes of both of these ideas are found in Sephardic folk practices associated with beating people with willows as well as the earliest Gaonic explanation for this practice, in addition to the later explanations found in the Zohar.

Implementation and Challenge of Supported Employment for People With Disabilities in China.

The Chinese government initiated a pilot program to implement supported employment for people with disabilities in 2014. Since then, policies have been enacted to promote supported employment. This study explored how practitioners understand and implement supported employment for people with disabilities in China. It was found that non-governmental service organizations have mainly implemented supported employment with financial support provided by local disabled persons' federations; without a governmental guide, the small-scale folk practice presented many difficulties and unstable factors. Results indicated that the Chinese government should actively establish and improve the supported employment system and further expand supported employment practices at the governmental level.

Greek People, the Orthodox Religion and Resilience in the Time of Crisis

This paper examines the role of religion in supporting health and the significance this has on emotional wellbeing in time of crisis for individuals of Greek Australian background. Melbourne, Australia, has a large Greek community whose oldest members were born in Greece and emigrated to Australia 50-60 years ago. The children and grandchildren of these immigrants were born in Australia but often see themselves as members of a cultural community distinct from the English-speaking mainstream. In addition to language, one of the most significant cultural factors handed down by the immigrant generation is a belief in the importance of religion and religious rituals in maintaining health. These rituals and beliefs are also a powerful tool for coping in times of crisis, illness and other challenges. Its findings are based on several qualitative studies undertaken in Melbourne between 2011-2016. The individuals that participated in these studies relied on religious faith and traditional practices to support them in times of crisis. Their specific beliefs reflect orthodox theology but also folk practices specific to this community and can be applied to wellbeing and resilience shown by this population in times of crisis. They have a strong belief in destiny and generally accept that God provides the means for addressing negative conditions. This paper describes the nature of their beliefs and outlines the ways in which religion serves as the basis for their resilience and ability to cope with adversity. Keywords: Greek people, Orthodox religion, faith, resilience, crisis

Greek People, the Orthodox Religion and Resilience in the Time of Crisis

This paper examines the role of religion in supporting health and the significance this has on emotional wellbeing in time of crisis for individuals of Greek Australian background. Melbourne, Australia, has a large Greek community whose oldest members were born in Greece and emigrated to Australia 50-60 years ago. The children and grandchildren of these immigrants were born in Australia but often see themselves as members of a cultural community distinct from the English-speaking mainstream. In addition to language, one of the most significant cultural factors handed down by the immigrant generation is a belief in the importance of religion and religious rituals in maintaining health. These rituals and beliefs are also a powerful tool for coping in times of crisis, illness and other challenges. Its findings are based on several qualitative studies undertaken in Melbourne between 2011-2016. The individuals that participated in these studies relied on religious faith and traditional practices to support them in times of crisis. Their specific beliefs reflect orthodox theology but also folk practices specific to this community and can be applied to wellbeing and resilience shown by this population in times of crisis. They have a strong belief in destiny and generally accept that God provides the means for addressing negative conditions. This paper describes the nature of their beliefs and outlines the ways in which religion serves as the basis for their resilience and ability to cope with adversity. Keywords: Greek people, Orthodox religion, faith, resilience, crisis

Chinese Space, Identity, and Presence in Malaysia: Exploring the Yingxiong Haohan Ideal of Wu Masculinity in the Wangkang Festival of Melaka

Abstract The Wangkang Festival has been celebrated for nearly two centuries in Melaka, Malaysia. In 2005, it was recognized as part of the national heritage of Malaysia; and in 2020 garnered global recognition with unesco Intangible Cultural Heritage designation. The festival centers on apprehending evil spirits believed to cause epidemics and chaos, while invoking peace and prosperity. The tradition revolves around the worship of Ong Yah, also known as the “Five Sworn Brothers,” making it a vibrant cultural site to study Melaka’s local Chinese identity through Taoist folk religious practices. This article documents the 2020 festival in the midst of the covid pandemic, observes the notable absence and marginalization of women, explores gender constructions through the notion of wu (武) in Chinese masculinity, particularly through the ideal of yingxiong haohan (英雄好漢), and argues that the Chinese community carves out a Chinese public space, identity and presence in Malaysia within the Wangkang Festival context.

Terapiniai tradicinio muzikavimo aspektai nėštumo, gimdymo ir pogimdyminiu laikotarpiu

The purpose of this study is to reveal the benefits of traditional music for women’s psychosocial wellbeing and its applicability in music therapy during the birth-transition, i. e. during pregnancy, childbirth and the postpartum period. Some Lithuanian women use traditional music for self-help during their own birth-transition or working with pregnant women and mothers. On the other hand, we still lack interdisciplinary research on the therapeutic value of traditional music. This article analyzes a previously unexplored phenomenon of employing traditional music to improve the psychosocial wellbeing of pregnant women and mothers. The study presents experiences, insights and testimonies of the young mothers and doulas who assisted them regarding the value of traditional music while expecting the baby, giving birth, and raising the child. For this study, we deliberately selected educated women who are members of the folk singing groups and practice folklore in their everyday life.
 In the article, pregnancy, childbirth and the first weeks after it are regarded as a transition period between different stages of a woman’s life. It is characterized by the sense of liminality, identity transformation, and the related emotional peak. The research has shown that the interviewed women practiced folk singing, listened to the traditional music or music performed on the traditional instrument kanklės, danced to traditional dance music during pregnancy in order to creatively release tension, improve emotional state, reduce anxiety, prepare for the childbirth, or simply make everything easier. Meanwhile, singing folksongs and lullabies to the baby during pregnancy and the postpartum period was a natural way to establish a relationship, to express motherly love, to convey values and a certain worldview.

Do Catholic Religious Practices Attenuate the Deconversion of Emerging Adults in Poland? The Mediating Role of Transcendent Indebtedness

Emerging adulthood is a time of strong religious change that often leads to deconversion, understood as the abandonment of faith. In the present study, we aimed to verify the role of Catholic religious practices in the deconversion process and the mediating nature of transcendent indebtedness in emerging adults from Poland. In this study, we used the Catholic Religious Practices Questionnaire (CRPQ), the Transcendent Indebtedness to God scale (T-ITG), and the Adolescents’ Deconversion Processes Scale (ADS). Two hundred and fifty-four emerging adults, 135 women (53.1%) and 119 men (46.9%), participated in a study conducted in Southern and Northern Poland between September 2022 and May 2023. Our study results revealed that those involved in both official religiosity and folk practices exhibit lower levels of deconversion, and this relationship is mediated by transcendent indebtedness. The presented research indicates that the belief and sense of obligation to repay a favor or debt to God is a buffering factor in the tendency to withdraw from the religious community and abandon faith.

Archaic religious predicates in contemporary East Slavic folk Orthodox culture: Interpreting of symbols in the structure of religiosity

This academic work is an extension to the article “Christian theology and the archetypal in religion: A reconciliation experience for the stances” that was published in the journal “Issues of Theology”, 2024, no. 2. As a critical characteristic of spiritual culture, religiosity can be described as sacred acts significant for this culture, i. e. as religious predicates. The compiling of a “predicate pattern” of East Slavic religiosity is an intriguing and promising academic task which can aid in defining the key features of Russian culture in its ecclesiastical and folk Orthodox interpretations. The article draws attention to the fact that Russian culture, which was formed under the unquestionable influence of the Orthodox faith and Church tradition, experienced a considerable influence of pre-Christian ideas in the course of its development. The text presents an attempt to consider the phenomenon of Russian religiosity through the prism of religious predicates that are significant for the Eastern Slavs, which not only reflect the specifics of folk religious practice, but also determine the uniqueness of Russian ecclesiastic culture. The circumambulation and other variants of circular movement, drawing of a sacred symbol, tying and tearing apart, touch and remembrance are the most vivid religious predicates isolated on the basis of the semantic load they are conveyed and of the functions they perform. The analysis of predicates is followed by examples from modern folk ritual customs and Church tradition. The archetypal nature of many practices is evidenced. The article identifies and suggests possible solutions to the main problems associated with the isolation of predicates in the spiritual culture language.

Sociolinguistic phenomena in contemporary Ukrainian dictionaries

The article deals with the problem of interaction between sociolinguistics and lexicography focusing on the relationships between sociolinguistics and the Ukrainian academic lexicography, sociolinguistics and Ukrainian folk lexicography, and briefly considering the problem of interaction between academic and folk lexicography. Sociolingual information, its perception and awareness have a significant impact on the Ukrainian academic lexicography, which is directly revealed in the macro- and microstructure of dictionaries and their metalanguage. The analysis of the ideologically and socially marked lexicon demonstrates the capabilities of academic lexicography to record and adequately interpret linguistic units, taking into account the rapid changes in the sociocultural space of Ukraine and the world, and the facts of the social biography of speakers. The use of sociolinguistic methods contributes to the formation of a scientifically balanced vocabulary register, ensures the collection of various empirical material capable of reflecting the richness and diversity of the Ukrainian vernacular. Observations of the folk lexicographic practice exercised by Facebook users tells us they resort to lexicography unconsciously, directly responding to events in the socio-political, economic and spiritual life of society. However, behind the external “carnival” of folk lexicography lies an effective tool ordinary Facebook users successfully use in the information war against the Russian aggressor. For a comprehensive study of the linguistic situation and language policy in Ukraine, the value orientations of Ukrainian society, Ukrainian-Russian bilingualism, diglossia, language competence, language variation, etc. both materials from academic and folk lexicography can be used, but it is quite clear that the objectivity and impartiality of the results obtained directly depend on how the dictionaries are compiled – in a scientifically sound, methodologically balanced manner or in a chaotic, unsystematic and emotional way. Keywords: Ukrainian sociolinguistics, academic lexicography, folk lexicography, ideologically marked vocabulary, socially marked vocabulary.

Liaogan: A Folk Religious Practice in Northwest China

As the concluding activity of the Spring Festival in Northwest China, Liaogan is a distinctive local folk religious practice. This article, taking Qingyang City, Gansu Province, as a case study, employs anthropological fieldwork methods to present the entire process of the Liaogan ritual, trace its historical development and folk cultural connotations, and analysis the role of Liaogan in shaping social cohesion and the daily lives of Northwest people. The paper posits that Liaogan originates from humanity's shared belief in fire and the god of fire, representing a remnant of primitive religious beliefs. The purpose of Liaogan is to ward off evil, eliminate diseases and disasters, and fulfill people's hopes for a bountiful harvest. In this beautiful prayer process, a daily social function of purifying the soul and maintaining social relationships manifests itself in seemingly unconscious activities and continues to serve a symbolic social function in modern society.

НАРОДНА МЕДИЦИНА ТА ЇЇ РОЛЬ В ТРАДИЦІЙНІЙ КУЛЬТУРІ УКРАЇНЦІВ: СТИСЛИЙ ІСТОРИЧНИЙ ЕКСКУРС

From generation to generation, the Ukrainian people have passed on to their descendants the rich experience accumulated over many centuries. Subsequent generations have carefully preserved the instructions of their ancestors, trying not to distort their meaning, but rather to develop them further and pass them on to other generations. One of the types of such a truly precious heritage that has come down to our time from the depths of centuries is folk medicine. Traditional medicine is one of the oldest methods of treatment known to mankind. The need to survive in a cruel world, various diseases that required treatment, prompted humanity to seek help from the environment and develop self-medication skills. Ukrainians, like other peoples, widely used herbal treatment, various rituals and other methods of folk medicine. Despite the long existence of the practice of witchcraft, it remained an integral part of the social life of the Ukrainian population in the twentieth century and remains so today, despite the existence of developed official medicine. This article is devoted to the study of historical and ethnic aspects of folk medicine in Ukrainian traditional culture. It aims to highlight the evolution of this complex and multilayered system of Ukrainian folk knowledge and practices, from Kyevan Rus to the present day. Therefore, through the prism of studying the ethnic roots and history of folk medicine in Ukrainian traditional culture, we have the opportunity to better understand the uniqueness and depth of Ukraine’s national heritage, as well as to open new horizons for further research in this area. Ukrainian folk medicine is an integral part of traditional culture. The knowledge and practices accumulated over centuries define the uniqueness of Ukrainian medicine, which combines traditional methods with elements of modern medicine. It has been and continues to be of particular interest to scholars, as it is a complex phenomenon that lies at the intersection of two important scientific fields: medicine and ethnography. In this context, this article is devoted to the study of the ethnic roots and history of medicine in Ukrainian traditional culture.

Формы взаимодействия народного песенного творчества и инструментальной музыки (на примере традиционного сольно-группового пения кавказских народов)

The article examines the interconnection of the vocal-choral and instrumental music in the traditional solo-and-group performance among the different peoples throughout the Caucasus (the Adyghians, Abkhazians, Osetians, Balkars and Karachays). The present problem range has not yet become a topic of special academic comprehension. In this connection,the aim of the article is to draw the attention of specialists towards studying it and defining the role of the instrumental strata within the standard texture of broadly disseminated song performance in the Caucasus region. The traditional regional type of texture of song composition includes two main strata: the solo declamatory presentment of the tune and the choral (i.e., ensemble) accompaniment existing in dialogic interaction with each other. Frequently, we can find a third stratum, as well — the instrumental, as a rule, existing in performance on a traditional bowed string instrument. As living folk music practice confirms, its participation in the solo-and-group singing is not a mandatory factor. The place and the role of the instrumental stratum in the examined folk musical material is determined in this article. The author highlights the main functions of all the textural strata, the parity of the first two lines of the song texture and the forms of their interaction, in which the traditional standard and self-sufficient structure of characteristic polyphonic singing of the peoples of the Northern Caucasus is reflected.

Exploring Folk Culture in Mo Yan's Novels from an Animal Perspective: A Case Study of Life and Death Are Wearing Me Out

In the novel Life and Death Are Wearing Me Out, Mo Yan integrates extensive folk culture, including proverbs, folklore, and folk art, which carries significant cultural meaning. This paper systematically analyzes three primary types of folk culture present in Life and Death Are Wearing Me Out through the lens of animal narration: agricultural customs, market customs, and folk beliefs. Regarding agricultural customs, this study illustrates the unique folk agricultural practices of Gaomi from the perspectives of animal husbandry and land cultivation. In terms of market customs, the paper examines changes in market folk culture through livestock trading and processions, reflecting the era's characteristics. As for folk beliefs, the discussion is divided into reverence for humanity and admiration for wildness, showcasing the animal worship mindset prevalent in Gaomi. This approach further expands and innovates the research perspective on the folk culture within Life and Death Are Wearing Me Out, enabling a deeper and more comprehensive understanding of the significance of the author's folk writing.

A Comparative Study of the Use of Atamagala in Suniyam Shanthikarmaya in the Upcountry, Lowcountry and Sabaragamu Traditions

Atamagala is an unique cultural aspect related to Sinhala folk practices & applications. Among them, the use of Atamagala is more famous as a decoration of Shanthikarma. Sooniyam Shanthikarmaya, which is conducted with the primary objective of eliminating witchcraft, is unique among the Shanthikarma used in Atamagala. The primary objective was to study the use of Atamagala, which is a decoration included in the Souniyam Shanthikarma, which is held with regional diversity in the Upcountry, Lowcountry and Sabaragamuwa, in a comparative manner and does the use and utility of Atamagala change in aforementioned traditions was the research problem. This research utilizes the human genealogical method, conducted under the qualitative method. Library study and field study were used as data collection methods. The methods of field data collection were the observation of Shanthikarma which uses Atamagala, observation of Atamagala creating method and conducting interviews with the experts in the field. Twelve data contributors were selected under judgmental sampling and snowball sampling and interviewed in this research. Atamagala is a basic arrangement built as a house, which is created by using banana pith and banana leaves and a “Yantraya” with eight corners marked inside and a mat is spread in such a way that the patient can sit on it. The primary objective of Atamagala practice is to remove the dosha of the patient. According to the three traditions, diversity can also be identified in the preparation of Atamagala and related rituals in Sooniyam Shanthikarmaya. Although, the Atamagala is a formal structure in Lowcountry and Sabaragamuwa traditions, it is a primitive structure in Upcountry Sooniyam Shanthikarmaya. It is also an unique custom not to cut Atamagala in Upcountry and Sabaragamu tradition. Accordingly, the research is concluded with the fact that the use and utility of Atamagala in Sooniyam Shanthikarma varies according to the traditions.