We have a tradition in Kerala, where, before a child is sent to school, he has to be '' initiated '' into learning. Traditionally, the child's right index finger is held by a learned person and made to write '' hari shri gana padhayae namaha '' on spread out rice (uncooked, of course :)) or sand. Then the mothers minnu / thali, is dipped in honey and same thing written on the baby's tongue.This is called 'Ezhuthinu Iruthu' (Sitting to write) or ' Vidhyarambam' (Start of education). I know this is practiced by the Christians and the Hindus of Kerala. Not too sure about the Muslims. And one more interesting thing is that no one is not supposed to hold the hand of the child and write, until this event happens. The child though, can write or scribble wherever he wants.
People who live out of Kerala too, try to adhere to this tradition. Malayala Manorama, on Vijayadashami day, organizes an event where you can take your child and make him write for the first time.
Tarun baby on Sunday the 25th wrote on rice, his hand held by my college professor and Head of Dpt., Dr. S K Sunderraj. Tarun was so excited, and unlike what i thought, didnt create a fuss. All went on well.
Rice was spread out on a tray and Dr.SKS, held his hand and wrote ' God is Love ' . Since he is from TamilNadu, he was very interested in this, though we had to guide him step by step :). We skipped the honey writing because we thought that would be a bit too much. And as Dakshina (Fees) Tarun gave him a neck tie . Tarun is starting play school on June 6th. Another event to look forward to.
11 comments:
wow... i thought that is a really good and meaningful custom to have. Sort of like the initiation :) like you said.
Yes Pearlie, now a days due to busy life styles people tend to skip it. Even i think its a nice custom, thats why we cariied on even if it was half and half and not a complete one :)
Hmm.. I was never "initiated"...:( Is there something like this for adults too..:D
It's very nice to see you following the tradition. Was so happy to see photos of Tarun scribbling on rice.
It feels nice when we see children learn things :-), especially when you see your own kid. I am sure that your kid will have a fantastic future.
What a lovely tradition, learning to read and write is so important. Your blog is very interesting, I have been trying to read it all. I will be back for more!
regards,
Theresa
Abe
No Hope :D, ini raksha illa... samayam kazhinju poi :)
Ashwin
Thank u
Theresa
Thank u very much.
Thanks for leaving a comment for me today. It means a lot! And I love the 'writing initiation.' I'll have to try it on my youngest!
Wow! What a cool tradition! I might sound cheesy saying this, but I love reading about other peoples' customs and cultures. Thank you for visiting my blog! May your day be blessed!
Sarah
Thanks Kristin and Sarah.
Even i find cultures and traditions very interesting :)
Anooja - This tradition seems like a good way to emphasize how important school is. Congratulations!
Thanks Jewels..
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