The Betel Leaf

The Betel Leaf

This is a presentation made by a student of grade11 on

“The importance of the betel leaf”.

My presentation is on the importance of the betel leaf. A sheaf of betel is associated almost with every important event and milestone of our lives. It is used in welcoming, showing reverence, communicating good and bad news and demonstrating social give and take. In the rural society even today a visitors to the house is made welcome by offering betel leaves from the tray. Sharing betel is a sign of companionship. The tray of betel leaves cuts across all social distinctions. It gives one equality. In ancient times it was found in every household – rich or poor.

It is also sign of affection. One may prepare a chew for a relation or a friend as a token of companionship. The betel is offered by the young to the elders as a symbol of respect. A person would offer it with the stem away from one’s self. Sometimes he may go down on his knees, once the sheaf is accepted. On the Sinhala and Tamil New Year’s Day it is customary for the young to offer a sheaf of betel to the elder and worship them.

The chief guest for a cultural function would be invited with a sheaf of betel. At a funeral house the betel is arranged upside down on the betel tray. A student on his first day in school and after the New Year would offer a sheaf of betel and worship his or her teacher. Betel is significant in the performance of the Sinhala married customs. Relatives are invited for weddings with the betel leaf, like a invitation card. A family will get as many leaves as the numbers invited.

At ceremonies when money is exchanged the money would be on a betel leaf or wrapped in it. This adds dignity to the deed. This is because till recent times Sri Lankan society held no respect for cash. In the past, Buddhist priests and Ayurvedic physicians were never offered money. 

The Comb of Banana

I wish to speak on the significance of the banana in our day to day life. The comb of bananas too is culturally important like the sheaf of betel. The comb of bananas is favored as a gift. It occupies a significant place in the traditional table laid along with other sweet meats like kevun (oil cakes), kokis, and milk rice. The comb of bananas too cuts across social distinction. A poor man could offer a comb of bananas from his crop to the richest man and no distinction are made.

The comb of bananas occupies a significant place in the ‘pooja’ tray at the Hindu kovil. The banana is kind of fruit applied on the god’s body in performing the abisekham ceremony. The is done to get the god’s blessings. The yellow color of the banana is considered a sign of prosperity, Therefore the banana secure an important place in the trays used in ceremonies, such as engagements, weddings etc. of the Hindu.