 |
 12th April 1998 |
Front Page| |
|
|
|||
      
|
Peace and loveI come from a fish and chip shop, Rehana
The Aluth Avurudu SongBy Uncle Douglas SenaratneKoha was flying around very excited. From tree to tree she went, from nest to nest, peering in, staring at the eggs that were in the nests. Polkichcha, the Magpie Robin watched Koha for a long time. Then being tired of watching, he asked "Why are you flying so excitedly?" "Oh! it's terrible, terrible," said the Koha, almost in tears. "What can I do?" she sobbed. "What can I do." Polkichcha was angry. "What are you saying? It doesn't make any sense. Tell me what really is the matter?" "They are not in any of the nests," said the Koha. "I've looked all over, but I can't find them. "Find what?" asked angry Magpie Robin. "Why silly, my eggs,"said Koha. "I've forgotten in what nest I laid them. But I know I laid them somewhere. It will be Aluth Avurudu soon, and I have still not found my eggs." Koha flew away, desperately trying to find her eggs. Polkichcha, the Magpie Robin was very angry. "How dare she call me 'silly.' Every one knows that Kohas are the most foolish, silliest and stupidest birds in the whole forest or anywhere. Just imagine. She can't remember where she laid her eggs. Now isn't that the stupidest thing in the world?" Polkichcha thought for a while. "But there won't be Aluth Avurudu if that stupid Koha doesn't find her eggs. That will be awful. I must go and look for them. After all Aluth Avurudu is very important to everyone. It is the happiest time of the year." Polkichcha flew off, looking for the Koha's eggs. On the way, he met Dandu Lena the Rock Squirrel. "Hey, where are you flying to so fast?" asked the Squirrel. "I'm going to look for that stupid Koha's eggs. She has forgotten where she laid them. She's always laying eggs in other birds nests. And you know, without the Koha, there won't be Aluth Avurudu," said Polkichcha. Dandu Lena leapt from tree to tree, while Polkichcha the Magpie Robin flew along. They stopped only to look into the nests and the eggs that were in them. Sometimes there were birds hatching their eggs who scolded them for looking. But they went on. They had not gone very far, when they saw Mynah Bird walking on the ground looking for some insects. "Where to?" Mynah Bird asked. "My goodness!" said Polkichcha. "A terrible thing has happened. That crazy Koha has forgotten where she laid her eggs. And it's very close to Aluth Avurudu. Now if she does not find her eggs, there will be no Aluth Avurudu Song. And you know that Aluth Avurudu is the happiest time of the year. Isn't that terrible?" "It is, it is" said Mynah Bird. "I saw Koha flying around, crazily muttering to herself a short while ago. Everyone knows that Koha's are quite mad, so I let her fly on without asking her where she was going, which is the polite thing to do. Yes, I'll join you to look for the eggs. Just give me a moment," and Mynah Bird gobbled up a grasshopper. The three friends breezed along, Polkichcha and Mynah Bird in the air, and Dandu Lena leaping from tree to tree. They looked in on all the nests in all the trees, but there was no sign of koha's eggs. "Has that stupid Koha laid her eggs in some nest in another forest?" Mynah Bird asked. "It is possible," said Magpie Robin. "Yes," said Dandu Lena, "That is why we can't find Koha's eggs. We have looked in all the nests in all the trees in this forest. I'm sure they are in a nest in a tree in another forest." "If that is so, what a waste of our time," said Polkichcha the Magpie Robin wearily. "Now, what is going to happen to Aluth Avurudu?" asked Mynah Bird. "Oh no!" cried Dandu Lena almost in tears. How can we get on without Aluth Avurudu?" "Don't worry, the Shining Ones will do something. They know how eagerly we wait for Aluth Avurudu," said Polkichcha, the Magpie Robin, trying to soothe his friends. Sadly, the three friends sat on the branch of Na (Iron wood) tree, waiting for the Shining Ones to do something. Suddenly, big black Kaputa the Crow, flew on to the Na tre branch. He looked at the three friends. "What are you so sad about?" he asked. They told him. "That stupid Koha can't remember where she laid her eggs. And we think she laid them in a nest in another forest. Now there won't be Aluth Avurudu. How awful!" Kaputa started laughing in his cawing way. He laughed himself almost breathless. "You silly, silly people" Kaputa said. "You will never find Koha's eggs anywhere, in any nest, in any forest now. Koha laid her eggs over two months ago. And now they have hatched out. The young Kohas are quite big now and when the time comes you will hear the Aluth Avurudu Song and the happiest time of the year will be here. Did you not know that the Aluth Avurudu Song has to be sung by a young Koha? The young Koha can sing the song only once. The next year's song is sung by Koha that has still not been hatched out." "We are so relieved," the three friends told Kaputa. We are so happy that we met you. Suddenly they heard the song, the Aluth Avurudu Song. "It is here! It is here!" they all shouted. Éven the crow. The Aluth Avurudu Song went on and on and on.
Leading the nationContd. from last week's STAMP CORNER Following the victory of the SLFP at the 1960 July General Election Sirimavo Bandaranaike became Prime Minister creating history by becoming the world's first woman Prime Minister. Her first tenure of office lasted until March 1965. In 1970 she was swept to power as head of the United Front Government and became Prime Minister once again in May 1970. On 22 December 1975 in the Re 1.15 stamp issued to mark International Women's Year, her portrait appeared as an inset. On 3 August 1976, two stamps (Rs 1.15 & 2) were issued to mark the Non-Aligned Summit and both featured Mrs Bandaranaike. After a lapse of 17 years following the General Election in 1994, she was appointed to the office of Prime Minister of the Democratic Socialist Republic of Sri Lanka. A Rs 2 stamp was released on 17 April 1995 to mark her 79th birthday. Ranasinghe Premadasa who was Prime Minister from February 1978 until January 1989 and then Sri Lanka's second Executive President until he was assassinated on l May l993, was honoured with the issue of a Re I stamp on 22 May 1994 National Heroes Day J R .Jayewardene, Prime Minister (July 1977 to February 1978) and first executive President (l978- l989) and W Dahanayake, Prime Minister from September till March 1960 have yet to be commemorated with stamps.
Three crosses on GolgothaBy Uncle Douglas SenaratneDysmas was a tall well built man and carrying the cross on his shoulder was so difficult. There were three going to Golgotha that afternoon. One of them was known to Dysmas. He was a robber and murderer like himself and his name was Gestas. But the frail man for whom the cross seemed too heavy Dysmas did not know, but he had heard about him. At the trial, the night before, Dysmas, who was one of the prisoners
in the cell, felt that even Pontius Pilate, the Roman governor of India
was sympathetic towards the man. He wanted to set him free Now Barrabas was a robber, murderer and an absolute scoundrel. No man deserved to be crucified more than Barrabas. But the high priests wanted Jesus crucified and Barrabas freed. Yes, the man's name was Jesus, and the charge against him was "blasphemy". Dysmas knew nothing of the law, so he did not think about it. But this was the walk to Golgotha, the Mount of the Skull. That's where they crucify the wrong doers. When one walks up the mount of Golgotha, carrying a cross, one does not walk down again. It was the most fearsome journey. Dysmas and Gestas felt the terror of this walk. But this man, Jesus showed only fatigue, but not fear or terror. He was not a strong man and the cross he bore seemed far too heavy for him. He stumbled and fell many times on the way, but he was brave and went on. Ruffians and hoodlums. They howled and hooted. "The son of God is going to die," they shouted repeatedly. "Crucify him, crucify him," they screamed frenziedly. Dysmas was angry when he heard the ruffians. He wanted to scream at them. But if he had, they would have jeered even louder. Jesus looked at Dysmas and smiled. "Do not be angry," he seemed to say. And Dysmas felt so ashamed. Jesus fell again. And the huge cross hurt his shoulder Dysmas moved towards him to help, but the Roman Guardsman who was standing nearby slashed him with a whip. The end of the whip tore into the shoulder of Jesus. But Jesus looked at the Roman and smiled and the guardman seemed cowed and quickly moved away from them. Again Jesus fell. A woman from the crowd wiped Jesus' face with a shawl and gave him some water to drink . He looked up gratefully. "Thank you lord," she said. The leader of the Roman guards, the centurion came up "What goes on here?" he asked. "The man has fallen and it is evident that he can't go on," he said. Then he looked around. There was a burly well built man in the crowd. "You come here. What's your name, and where are you from?" he asked authoritatively. "I am Simon of Cyrene," the man said stiffly. "Are you a Roman citizen?" the centurion asked. "No," thundered the Cyrenian, spitting on the ground." I am a Cyrenian, and a Jew." The centurion became less aggressive. "Then you can help another Jew who has some difficulty with his cross. He says he is the son of God, but his God is not strong enough to help him with his cross," he said sarcastically. The Cyrenian strode up to the man kneeling on the ground, took the cross and gently raised the man to his feet. Without a murmur, he carried the cross. Dysmas was pleased with the Cyrenian. He had forgotten his own burden and even the fearful pain and horrible end that awaited him. The Cyrenian led the small group with the cross on his shoulders. Behind him was Jesus, Dysmas and Gestas. Not far away, they saw the dreaded Golgotha, the Skull Rock. There were rotting wooden stakes sticking out. They were what remained of crosses on which other malefactors had died much earlier. At last the three unhappy men reached the summit of the mount. The smell was overpowering . It was the smell of rotting flesh and rotting wood. Dysmas and Gestas were unceremoniously thrown to the ground by the Roman guards and bound tightly on to crosses. The crosses were raised upright and stuck into holes in the ground. Their shin bones would be later broken and then they would slowly die of suffocation. Weak with fatigue and exhaustion, Jesus stood quietly. Two Roman guards and the centurion came up to him and tore off his clothes, and wrapped a cloth around his loins. Then they put him on the cross and first, nailed his hands at the wrists on to the cross beam of the cross then they nailed down the feet. Dysmas winced. Although he did not feel his own pain, he felt a twinge of pain when the nails went in to the wrists and feet of Jesus. 'Surely, this was no ordinary man, Dysmas thought. Gestas on the other hand groaned and screamed with pain of his injuries. He shouted at Jesus. "If you are the son of God as you claim, then save yourself from the cross , and save me also." Jesus looked at Gestas with great sorrow and love and Gestas sulkily looked away. Dysmas was angry when he heard Gestas "Remember Gestas, you and I are suffering for the evil, lawless things that we have done. But this man is not evil. He is good. Why must you say those wicked things to him?" Gestas groaned. The pain he fell was severe. He cursed through his teeth. Some people in the crowd jeered at him. And a Roman guard threw a piece of wool, soaked in vinegar, at him. Then they placed a board at the toot of his cross. "This is Jesus of Nazareth, the King of the Jews," were the words written on it. Jesus smiled sympathetically. "Father, forgive them," he whispered, "They do not know what they are doing." Dysmas heard this, "Truly this man is the son of God." He was afraid, "What have these fools done?" In great fear and love he begged "Remember me lord, when you have come into your kingdom." Jesus turned toward him and said, "Truly I say to you today Dysmas, you shall be with me in Paradise." Dysmas felt a great happiness when he heard this. The three had been on the cross almost three hours.When Jesus gasped, "It is finished. Father to you I give my spirit." Suddenly the whole mount of Golgotha shook. Rocks rolled down the hill and trees fell. The people who had come to Golgotha ran helter skelter. Dysmas was calm. "Almighty God has received his son," he said.
Celebrating AvuruduIt's Avurudu (New Year) time for both major communities - the Sinhalese and Tamils - thus making it a national festival. Avurudu occurs when the sun enters the sign of Aries (Mesha) from the sign Pisces (Meena), according to astrological calculations. It happens every year on April 13 or 14. Observance of festive rites have to be done at the prescribed auspicious times. It's a time for joy and merriment. Work is stopped. New clothes are worn. Religious rites are observed. The Avurudu mood was captured in a set of four stamps issued on 10th
April 1986 to commemorate the Sinhala and Tamil New Year. Designed by Bandula
Harishchandra they depicted the key activities Offering betel to elders is a traditional custom observed as a mark of respect. In every home the young offer betel to the elders on Avurudu day as the first task for the New Year. First to the parents, then to elder brothers and sisters and any other elderly relatives at home. It is also customary for the wife to offer betel to the husband. Is also symbolises asking for pardon for any wrongdoing during the year. With the betel, gifts are also given. Instead, once betel is offered, they receive gifts (often cash) from the parents. The preparation of the 'Avurudu Mese' (table) with traditional sweetmeats - Kevum, Kribath, Kokis, Asmi, Aluwa along with a bunch of Kolikuttu plantains is a 'must' in every home, as seen in the 75 Cts. stamp. After the Weda Alleema (starting work), the family sits together and partakes of the first meal at the appointed hour. Raban playing symbolizes Avurudu just as much as the sound of the Koel (Koha) indicates that Avurudu is very much on the cards. So is the blossoming of the coral tree (Erabadu). This festive mood is seen in the 6.50 stamp. During the Nonagathe or Punyakalaya when all work is stopped, it's time to go to the temple and offer flowers, light lamps and recite stanzas. This is before the auspicious time to start work for the New Year which, normally is the lighting of hearth to boil milk (a sign of prosperity) and the preparation of milk rice. The annointing of oil is another new year custom, when a special preparation (Nanu) made out of various herbs (generally) prepared in the village temple and distributed by the chief monk is applied by the elder of the family (ideally the grandfather) at the auspicious time. Usually the auspicious time falls a couple of days after New Year day. The Rs. 8.50 stamp depicts these activities.
Mammals of yesteryearAbout 65 million years ago, when the dinosaurs suddenly died out, the tiny mammals were safe at last from the great reptiles. They were free to evolve into all sorts of different, bigger creatures. New, large herbivorous mammals soon developed along with larger carnivorous that preyed on them. These new mammals belonged to two main groups, both of which still survive. The young of the "marsupials" are born when they are still very tiny and continue growing in their mother's pouch. Kangaroos are marsupials. Most mammals are called "placentals". Their young are not born until they are biger and are soon able to run about with their parents. The world was also changing in another way. Its great land mass was splitting up into continents. Australia became separate first, soon after the marsupials arrived there. So the placental type of mammal only reached Australia recently. That is why so many usual marsupials evolved there. A few types of placentals reached South America where they lived with the marsupials. Everywhere else, though, the pouched marsupails soon became extinct. New types of mammal evolved in Africa. One of the first was a big rhinoceros-like herbivore called Arsinoitherium which had two horns side by side on its nose. Elephants first evolved in Africa, and only spread to other parts of the world much later. South American mammals Cut off from the rest of the world for many millions of years, the mammals of South America evolved into many different kinds of unusual creature. Most of the marsupials were rather like today's opossum, which feeds on smaller animals and on fruit. But some of the prehistoric marsupials included fierce carnivores such as Thylacosmilus, which preyed on the strange herbivorous mammals. As in other parts of the world, the climate in South America gradually became cooler and drier. Great grass-covered plains appeared and new types of mammals evolved that could eat the grass. This way of life was taken up by horses in North America, but in South America the plains were the home of animals such as Thoatherium. This was like a horse in size and shape, and it had hooved feet. Perhaps the strangest of the South American herbivores are the sloths, which hang upside down from the branches of trees. They are still alive today but, millions of years ago, some of the sloths took to living on the ground. They moved rather awkwardly, and they still had the long, curved claws which their ancestors had used to hang onto the branches. Some ground sloths, like legatherium, became gigantic creatures six metres long. The northern invaders About five million years ago, South America became connected to North America. This meant many of the mammals that had evolved in the north could now invade South America. Bred in the colder climate of the north, these new mammals were hardy and fierce. Many of the Sout American mammals became extinct at this time, but a few of them survived. Some, such as the opossum and the armadillo, even spread into North America and still live there. |
||
 |
Return to Mirror Magazine Contents
|
||
 |
Please send your comments and suggestions on this web site to |
||
with
just a whipping, but the high priests of the great Temple would have none
of this. "Crucify Jesus and let Barrabas free," they screamed.
that
take place for Avurudu. The transition from Meena Rasi to Mesha Rasi and
the lighting of the traditional oil lamp were featured in the 50 Cts. stamp.