Sri Lanka is a country with a rich cultural heritage, and its traditional dress is no exception. The traditional attire of Sri Lanka is replete with various features, such as appearance, decorations, colors, dressing styles, and coordinating jewelry, which have undergone changes over time. These features have varied across different regions and historical periods, showcasing the fine artistic craftsmanship that is indigenous to the country.
What types of Sri Lanka Costume- Top Traditional Dress in Sri Lanka?
The traditional dress of Sri Lanka is known as the “Sinhalese Traditional Dress” or “Osariya” for women and “Dhavani” for men. It consists of a long, flowy, and brightly colored wrap dress for women, typically made from silk or cotton, and a similar style of wrap dress for men along with a shirt and trouser.
Traditional Clothing of Women In Sri Lanka
A saree is a type of traditional dress worn by women, which is a long piece of fabric that is draped around the body and worn with a blouse and petticoat.The traditional Kandyan saree, also known as an ovarian, is the most well-known piece of apparel in Sri Lanka and is worn by locals for a wide variety of events. Some people choose to do so on a daily basis, while others do so because it is an essential component of their work uniform.
Sri Lanka inherits a proud history that runs back more than 2500 years and resembles a unique culture along with Sri Lanka’s Traditional Dress Codes.
The top traditional dress worn by Sri Lankan women is called the “Osariya,” also known as the “Sari.” The Osariya is a long piece of cloth, usually made of silk or cotton, that is draped around the body and over the shoulder. The cloth is wrapped around the waist and then draped over the shoulder, leaving one shoulder bare. The Osariya is typically worn with a blouse or shirt, which covers the upper body. The dress is often brightly colored and adorned with intricate patterns and designs, making it a beautiful representation of Sri Lankan culture.
Traditional Clothing of Male In Sri Lanka
Traditional clothing for men in Sri Lanka reflects the rich cultural heritage of the country. One of the most iconic traditional garments is the “sarong,” which is a long piece of fabric wrapped around the waist and worn as a skirt. Men often pair the sarong with a “kurta,” a loose-fitting shirt that reaches the knees. Another traditional attire is the “national dress,” consisting of a white long-sleeved shirt, a sarong, and a jacket called the “suweta.” This ensemble is typically worn for formal occasions and ceremonies. Additionally, men may wear a “cheeththa” or a “redda,” which are variations of the sarong made from different materials and patterns. These traditional clothing items not only showcase the cultural identity of Sri Lanka but also provide comfort in the island’s tropical climate.
What is the significance of the traditional dress in Sri Lanka?
The traditional dress of Sri Lanka is known as the Kandyan and it is worn by both men and women for special occasions such as weddings, cultural events and religious ceremonies. The Kandyan dress for women consists of a long-sleeved blouse called the Osariya, which is worn with a long wrap-around skirt known as the Saree. The Kandyan dress for men consists of a white shirt, a sarong-like cloth called the Veshti, a jacket called the Nilame and a headdress called the Muhunduwa.
The significance of the traditional dress in Sri Lanka lies in its cultural and historical importance. The Kandyan dress is said to have originated during the Kandyan Kingdom era, which lasted from 1592 to 1815, and it is considered a symbol of national identity and pride. Wearing the traditional dress is also seen as a way of preserving and promoting Sri Lankan culture and heritage. Additionally, the intricate designs and vibrant colors of the Kandyan dress make it a beautiful and unique representation of Sri Lankan fashion.
Burgher Traditional Dress: The Burgher community, which is of mixed Sri Lankan and European descent, has its own unique traditional dress. Burgher women often wear a distinctive lace-trimmed dress called the “Cheeththa,” while Burgher men may wear Western-style suits.
These are just a few examples of the traditional dress in Sri Lanka. Each region and ethnic group may have additional variations and styles within their traditional attire.
What are the materials used in making traditional Sri Lankan costumes?
Traditional Sri Lankan costumes are typically made from a variety of materials, reflecting the rich cultural heritage of the country. Some common materials used in making traditional Sri Lankan costumes include:
Handloom Fabric: Handloom fabric, such as cotton and silk, is widely used in traditional Sri Lankan attire. It is often intricately woven and adorned with vibrant colors and intricate patterns.
Batik: Batik is a traditional wax-resistant dyeing technique used to create beautiful patterns on fabric. It is commonly used in Sri Lankan clothing, adding a unique and colorful touch to the garments.
Lace and Embroidery: Traditional Sri Lankan costumes often feature delicate lace and intricate embroidery, adding elegance and detail to the attire.
Jewelry and Accessories: In addition to fabric, traditional Sri Lankan costumes are often complemented with jewelry made from materials such as gold, silver, and precious gemstones, as well as accessories like ornate belts and headpieces.
These materials contribute to the distinctive beauty and cultural significance of traditional Sri Lankan costumes, reflecting the country’s rich artistic traditions and craftsmanship.
Are there different types of traditional dresses in Sri Lanka for different occasions?
Yes, there are different types of traditional dresses in Sri Lanka for different occasions.
Kandyan saree: This is the traditional dress of the Kandyan region and is worn by women for formal occasions such as weddings and cultural events. It features a long skirt and a blouse, with a shawl draped over the shoulder.
Osariya: This is another type of saree worn by women in Sri Lanka. It is worn for both formal and informal occasions and is characterized by its pleats and draping style.
Sarong: This is a type of skirt worn by both men and women in Sri Lanka. It is made from a single piece of cloth and is often worn for casual occasions.
National dress: The national dress of Sri Lanka for men is the sarong with a shirt or a jacket, while for women, it is the saree or the osariya.
These are just a few examples of the different types of traditional dresses in Sri Lanka. The choice of dress often depends on the occasion, region, and personal preference.
How is the traditional Sri Lankan dress worn?
The traditional dress of Sri Lanka is known as the “Osariya” or “Sari”. It is a long piece of fabric that is draped around the body in a specific way. Here is how the traditional Sri Lankan dress is worn:
Start by wearing a tight-fitting blouse or “redda” that covers the upper body.
– Take one end of the fabric and tuck it into the waistband of your skirt or trousers on your left side.
– Wrap the fabric around your waist, bringing it from left to right, and tuck it into the waistband again on your right side.
– Take the remaining fabric and drape it over your left shoulder, allowing it to fall gracefully down your back.
– Adjust the length of the fabric so that it reaches the floor or slightly above it.
– Use pins or clips to secure the fabric in place, especially at the shoulders and waist, to ensure it stays in position.
– You can accessorize the traditional Sri Lankan dress with jewelry, such as necklaces, bangles, and earrings, to complete the look.
