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Published online by Cambridge University Press: 15 March 2011
There are few Oriental races more superstitious than the Sinhalese of Ceylon. Omens, charms, divinations, etc., are as much sought after by them as by any other Indian people, and no undertaking of any importance is commenced without a previous consultation with the Neket Kórayá, the astrologer of the village. He is supposed to be acquainted with the temper, habits and movements of the planet gods, and to be able to prescribe of Ferings for their propitiation; while the Kapurála or Giganarála, the minister of the gods, the Kattadiya or devil charmer, and the Yakkadura or devil dancer, are scarcely less important personages when it becomes necessary to perform the ceremonies prescribed by the astrologer.
page 366 note 1 Mátora, Southern Province of Ceylon.
page 367 note 1 The son of Siva Rama.
page 367 note 2 The son of Siva.
page 368 note 1 These devils are supposed to haunt the house of the cultivator and to be always on the look-out to injure him.
page 369 note 1 Devils in the retinue of Vesamuri, the chief of the devils, noted for their mischievousness.
page 369 note 2 As, for instance, they take particular care at home not to trample on grains of boiled rice, or to leave them where they are liable to be trampled on.
page 370 note 1 There is sound practical wisdom in this. The grass at the sides of the ridges, etc., protects the blossom from the wind and from injury by the passers-by.
page 370 note 2 The fisher people will never count the number of fish they catch, or a large cattle proprietor the number of head he possesses.