Puberty rites for the Sinhalese female

Abstract

Article presents a description and analysis of the female puberty rite in Sri Lanka. An integral part of the Sinhalese cultural system, this rite de passage provides a socio-psychological mechanism for integration of females into their adult roles. Author points out that "the rite is conducive to an easy access to the psychological preparation for the biological realitites of femaleness" and provides the girl with a stable female identity.