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Kandyan Brides Jewels

Sri Lankan traditional bridal is called “Kandyan Bride”. The dress is called Kandyan Saree. Includes a very elegant set of ornaments with the Kandyan saree. This set of jewellery is made up of over 20 pieces with a unique and exquisite design. Similar to Indian jewellery, these pieces of jewellery was popular among women belonging to the royal families in ancient times, during the periods of Sri Lankan kings. Kandyan jewellery comes from the hill capital of Sri Lanka. This set of jewellery is handmade and designed especially for royal families. It carries symbols of wealth, prosperity, strength, wellbeing, virtue, passion, and eternity. At the periods of kings, these pieces of jewellery are made using real gems and gold with red and pink rubies, Sapphires, emeralds, and pearls. As time passed by it became the main accessories to be worn on their wedding day as a tradition and was given the name “Udarata Abharana Kaatalaya”. There are seven necklaces included in this jewellery set.

The seven Necklaces

The Gold Pattiya Necklace

This is the shortest necklace that looks like a choker and is called “Karapatiya”. It is tightly worn around the neck. This is the first piece of jewellery to wear.

The four Padakkam Necklaces

It includes 4 chains with big pendants called “Padakkam”. It should be in a swan or floral design pendants if it is to be traditional.

The Paalakka Bead chain

This is a long chain with gold beads.

The Aagasti Necklace

This is called “Aagasti Maalaya”.  A necklace made of Agate stones.

The Pethi Necklace

Pethi means flower petals which is why it is designed in floral petal patterns. This is the longest chain that may extend to the bride’s knees.

The Nalalpatiya

This is the jewellery which you wear on the head. This is a gold chain draped around the head and forehead. It has a large pendant displayed as its midpoint. This should be placed at the centre of the bride’s forehead.

The sun and the Moon 

This is another head ornament. These two ornaments are to be worn on either side of the head. It resembled the sun and the moon, linked to eternity. This is worn in the belief that the marriage will last as long as the sun and the moon.

 

Additional jewellery pieces 

The following bangles, rings, earrings, and waist chains are also warned with the set.

The Seli Walalu

Walalu is the Sri Lankan word for bangles. Included 2 broad bangles. Warn on each wrist. There are two types of seli walalu: the plain one and a decorated one with tiny gems stones.

The Gedi walalu

Two bangles made with agate stones.

The hand ornament with rings

An ornament with a large pendant that has 5 chains connected to it. Each chain has a ring placed on the appropriate finger.

The Dimithi earing

These gold earrings resemble a cup that has been turned upside down.

The Havadiya

A chain draped across the waist.


Modern Kandyan Bride

When modernizing, small changes from the bride's dress to jewellery are made. But for the traditional bride, the above jewellery is a must. When she wants to be a modern Kandyan bride the bride can wear fewer pieces of jewellery and can make little difference with her dress. For example, not wearing Sun and moon hair ornament or not wearing all seven necklaces but just a few.

By Aruni Gorakagoda









REFERENCES

Perera, J. (2017). Tradition Meets Artistry: Kandyan Bridal Jewellery. Roar.media. Retrieved 7 December 2021, from https://roar.media/english/life/culture-identities/tradition-meets-artistry-kandyan-bridal-jewellery.

Perera, S. (2019). The Kandyan Bridal Jewelry Set. Bellatory. Retrieved 7 December 2021, from https://bellatory.com/fashion-accessories/tkekandyanbridaljewelryset#:~:text=History%20of%20the%20Kandyan%20Bridal%20Jewelry%20Set&text=The%20jewelry%20originated%20in%20South,King%20Sri%20Vikrama%20Rajasinha%27s%20wife.



 

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