Culture of the Maldives
This article has multiple issues. Please help improve it or discuss these issues on the talk page. (Learn how and when to remove these template messages)
|
The culture of the Maldives is derived from a number of sources, the most important of which is its proximity to the shores of Sri Lanka and South India. The population is mainly Indo-Aryan from the anthropological point of view. Islam is considered the religion of the country and only Muslims can become legal citizens.
Influences
The
These ancient kings may have brought Buddhism from the subcontinent, but it is not clear. In Sri Lanka, there are similar legends, but it is improbable that the ancient Maldives royals and Buddhism came both from that island, because none of the Sri Lankan chronicles mentions the Maldives. It is unlikely that the ancient chronicles of Sri Lanka would have failed to mention the Maldives, if a branch of its kingdom had extended itself to the Maldive Islands.
Since the 12th century AD, there have also been influences from
In the islands' culture, there are a few elements of
Society
The status of
Women have always had an important role in the family and community. In the early history of Maldives, it was not uncommon to have a woman as a Sultana or ruler and it has been suggested that Maldivian society was once a matriarchy. In today's society women hold strong positions in government and business. A large percentage of government employees are women. The male-to-female ratio of enrollment and completion of education to secondary school standards remains equivalent. Women serve in both the cabinet and the Parliament.
Maldivian culture shares many aspects of a strong
Prostitution in the Maldives is illegal and foreigners who engage in prostitution can expect to be deported and Maldivians can expect a prison sentence.[5][6]
Public holidays in the Maldives include both civilian dates and Islamic religious holidays.[8]
- Family life
-
Judaage Aminat Didi in 1982, wearing the simple customary libaas worn by all southern Maldivian women before the modern islamification promoted by President Maumoon. First "burugaa" headscarf reached Fuvahmulah only in 1989.
-
Kashimaage Hakimatu, daughter of an excellent master carpenter boatbuilder, 1983. Fuvahmulah Island
-
Gage Naima dancing while she was a girl at the Royal Court in Male. Based on a picture taken around 1960.
-
A baby sleeping on a swingbed. The duty of the older siblings is to keep it swinging. 1980
-
Woman rocking a traditional Maldivian swingbed (un'dholi) holding a baby in local fashion.
Cuisine
The cuisine of Maldives is mainly fish as the fishing industry is the second-largest industry in the country. Daily meals include rice and fish, the most common foods, with fish being the most important source of protein in the average diet. In the past very few vegetables were eaten due to a lack of farming land in the country. Most food served in tourist resorts is imported. On ceremonial occasions, meat other than pork is eaten. Alcohol is not permitted except at tourist resorts. Basic commodities such as rice, sugar, and flour are imported. A popular Maldivian dish is
Arts
- Fish drawings from astrology books, Fuvahmulah
Crafts
The Maldives holds a rich art and craft heritage such as Mat weaving, rope weaving etc.
-
Top of a malaafaiy (wooden cover for food items) with Arabic writing. Lacquered wood made in Thulhaadhoo Island, 1985.
-
Quality Mat from Gaddhu, Huvadhu atoll
Sailing
-
Naalu battheli, a Maldive fishing sailboat transformed into a temporary trading boat.
-
Hafali doni. A six-oared fishing boat with a detachable mast and a square sail. Fuvahmulah, 1982.
-
Ready for the journey. Goods on the beach prepared to be loaded on the boat. The bundle of the trader's bedding is on top of the heap. Fuvahmulah, 1981.
-
Loading goods on a boat bound for the capital. Fuvahmulah, 1981.
-
Boat arrival in Fuvahmulah, 1982
Folklore
The Maldivian folklore is the body of myths, tales and anecdotes belonging to the oral tradition of
-
Be. Popular celebration in Holhudu Island. Men dressed like evil spirits walk around the island scaring the children.
-
Be. Popular celebration in Holhudu Island. Men dressed like evil spirits beat empty bandiyaa water pots in the night.
Music and dance
Culturally, Maldivians feel some affinity to Northern India through their language, which is related to the languages of North India. Most older generation Maldivians like to watch Hindi movies and listen to Hindi songs. Many popular Maldivian songs are based on Hindi tunes. The reason is that out of a similar language, similar rhythms and cadences develop. In fact, it is very easy for Maldivians to fit local lyrics to a Hindi song.
The favourite musical instrument of Maldivians is the bulbul tarang, a kind of horizontal accordion. This instrument is also used to accompany devotional songs, like Maulūd and Maadhaha. The Bodu Beru (literally "Big Drum") drumming performances are said to have African roots.
-
Gaa odi lava. Popular celebration in Holhudhoo Island. Dance performed by men, 1991.
-
Every year peoples of Fuvahmulah Celebrate Maahefun at Fuvahmulah Thoondu area which is the north beach of Fuvahmulah
-
Every year peoples of Fuvahmulah Celebrate Maahefun at Fuvahmulah Thoondu area which is the north beach of Fuvahmulah
-
Maahefun Festival in Fuvahmulah was held on July 31, 2011, with more than 4000 people from Fuvahmulah and other islands of Maldives.
See also
References
- ISBN 84-7254-801-5
- ^ Marcus, Anthony. 2012. “Reconsidering Talaq: Marriage, Divorce and Sharia Reform in the Republic of Maldives” in Chitra Raghavan and James Levine. Self-Determination and Women’s Rights in Muslim Societies. Lebanon, NH: Brandeis University Press [1] Archived 2017-10-10 at the Wayback Machine
- ^ Maldives: Gender and Development Assessment Archived 2012-04-24 at the Wayback Machine
- ^ Maldives divorce rate soars
- ^ "Prostitution on the rise in the Maldives". Minivan Daily. Archived from the original on 2012-03-12. Retrieved 2011-09-18.
- ^ "Maldives nab foreigners for prostitution". Lanka Business Online. Archived from the original on 2012-03-23. Retrieved 2011-09-18.
- ^ "Where is it illegal to be gay?". BBC News. Retrieved 23 February 2014.
- ^ List
- ^ "How to lunch like a true Maldivian – Rice and Garudhiya". timesofaddu.com. Retrieved 27 July 2023.
- ^ HCP Bell, The Máldive Islands: An account of the Physical Features, History, Inhabitants, Productions and Trade. Colombo, 1883
- ISBN 84-7254-801-5
This article includes a list of general references, but it lacks sufficient corresponding inline citations. (September 2009) |
- Divehiraajjege Jōgrafīge Vanavaru. Muhammadu Ibrahim Lutfee. G.Sōsanī. Male' 1999.
- ISBN 81-206-1222-1
- ISBN 84-7254-801-5
- Divehi Tārīkhah Au Alikameh. Divehi Bahāi Tārikhah Khidmaiykurā Qaumī Markazu. Reprint 1958 edn. Male’ 1990.