Demala Sanniya: The Mask of Madness and Healing in Sinhala Exorcism Rituals
Source : Meshaun Journeys LinkedIn
Did you know that the Demala Sanniya (දෙමළ සන්නිය) mask represents such a fascinating part of traditional Sinhalese healing?
This mask is linked to various mental disturbances, such as speaking in incomprehensible languages, performing pranks, uttering nonsense, aimless running, and experiencing bad dreams. Its features, including a furrowed forehead, blackened face, and fitted turban, visually represent these symptoms.
The Demala Sanniya is one of the eighteen Sanni demons featured in the ‘Daha Ata Sanniya’ (දහ අට සන්නිය), meaning ‘Eighteen Demons’. This ancient Sinhala exorcism ritual, dating back centuries, was performed to cure various illnesses believed to be caused by these 18 specific demons, each with their own unique style and mask!
Here’s a verse related to the Demala Sanniya:
ගල නම් අසමොල ගලේ වැසෙන්නේ
මුල නම් විසල් පුරේ උපන්නේ
බල නම් රට හැමතැන ඇවිදින්නේ
දෙමළ සන්නි පුද ඉල්ලා එන්නේ
Isn’t it incredible how much history and culture are embedded in these traditions?
