Are jokes all about humour?

by Anushka Nanayakkara

A joke is a short story in a short series of words spoken or communicated with the intent of being laughed at or found humorous by listener or reader. This sort of "joke" is not the same as a practical joke.

Humour is also a good indication of light headedness and release from the tension that may have surrounded some issue. There is, however, also a negative side of humour, such as when someone or something is derided or made fun of.

Jokes are made by different people without differentiating. As I mentioned earlier jokes can be broken in to many categories where it can either bring a smile to one's face or tears which will add pain.

Some jokes can even lead people to commit crimes, the fault may be due to the person who cracked the joke or the other party takeing it in a negative manner can create a disaster or heart ache. Nevertheless, from decades back through many avenues jokes have been flowing through all societies starting from the king to the beggar.

"Andare" was a court jester. Though there is no historical factor to prove "Andare's" existence, people had and still have the belief that "Andare" was alive and he had the amasing ability to make anyone laugh by insulting or by any other means to carry the necessary message to society.

According to folk stories Andare was born in Devundara, Kiruwella. Some people in society say that he is originally from Matara and according to Sinhala encyclopedia there are credible facts to prove this.

He was also a folk story teller and a poet during the Kandyan empire. Through out his life "Andare" was a natural comedian. "Rodee Kella", Senee Kaa Hatee", "Gona Wage Seetema", "Malmadha Besaue", "Baradura Karthaweyak" are few of the stories which made people laugh their hearts out. Still with most of his stories it shows that "Andare" knew the limits and was well disciplined.

At times when its needed he use to say things, but not with the intention of making people cry or with malice.

In society there are many people who do not know the real value of joking. Thinking that joking is some kind of a weapon either they use it as the wrong time or on the wrong people. Some times different characters have been made to humiliate a political party or individual. If one could understand the real impact of a joke or humour, definitely it will add cheer to one's face instead of tears.

A joke is a humorous anecdote or remark intended to provoke laughter, it has not been created to accuse someone or something. What's necessary is to accommodate jokes with the right people at the right time. It is made to relieve the tensions not to devise it.

Remember "laughter is the best medicine".

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