Sunday Parable

Professor Sunanda MAHENDRA

Betel’s birth

A sheaf of betel is seen all over the Sinhala and Hindu houses during the New Year season. Some believe that it has a great sensitive healing power. Yet others believe that the offering of a sheaf of betel (bulat ata) makes you obtain a pardon from your elders. So pardoning as well as blessings go hand in hand with each other.

But how many are familiar with the way the betel found it way to the earth? Well, the story goes as follows: Long long ago there were three pious friends: fox, crane and hare. The god of gods, Sakra wanted to test the intensity of their piety, on a full moon day. So he came disguised as a hungry old man to see the three friends.

“I am starving. Give me something please.” The three friends looked at each other.

“I can eat anything.” Pleaded the old man.

“You need not starve. I can bring a fish from the lake. We can help you either cook or fry and eat it.” That was crane, and he wanted to do it shortly. Then said the fox: “I can make a fire to cook it.” Then the old man looked at the hare. The hare was in a pensive mood.

Hare said: “My friend crane need not bring a fish from the lake.

“Why?” Asked the old man.

“It is killing.” “So what are you going to do?” “Let my friends make a fire.” “Why?” Asked the old man.

Hare signaled two of his friends to make a bonfire. He too helped them do it. The old man kept on watching. When the bonfire was ready, the hare said: “Just wait and see.” He stood at a corner and shrugged his body. He wanted to make sure all those tiny creatures living in his body are shrugged off. Then they all could see what hare was up to.

“Why are you doing this?” Asked the old man.

“I want to be food for you.” Just as the hare was to jump into the fire, the old man, the disguised Sakra, held him by his hands and rescued.

“You are a great creature.” Said the god. “I will never forget this noble act. I wish I have the chance of depicting your image on the moon.” So Sakra clasped the hare and started painting its image on the surface of the moon, with the intention of showing him to the entire world. It took Sakra such a long time to paint the image on the moon. As soon as the drawing was over Sarka drifted the pointed paintbrush to the ground. When it fell down, it was a sudden surprise for the king of the Naga world to see it placed right beside him.

The Naga king picked it up with care and looked at it.

“This is a wonderful pointed brush. Looks like a stalk in a plant. I must plant it beside my throne.” It was a miracle when it grew like a wonder vine or creeper unseen before, with leaves. The plant was called Nagavalli, or the vine of the Naga world. The plant grew rapidly and spread into other parts as well. As the plant grew on the earth (bhumiya) it was called Bulat meaning bumiye lat.

But the Nagas rarely had the chance to consume it as powerful earthly bodies like humans snatched the chance to rob it from Nagas. And the humans believed that there may be person lying on each sides of the betel leaf. As such they are seen nailing of the two sides, the stalk side and the tail side of the leaf as a custom handed down the centuries. Now the betel leaf is regarded as herb that possesses a stimulating power as well. Even when a money transaction is done, the money is placed on the sheaf of betel. At weddings too the betel plays a vital role. Most invitations are extended by way of betel, and known as bulat dima. If someone disregards the offer of betel is a sure sign of animosity.