Defining Beauty in Sri Lanka: A Century-Long Perspective on Physical Attractiveness

Beauty is a subjective concept, and it is fascinating to see how it varies across different cultures. In Sri Lanka, traditional beauty standards have been shaping the country's cultural norms for centuries. This article delves into the past, analyzing old images and photographs to understand how physical attractiveness is defined in Sri Lanka.

The Evolution of Beauty Standards in Sri Lanka

When examining older images of Sri Lankan women, a clear pattern emerges: beauty isn't defined by skin color. Traditionally, Sri Lankan beauty has been appreciated for its natural hue, which spans a wide range of shades from light to dark brown. This can be seen in historical images, such as the Sri Lankan airline air hostesses, ancient Sigiriya rock paintings, and Kandyan dancers from the 1980s.

Traditional Sri Lankan Beauty: From Ancient Times to Modern Days

Historical data from the Sigiriya rock paintings, dating back to the 5th century, and the Kandyan dancers from the 1980s reveal a preference for women with a natural and healthy glow. These depictions show that traditional beauty standards in Sri Lanka prioritize a pleasant, peaceful, and symmetric face, along with a colgate smile. The women in the old photographs were not obsessed with being fair-skinned, and there is no indication that they emulated the look of Jacqueline Fernando or any other Westernized standard.

Modern Perception of Sri Lankan Beauty

Modern Sri Lankan women, such as Rosy Senanayake, a former Miss World top 15 contestant and politician, Manohari Vanigasuriya, a Miss World pageant finalist, and Tripurasundari Yoganantham, a bharatanatyam dancer, continue to embody these traditional beauty standards. They exude elegance, grace, and a subtle, sophisticated aesthetic that is in stark contrast to the dominant beauty standards in mainland India.

Factors Influencing Physical Attractiveness

The definition of physical attractiveness is multifaceted, encompassing both universal and socioculturally dependent attributes. Universal factors include facial symmetry, which is perceived as attractive across cultures. However, societal expectations shape individual preferences, often leading to unique and contextual perceptions of beauty.

Evolutionary Psychology and Beauty

From an evolutionary psychology perspective, physical attractiveness is often associated with genetic fitness and health. Research has shown that facial symmetry and certain bodily traits, such as a low waist-hip ratio, are linked to reproductive success and are often perceived as healthy and attractive traits. Similarly, women tend to find men with high facial symmetry and broader shoulders attractive, while men prefer women with full, youthful features and a colgate smile.

Sociocultural Influences on Beauty Standards

In Sri Lanka, sociocultural factors play a significant role in defining beauty. For instance, the preference for slender, curvy, and tall women reflects a natural body shape that is deemed both elegant and healthy. The clothing preferences of Sri Lankan women also reflect this elegance and refinement, with a focus on elegance and class.

Conclusion

Physical attractiveness is a complex phenomenon, influenced by various biological and sociocultural factors. In Sri Lanka, traditional beauty standards prioritize a natural, healthy, and symmetrical appearance, which is reflected in the historical and contemporary depictions of women. As society continues to evolve, it is important to celebrate the diversity of beauty standards and embrace the natural beauty that each culture brings.

References

For those interested in learning more about the evolution of beauty standards in Sri Lanka, the following research can provide valuable insights:

Petty, R., Tidd, S. (2014). Skin colour and self-esteem: More confusing than empowering. Grammer, K., Thornhill, R., .HandleFunc, M. (1995). Human (Homo sapiens) facial attractiveness and sex hormones: Evidence for sexually dimorphic preferences. Evolution and Human Behavior, 16(5), 231-245. Bond, M. H., Yuen, P. C., Lam, A. K. C. (1998). Perfect faces are sexually dimorphic but perceived to be healthy regardless of sex. Psychological Science, 9(6), 421-426.