The Customs and Practices of the Ancient Tamils

பண்டையத் தமிழரின் பழக்கவழக்கங்கள்

Abstract

Although the Tamil words pazhakkam (habit) and vazhakkam (custom/practice) are commonly used interchangeably today, sociologists have explained that there is, in fact, a distinction between them. Even though the words appear similar in form, it is noteworthy that pazhakkam derives from ksha-pazhagu (to become accustomed), whereas vazhakkam comes from ksha-valangu (to practice or follow). “S Pazhakkam refers to behaviours that naturally become part of an individual,”¹ and, “The prolonged continuation of a habit becomes vazhakkam (custom). A custom is a socially accepted practice and reflects the collective emotional and mental tendencies of members of a community,” says Pascal Gisbert.² Similarly, an encyclopedia explaining the meaning of pazhakkam states: “When an action that begins consciously is, over time, performed unconsciously, it is called a habit.”³ Both individuals and the social structure together contribute to the formation of habits and customs. These practices originate from the needs and goals of a society. Through the customs of the Sangam-age people—such as pirai-thozhuthal (worship of the crescent moon), kurik- ketal (omen reading), kaimai-nonbu (vows of austerity), valaiyal-kazhithal (removing bangles), offering food to crows, burying the dead in earthen pits, nadukal worship, veriyāttu (possession rituals), silambugazhi nonbu, and the kudavolai system—we can understand the noble aspirations and values of that ancient society.