The Lepcha (Population: 50,000) are the aboriginal inhabitants of present day Sikkim. Many Lepcha are also found in Western and South-Western Bhutan, the Ilam district Eastern Nepal and even the hills of West Bengal.
Origins
The origin of the Lepcha is obscure. Some anthropologists suggest they emigrated directly from Tibet to the north, while other sources suggest they started in South-East Tibet, migrated to either Thailand or Burma, then navigated the Irrawady and Chindwin rivers, crossed the mighty Patkoi range coming back west, and finally entered into ancient India. While migrating westward through India the are surmised to have passed through southern Bhutan before reaching their final destination near Kanchenjunga.
Script
The Lepcha have their own script, called Róng, which is based on the Tibetan alphabet. It was developed between the 17th and 18th century by a Lepcha scholar named Thikúng Men Salóng. By historical coincidence, the world's largest collection of old Lepcha manuscripts is kept in Leiden, with over 180 Lepcha books.
Religion
Most Lepchas are Tibetan Buddhist by religion, which was brought by the Bhutias from the north, although a few have also adopted Christianity. However, the Lepcha have not give up their shamanistic religion which is known as Mun. In actual practice, Mun ritual and Buddhist ritual are mixed together.
Customs
The Lepcha trace their descent patrilineally. Their marriage customs, due to strong Tibetan influence, is quite similar to the Bhutia. The marriage is negotiated between the families of the bride and the groom. If the marriage deal is settled, the Lama will look through the Tibetan almanac to check the horoscopes of the boy and girl and to schedule a favourable date for the wedding. Then the boy's maternal uncle, along with other relatives, approaches the girl's maternal uncle with a khada, a ceremonial scarf and one rupee, and gains the maternal uncles formal consent.
The wedding takes place at noon on the auspicious day. The groom and his entire family leave for the girl's house with some money and other gifts that are handed over to the bride's maternal uncle. Upon reaching the destintion, the traditional Nyomchok ceremony takes place, and the bride's father arranges a feast for relatives and friends. This seals the wedding between the couple.
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Last updated: 10-19-2005 02:32:44
