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Head touching taboo especially children Sri Lanka

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N
Niko J.•1520 rep•2

Is head touching really taboo Sri Lanka Especially kids

3

3 Answers from travellers

✓Accepted Answer

Yes, particularly with adults and monks. In Sri Lankan culture, the head is considered spiritually significant (closest to enlightenment). Never touch a monk's head. Adults generally reserve head-touching for family. Children's heads: parents may pat their own kids, but strangers should not.

37
K
Kumari S.•2810 rep•1

Practical implication: don't ruffle a child's hair as a greeting. If curious about a hat or hairstyle, ask instead of touching. This is the biggest unintentional gaffe foreign visitors make in South Asia. Compliment verbally instead.

49
R
Roshan D.•10160 rep•1

No head touching, compliment verbally. Thanks!

36
N
Niko J.•1520 rep•2

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