"From Kenyan Folklore"

"theyyam costumes"

In order to express the characteristic i.e silent, beautiful or angry nature of the Theyyam, over and above the face decoration, the costumes also play an important role. The shape of the ‘Mudi’ differs based on the character of the Theyyam. Round shaped ‘Mudi’ with fire balls showing the angry mood and violent nature, beautiful and long shaped ‘Mudi’ with different and attractive ornaments showing the silent and friendly characteristic are important features of Theyyams.The ‘Mudi’ is being decorated with red coloured cloth as well as coloured papers. Also red coloured flowers are used to make it more attractive. Over and above to these items, and in fact, the most important item for the Theyyam costume is the leaves of coconut tree. The leaves of coconut trees are cut into different and attractive shape which plays an important role in the Theyyam costumes. Different types of ornaments made of metal and flower are worn in hands, legs and neck. Arms like sword, arrow, bow, shield, knife, tri-pointed arrow (Trisool) etc. are being used by the Theyyams as part of its costumes.Dried cloth soaked in starch with different decorations is also one of the important costume of the Theyyam.

"perumkaliyattom is the other name for theyyam"

myths about 'sree muthappan'

Sree Muthappan is believed to be the personification of two divine figures - Thiruvappana and Vellatom. Fundamentally the dual divine figures Thiruvappana and vellatom are not very different from the theyyakaliyattom of the north Malabar region. Though Sree Muthappan represents a single god, it represents two godly figures, Vishnu (with fish-shaped crown) Shiva (a crescent-shaped crown).Sri Muthappan as a theyyam is performed year-round whereas other theyyams are seasonal (lasting October to May).Several Muthappan Temples are seen in different parts of Kannur andKasaragode district. This shows the popularity of the God in the minds of the people of these two districts. Each madappura has its own tradition.

One interesting story relating to the God Muthappan is about the Nileshwar Muthappan Madappura. The Sree Muthappan temple near National Highway No 17 in Nileshwar has a rich heritage. It tells philosophical, devotional and educational importance ofNileshwar.There is an interesting story regarding the construction of Sree Muthappan Temple. An elder member of the Koroth family regularly visited the place now known as the Muthappan temple and drunk madhu (Toddy) a kind of intoxicating drink. He was a famous scholar and got the title Ezhuthachan for his commendable achievement as a teacher. Before drinking madhu as a devotee he pour some drop of madhu on the nearby Jack fruit.tree by telling it is for the god Muthappan. He regularly repeated the practice. Several years after the death of the above mentioned scholar the natives experienced serious troubles and they examined it with the assistance of an astrolleger. The astrolloger reveals the wonder that as a result of the regular practice of giving madhu to God Muthappan, the God started residing there. After the death of the scholar he did not get the madhu. That created disturbances in the area. Then the natives erected a Muthappan temple there. Koroth family got the right of Koymma [patron] in the temple.As a result of the formation of a committee and the great work done by the members of the committee the temple developed as famous and daily hundreds of people visited there. There is a strong belief that the God will cure all diseases and will give prosperity to the devotees. The devotees will get Payakutti from the temple and stood developing as a great temple like the Sree Muthappan temple at Parassinikadavu

preparations for theyyam

Costume and Make-upTo get the appearance of super-human, peculiar and colourful costume and make-up are used in theyyam dances. Essential componentc of the costume of theyyam dancer are the leaves of coconut tree which are cut and made into different shapes and sizes.Headgear of the dancers is unique and special. Structure of massive headgear and uduthukettu (waist-dress) is usually prepared from arecanut tree and bamboo. Lighted wicks are often fixed on the waist dress and are specific of Theyyattom.Mudi (face) is decorated with a red cloth and colored papers. Red colored flowers are also used for an even more attractive appearance.

a performer perform as" karinkaly"