Tamil is one of the major languages of South India and the 17th most spoken language in the world. Tamil is one of the oldest written languages with a history going back 3000 years. Tamil speakers are proud of their culture and literary tradition. Tamil speakers often use English or some other trade language, but most still use Tamil as their family language.
Large populations of Tamils have left southern India and Sri Lanka and have come to live in over 20 nations including Italy. Commonly, Hindu Tamils who have moved Italy are from the high status communities. These people are very difficult to reach in India, but not in other parts of the world. The main stopgap is a lack of Christ followers willing to go to them.
Hindu Tamils in Italy have diverse lives. The educated ones have a middle or upper class lifestyle. They often become professionals in business, trade, medicine, science, and in education. Many Tamils own and work in small businesses such as restaurants, retail, and construction. Recently arrived Tamils have a more difficult time finding jobs in order to meet the needs of their family.
The father is the head of the Tamil family. He shares leadership with his wife over the children. A woman has a higher place in the Tamil home than in most Asian cultures. Parents encourage their sons and daughters to excel in education and obtain college degrees. Tamils in Italy try to maintain their ethnic identity and at the same time fit in with the general population. Parents might object to their children marrying someone from the local population, especially if they are not Hindus from a high status community. Their marriage patterns are likely to change in the coming generations.
Though there are many Muslim and Christian Tamils, the majority practice Hinduism, the ancient religion of India. They worship and serve the gods of the Hindu pantheon. Hindus believe that by performing rituals and good works that they will attain moksha or freedom from the endless cycle of birth, death and rebirth. The Tamils visit Hindu temples and offer prayers, food, flowers, and incense to their gods in hopes of gaining protection and benefits. They do not have a personal or familial relationship with their gods like Christians or Jews. There are many forms of Hinduism, each with its own deities and beliefs. The main yearly holidays of the Tamil people are Holi, the festival of colors and the start of spring, Diwali, the festival of lights, Navratri, the celebration of autumn and Rama Navami, Rama's birthday.
The Tamils in Italy must understand that Jesus is not only the Lord and Savior of Westerners. Jesus is the Tamils' Lord and savior too. Newly arrived Tamils have needs for housing, jobs and schooling that Italian believers can help meet. Showing practical
Pray the Lord raises up a movement to Christ among Tamils in Italy soon.
Pray the Lord moves believers and churches in Italy to share the good news with Hindu Tamils.
Pray for Tamil speaking Christians in Italy to be Christ’s ambassadors.
Pray for prominent Hindu Tamils to have the spiritual hunger it takes to seek and find Jesus.
Scripture Prayers for the Tamil (Hindu traditions) in Italy.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tamil_diaspora
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hinduism_in_Italy
| Profile Source: Joshua Project |
