THE CULTURE AND CUSTOM OF THE MALAY COMMUNITY: THE CUSTOM OF USHERING A NEW BOAT

INTRODUCTION:

A newly finished boat and first time to be used has to be blessed before hand by a medicine-man who prepares the necessary tools. He blesses the boat by uttering mantras while encircling it three or seven times. This custom is to safeguard the seamen who are going to use the boat in the open sea so that they may not encounter hazards.