THE CULTURE AND CUSTOM OF THE MALAY COMMUNITY: THE CUSTOM OF DESCENDING TO THE SEA

INTRODUCTION

To the Malays at the sea front the sea is their main pulse as the source of income. Hence, there established a number of beliefs related to the sea that the community believe that the sea is a different world, and that its custom and regulations must be abided. However, in tandem with the change of times the old customs that are retained till now are made easier.

The Custom of Descending to the Sea was established mainly to safeguard the prosperity and safety of the seamen while in the middle of the sea or while fishing in the sea, and is still practiced. The purpose of this custom is as an annual traditional homage to the sea spirit and has become the seamen claim to conduct it. If not observed then it is expected that ill fate be fallen on them.

Among the customs to be observed are The Custom and Self Preparation While Descending to the Sea, The Custom of Ushering a New Boat, The Custom of Ushering the Fishing Net, The Blessing Ceremony, The Custom While in the Open Sea, and The SkipperDuties.