THE CULTURE AND CUSTOM OF THE TIDUNG ETHNIC THE CUSTOM OF PASAK INDUNG OR HAMMOCKING

INTRODUCTION

Apart from the Bulungan and Dayak ethnicities, the Tidung ethnic is one of the three ethnicities in the North Kalimantan area to Tawau District on Sabah's east coast. They live by the seaside, on islands, and along river beds, and work as fishermen as well as cultivating the land and benefitting from jungle products.

PASAK INDUNG OR HAMMOCKING

This custom is especially for newborns, held when the baby is not later than three months old. The ceremony begins with the mother descending from the house to step on soil and a sharpening stone as well as drinking water prepared by the midwife to signify that the abstention period is over.

The baby is placed on a tray lined with seven pieces of folded sarongs. The midwife, together with seven elderly women, place the baby inside the hammock and then take the baby out and place him or her on the tray. This action is repeated seven times. This ceremony is accompanied by the singing of religious songs and thanksgiving prayer followed by the cutting of the baby hair event.

A baby born in the Islamic month of Safar has to undergo a weighing-in ceremony whereby the baby is weighted with a variety of fruits and the ethnic traditional cakes, and these items are later served to the guests.

INTRODUCTION

Apart from the Bulungan and Dayak ethnics, the Tidung ethnic is one of the three ethnics in the North Kalimantan area to Tawau District on Sabah's east coast. They live by the seaside, on islands, and along river beds, and work as fishermen as well as cultivating the land and benefitting from jungle products.

PASAK INDUNG OR HAMMOCKING

This custom is especially for new born, held when the baby is not later than three months old. The ceremony begins with the mother descending from the house to step on soil and a sharpening stone as well as drinking water prepared by the midwife to signify that the abstention period is over.

The baby is placed on a tray lined with seven pieces of folded sarongs. The midwife, together with seven elderly women, place the baby inside the hammock and then take the baby out and place him or her on the tray. This action is repeated seven times. This ceremony is accompanied by the singing of religious songs and thanksgiving prayer followed by the cutting of the baby hair event.

A baby born in the Islamic month of Safar has to undergo a weighing-in ceremony whereby the baby is weighed with a variety of fruits and ethnic traditional cakes, and these items are later served to the guests.