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ADAT RESAM DAN BUDAYA KAUM BRUNEI - ADAT PERKAHWINAN (ISTIADAT BADAK-BADAK MANDI DAN MALAM BERINAI)

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Introduction and history

The wedding traditions of the Brunei community in Sabah reflect the unique beauty and richness of their cultural heritage through a variety of symbolic rituals. Three significant traditional ceremonies form the structure of the Brunei wedding customs in Sabah: the powder bath (Badak-Badak Mandi) Ceremony, the powder night (Malam Bebadak), and Henna Night. These customs are integral to the wedding process, particularly for both the bride and groom, to ensure purity, blessings, and respect for the sanctity of marriage.

Originally, these ceremonies were performed after the engagement, typically within one to three months before the wedding. However, some families observe these rituals seven days before the marriage solemnization (akad nikah) as part of traditional preparations. In modern times, due to time constraints faced by couples—especially those who are working or have limited leave—these rituals are often conducted a day before the wedding. Nowadays, the ceremonies are usually combined with the Henna Night to streamline the process and accommodate the couple's schedule.

Functions and Roles

The primary purpose of the powder bath ceremony is to enhance the radiance of the bride and groom as they prepare to take their place on the wedding dais. According to the beliefs of the Brunei community in Sabah, the ingredients used in this ritual are thought to smooth the skin and brighten the face in preparation for the wedding day.

Traditionally, this ceremony is carried out for up to seven consecutive days to ensure that the bride and groom remain indoors and continuously apply a special body scrub made from a mixture of rice flour and natural ingredients like turmeric. This mixture not only holds symbolic significance for enhancing the bride and groom's appearance but has also been scientifically proven to help the skin appear smoother, brighter, and more radiant.

Traditional Attire/ Accessories

Equipment/ Ingredients

Method / Preparation Method / Presentation Method

Here is the procedure for the customs, starting from the Badak-Badak Mandi ceremony to the Babadak night and the Henna night:

Badak-Badak Mandi Ceremony

Physically, the Badak-Badak Mandi ceremony aims to enhance the radiance and beauty of the bride and groom. Symbolically, it serves as an official declaration that both individuals have entered the "Pengangunan" phase, during which they are fully cared for by a Penganggun or Mak Andam (traditional wedding caretaker). The Penganggun is usually an experienced and skilled elder, often an older woman, trusted for her expertise in conducting the traditional Badak-Badak Mandi rituals. Her role is to meticulously prepare the couple according to traditional customs, ensuring that every step of the process is carried out with precision and respect for cultural heritage.

According to tradition, brides entering the Pengangunan phase are required to wear all-white attire and are not allowed to leave their rooms freely for a period of seven (7) days leading up to the wedding or reception. Strictly adhering to these customs, some brides do not leave their homes at all and remain confined to their rooms. While grooms face fewer restrictions compared to brides, it is recommended that they also follow the customs to ensure their appearance and aura on their wedding day are strikingly captivating. Additionally, brides are forbidden from looking into mirrors during this phase, as it is believed to disrupt the charm-enhancing rituals, a phenomenon known as “Libas.”

The ceremony is conducted separately at the respective homes of the bride and groom and is exclusively attended by close family members. The event begins with the bride or groom being escorted from their room to the center of the ceremony area by the Penganggun. Brides typically wear handwoven attire, such as Baju Kurung or a long Kebaya, paired with jewelry like bracelets, earrings, a headpiece (Gandi), a waist cloth (kain kapit), and a shawl. Grooms, on the other hand, wear traditional baju Melayu, complemented with a Samping (waist cloth) and a Songkok.

The ceremony begins with the application of traditional powder made from a mixture of rice flour, jasmine flowers, and turmeric. The bride's or groom's parents are the first to apply the powder, followed by close family members. The powder is applied only to the forehead and the palms as a symbolic gesture marking the commencement of the Badak-Badak Mandi ritual. Once all family members have participated, the Penganggun and their assistant take over, applying the traditional powder across the bride's or groom's entire body, from the face to the feet. This act signifies purification and preparation for the wedding day.

Photo 1: The Process of Applying Powder by the Attendant

Source: WordPress.com

After the application of traditional powder, the bride or groom undergoes a bathing ritual using “Air Langir,” a fragrant mixture of water and a special type of wood known as Kayu Langir. This wood, often compared to cinnamon in appearance, is more aromatic and imparts a distinctive, pleasant fragrance. The Air Langir is further enriched with lime and kaffir lime juice, believed to enhance freshness and provide a lasting scent for the bride or groom leading up to the wedding day.

During the bathing process, the Penganggun oversees the ceremony while the bride or groom is surrounded by seven children. Each child wears a shawl of a different color and holds a candle. As part of the ritual, the bride or groom is required to extinguish the candles by blowing water through their mouth three (3) times, symbolizing the conclusion of the purification process. Once the bathing ritual is complete, the bride or groom enters the Pengangunan seclusion phase. During this time, they remain confined to their rooms, refraining from stepping out or showing themselves to the public. Meals and drinks are exclusively served by the Penganggun, signifying the special care and respect afforded to the couple during this sacred period. This phase highlights the emphasis on preserving the sanctity and preparation of the bride and groom for their upcoming union.

Malam Babadak

The "Babadak" night ceremony is, in principle, nearly identical to the "Menepung Tawar" ritual. However, the primary difference between the Badak-Badak Mandi ceremony and Malam Babadak lies in the timing and the attendees. While the Badak-Badak Mandi ceremony takes place during the day and is typically attended by close family members, Malam Babadak is held at night and attracts a larger gathering, including friends and neighboring villagers. Consequently, Malam Babadak is a more festive occasion that often follows the wedding reception.

According to tradition, this ceremony is alternately hosted by the families of the bride and groom. The bride's family usually holds the ceremony first, followed by the groom’s family on the subsequent evening. During the event, both the bride and groom don the traditional attire of the Brunei Sabah ethnic community.

This tradition represents the pinnacle of the wedding rites, where the bride is accorded the highest honor by being ceremonially carried to the dais. This act symbolizes respect and underscores the bride's central role in the marriage. The dais is adorned with a specially prepared rectangular velvet mat embroidered with gold, reflecting the opulence and elegance of Brunei traditions.

Each corner of the bridal seating area is embellished with a special yellow candle, known as a “Dian.” These candles enhance the aesthetic appeal while symbolizing blessings and purity. Additionally, traditional powder dyed in seven colours is arranged in a designated area, signifying beauty and harmony. The use of seven colors is believed to represent perfection and balance, qualities hoped to manifest in the couple’s married life.

The Malam Babadak ritual is further enlivened by social interactions, including a playful act of “kidnapping” the bride. This symbolic act celebrates the groom, who is then escorted to the dais to join the bride. This humorous and cheerful activity fosters joy and strengthens the bond between the two families, creating a warm and celebratory atmosphere.

Photo 2: Babadak Night

Source: Khatijah Ali

Henna Night (Malam Berinai)

Once the Babadak ceremony is completed, the bride and groom are escorted back to their respective rooms, where they are given fresh attire to prepare for the cleansing ritual. Typically, after being bathed by the Penganggun (attendant), the bride or groom is dressed in white cloth and undergoes a brief “Bertangas” (herbal steam bath) session. Following this, they are redressed in their Babadak night attire to participate in the henna application ceremony, known in the Brunei Sabah dialect as “Bepacar.”

Traditionally, the henna ceremony takes place at the respective family homes, as it is often held late at night, immediately after the completion of the Babadak night customs. This ceremony is typically attended by the Penganggun and two or three elder women, who are entrusted with expertise in Brunei cultural traditions and rituals. The bride or groom is led around the bed in their room three times before sitting on the bed. Subsequently, the family elders take turns applying henna to the bride or groom, signifying blessings and preparing them for the forthcoming phase of the wedding ceremony.

Photo 3: Hands adorned with henna

Sumber: Asmiaty Amat & Saidatul Nornis Mahali

Figures and Achievements

Reference Source

Asmiaty Amat & Saidatul Nornis Hj. Mahali. (2012). Brunei. Dalam Siri Etnik Sabah ITBM-UMS: Murut & Pelbagai Etnik Kecil Lain di Sabah. Institut Terjemahan Buku Malaysia.

Haji, & Nur Raihan Mohamad. (2021). Symbolism in Brunei Malay Wedding Customs. Springer EBooks, 239–253. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-981-33-4721-2_14

Yassin, M., & Humin Jusilin. (2020). Cultural Objects Ethnic Wedding Traditions Brunei Malay in the Federal Territory of Labuan. https://doi.org/10.2991/assehr.k.200323.062