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ADAT RESAM DAN BUDAYA MASYARAKAT MAH MERI KELAHIRAN: MEMBERI NAMA
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Introduction and history
The Mah Meri tribe, one of the Orang Asli groups in Malaysia, has rich and unique customs in every aspect of their lives, including birth ceremonies and baby naming. The naming process in the Mah Meri culture involves important customs that aim to safeguard the baby's well-being and protect it from the interference of evil spirits.
The Mah Meri community is one of the Orang Asli groups living in Peninsular Malaysia, particularly in the coastal areas of Selangor, such as Carey Island. They belong to the Senoi tribe and are known for their rich cultural heritage, including the internationally renowned art of wooden mask carving.
As a society that greatly respects the environment, Mah Meri's traditional beliefs are closely related to nature and the spirits of ancestors. They believe that every aspect of life, including birth and naming, has a connection with the spiritual world and requires the blessing and protection of the ancestral spirits.
In the context of the moment after the birth of a child from a married couple, naming is an important ceremony because the Mah Meri community believes that there is a spiritual power that protects the baby from any threat, including the interference of evil spirits. This process is done with custom and tradition, reflecting their deep belief in the balance between man, nature, and spirit.
Customary Function of Naming in Mah Meri Society:
Identity and Identification: Giving identity to babies in society.
Spiritual Protection: Protects the baby from the interference of evil spirits through spiritual power.
Connection to Nature and Ancestors: Strengthens connections with nature and ancestral spirits.
Hope and Prayer: Symbolizes hope for a good future for the baby.
Social and Cultural Symbolism: Preserving the tradition and cultural identity of the Mah Meri community.
Babies are given names with the parent's permission after they are safely born. Usually, the baby's name is based on the name of a tree, plant, fish or place that was close to the baby when he/she was born. Sometimes, if the baby's name is given inappropriately, it causes the baby to fall ill. If this happens, the parents sell their baby to the new parents. It is believed that the baby's illness is caused by the incompatibility between the baby and its mother. After payment is made to the new parents, the biological parents return home. However, not long after that, the new parents will return the baby back to his/her biological parents.
A small feast is held when the baby's name changes. Sometimes, yellow glutinous rice is given to neighbours. The midwives also perform a cleaning ceremony that resembles the custom of “Rice Flour Blessing” in the Malay community to ensure the baby's safety and health.
Reference Source
Bahan Bacaan:
Azyantee Mohd Zawawi. (2013) Amalan Tabu Suku Mah Meri Tanjung Sepat, Banting Selangor. Fakulti Bahasa Moden dan Komunikasi Universiti Putra Malaysia. Melayu: Jurnal Antarabangsa Dunia Melayu Jilid 6 Bil. 2 2013.
Mohd Adzlam Mat Sidek. (2024). MAH MERI – Tradisi Memperingati Moyang Laut. Malaysian Gazette. https://malaysiagazette.com/2024/02/16/mah-meri-tradisi-memperingati-moyang-laut/
Tokoh (jika ada temu bual tokoh) - Tiada -
Location
State JKKN Contact Information
Ahmad Zaimy bin Mohd Yusoff
Cultural Officer
Jabatan Kebudayaan dan Kesenian Negara, Selangor
Tingkat 6, Menara Korporat,
Kompleks IDCC Shah Alam
Jalan Pahat L 15/L, Seksyen 15
40200 Shah Alam,
SELANGOR DARUL EHSAN
03-5543 1654 /1763
