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ADAT RESAM DAN BUDAYA MASYARAKAT MAH MERI KELAHIRAN: SEMASA MENGANDUNG
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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.
Since there are various tribes in the Mah Meri community, there are many differences in terms of way of life and language. Their culture and customs are also different and unique. The following customs show what is practiced among the Mah Meri community as a whole.
The following is the role of customs and culture of the Mah Meri community when the wife is pregnant:
Ritual of Asking for Safety: The Mah Meri community holds a special ceremony to ask for the well-being and safety of the mother and fetus throughout pregnancy. This includes worshipping the spirits of ancestors and praying to the spirits of nature.
Taboos: Expectant mothers should observe certain taboos to avoid bad things. For example, not being able to leave the house at certain times or doing activities that are believed to be harmful to the fetus.
Prohibited Foods: There are prohibitions on certain foods that are believed to affect the baby's health, such as foods that are "hot" or may cause complications during birth.
The Role of Traditional Midwives: Traditional midwives play an important role in monitoring the mother's health, giving advice on nutrition, and maintaining the mother's spiritual balance through traditional practices.
Spiritual Care: Throughout pregnancy, various spiritual practices are carried out to protect the safety of the baby's spirit which is believed to be still fragile. Mothers are often advised to be careful in their daily actions to protect themselves from the interference of evil spirits.
Relationship with Nature: The Mah Meri community believes that a harmonious relationship with the environment is very important. Expectant mothers are often asked to maintain this relationship to ensure the smoothness of the pregnancy and birth process.
BIRTH CUSTOMS: DURING PREGNANCY
Pregnant Mah Meri women, especially from the Asli Malay tribe, book a midwife who will help her during childbirth. When the pregnancy is seven months old, the midwife has to perform a belly stretching ceremony by incanting the pregnant woman in order to expel any evil spirits and other disturbances. This custom is also important to determine whether the baby is in the right condition to facilitate the delivery process. Usually this custom is included with the festive meal. Several taboos must be followed by pregnant women, namely:-
It is not allowed to laugh at animals such as monkeys because it is feared that the baby's face and behavior will resemble the animals.
It is forbidden to eat redfish because it is feared that blood will spill during childbirth.
It is forbidden to work at dawn and dusk because it is feared that the baby born will look lifeless because his spirit has been disturbed.
It is forbidden to knock nails on wood in the afternoon because it is feared that the baby or mother will get sick or die.
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/
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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
