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The tradition of launching a new boat is an important ceremony in the Malay community, especially among fishing communities. This process involves several steps and rituals aimed at seeking blessings and protection, as well as maintaining a good relationship with nature, particularly the sea. Below are the commonly practiced methods in the tradition of launching a new boat:

1. Preparation Before the Ceremony

Cleaning and Preparing the Boat

Before the new boat is launched into the sea, it is thoroughly cleaned. This includes removing dust, dirt, and any remaining materials from its construction. This process is also considered a spiritual preparation to ensure that the boat is ready for use.

Recitation of Prayers

Before the ceremony begins, a community leader or elder will recite prayers or specific verses from the Quran to seek blessings, safety, and protection for the boat while at sea. These prayers serve to connect the fishermen with God and seek protection from any dangers at sea.

2. The Boat Launching Ceremony

Offering Preparations

As part of the ceremony, offerings such as food and fruits are prepared. These offerings typically include rice, coconut, bananas, flowers, and other items considered as a sign of respect for the sea spirits. A portion of these offerings is cast into the sea as a symbolic request for abundant and safe fishing.

Lowering the Boat into the Sea

The process of launching the boat into the sea is carried out with great care and respect. The boat is carefully lifted and slowly moved towards the water, with those involved helping to push it into the sea. Sometimes, this ceremony is accompanied by traditional drumming or music to uplift spirits and create a lively atmosphere.

3. Special Rituals

Reciting Prayers While Launching the Boat

The entire family and community present will collectively recite prayers, asking for the new boat to be blessed and used safely. These recitations also seek protection for the fishermen and prosperity from the sea.

Honoring the Sea

Some participants in the ceremony will release offerings into the sea as a symbol of respect and a request for blessings and abundant catch. These offerings are also believed to establish a spiritual connection between humans and the sea spirits.

4. Community Participation

Involvement of All Community Members

This ceremony does not only involve the boat owner but also the entire fishing community. This reflects the spirit of cooperation and mutual support in the Malay society. Activities such as helping to lift or launch the boat serve to strengthen social bonds within the community.

Encouraging Everyone to Pray Together

At the end of the ceremony, the community gathers to pray for prosperity, safety, and success in fishing activities. This collective prayer also signifies respect for nature and the sea spirits that provide sustenance to the fishermen.

5. Taboos and Restrictions During the Ceremony

Avoiding Harsh or Negative Speech

During the ceremony, participants are not allowed to speak harshly or use inappropriate or negative words. This is because any disrespectful words or actions towards the sea or nature are believed to bring misfortune or disaster.

Strict Adherence to Rituals

All participants in the ceremony must follow the customs with great care and respect. Any inappropriate actions or words could be seen as a violation of tradition, potentially leading to bad luck or disturbances for the fishermen and their families.

6. Closing of the Ceremony

Final Prayer Recitation

Once the boat has been successfully launched into the sea, the ceremony concludes with a closing prayer, asking for smooth sailing and blessings for the new boat throughout its use.

Small Celebration

Often, the ceremony ends with a small feast or communal gathering, such as a meal or a gotong-royong (mutual cooperation) event involving the entire community. This serves as a way for the people to celebrate success and the beginning of a new chapter in their fishing activities.

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