The attire worn by the Buapak and customary dignitaries during the Inheritance

Ceremony is rich in symbolism, reflecting honor, dignity, and cultural heritage

passed down through generations. Every garment, accessory, and ornament

carries its meaning related to function, rank, and the values of the adat being

upheld.

Men's Attire (Buapak and Customary Dignitaries)

1. Tengkolok (Destar)

Made from black songket interwoven with gold threads, the tengkolok is

folded in a specific style to symbolize the rank and status of the adat

custodian.

2. Baju Melayu Cekak Musang

The main garment is the Baju Melayu Cekak Musang, traditionally in black,

representing solemnity and dignity.

3. Songket Waistcloth (samping songket)

The attire is completed with a samping made of black songket embroidered

with golden threads, worn around the waist.

4. Brooches and Shirt Buttons

These intricate accessories symbolize refinement, honor, and the fine

artistry of cultural heritage.

5. Songket Waist Belt

The belt secures the samping neatly, serving both as a functional and

symbolic element of the Buapak's ceremonial attire.

6. Keris (Dagger)

Worn at the waist, the keris symbolizes the sacred legacy of Adat Perpatih

and the authority entrusted to the Buapak.

7. Ceremonial Sash

Draped over the shoulder, the sash signifies the official acceptance and

recognition as the custodian of the perut and the adat.

8. Gemstone Ring

Worn as a symbol of inherited legacy, signifying the continuous

transmission of customary responsibility through generations.

Women's Attire (Ibu Soko and Female Customary Representatives)

For women participating officially in the ceremony, particularly the Ibu Soko and

female adat representatives:

1. Long Kebaya or Baju Kurung

Made from black fabric, either with fine motifs or plain designs, signifying

modesty and dignity.

2. Songket Waistcloth (Samping Songket)

Worn outside the kebaya, the samping is made of black songket

embroidered with golden threads, enhancing the formality and elegance of

the attire.

3. Telepok (Head Covering)

A batik cloth worn on the head. Historically, the telepok served as a

headcovering to preserve the modesty and honor of the Ibu Soko.

4. Dokoh (Tiered Necklace)

Worn as a multi-layered chest ornament, symbolizing grace and rank.

5. Ceremonial Sash

Draped across the shoulder to signify the official recognition and authority

of the Ibu Soko.

The entire ceremonial attire not only reflects visual elegance but also symbolizes

identity, respect for adat, and the unity of the community in preserving and

continuing its cherished cultural traditions.

In this ceremony, a variety of traditional ceremonial items and materials are used to

symbolize customary values and reinforce the sacred responsibilities entrusted to

the Buapak. Each item prepared for the ceremony carries its own unique function

and meaning, contributing to the overall sanctity and solemnity of the ritual. The

ceremonial items include:

1. Bunga Manggar (Decorative Palm Flowers)

Placed at the entrance or along the ceremonial pathway, these decorations

symbolize festivity, blessing, and the auspicious nature of the ceremony.

2. Tepak Sireh (Betel Nut Container)

Traditionally filled with betel leaves, lime paste, areca nut, gambier, and

cloves, representing respect, hospitality, and cultural refinement.

3. Bunga Pahar (Decorative Egg Bouquets)

Brightly colored decorations are placed as embellishments to enhance the

visual splendor of the ceremony.

4. Sireh Junjung (Betel Leaf Arrangement)

Beautifully stacked betel leaf arrangements symbolizing blessing, etiquette,

and the formal acceptance of the Buapak's mandate.

5. Merewar (Traditional Ornaments)

Additional decorative elements are used to complete the ceremonial

space’s visual aesthetic.

6. Tabir Lelangit (Ceiling Drapes)

Fabric drapes hung above the ceremonial space, symbolizing protection

and the formal recognition of the adat custodian.

7. Tilam Panda (Ceremonial Cushion)

A cushion used for the Buapak to sit on during the formal appointment

ceremony, representing dignity and sanctity.

8. Tikar Rompok (Traditional Mat)

A mat spread on the floor for seating or as a ceremonial platform, signifying

cleanliness, order, and the sanctity of the ceremonial area.

9. Lancang (Miniature Traditional Boat)

Symbolizes the journey and responsibility that the newly appointed Buapak is about to undertake.

10. Keris (Ceremonial Dagger)

Represents power, courage, and responsibility. The keris is formally

presented to the Buapak as a symbol of the authority and duties conferred.

11. Glass Tableware

Used during the ceremonial banquet, symbolizing grace, hospitality, and

honor in welcoming guests.

12. Duit Masmana (Ceremonial Money)

Symbolizes prosperity and the completion of customary transactions, often

presented during the formal handing-over of authority as a token of

acceptance.

Although there are no strict regulations mandating the use of musical instruments

in the appointment ceremony of the Buapak, certain traditional musical

performances are often included to enliven the atmosphere, enhance the grandeur

of the ceremony, and reflect its solemn significance. Among the musical

instruments commonly used are:

1. Kompang (Frame Drum Ensemble)

Played to accompany the ceremonial procession of the newly appointed

Buapak, members of the suku, and customary dignitaries, adding rhythm

and festive spirit to the event.

2. Serunai (Traditional Reed Instrument)

The serunai produces melodic, soulful tunes that accompany the course of

the ceremony, creating a sacred ambiance and elevating the aesthetic

grace of the occasion.

3. Nafiri (Ceremonial Trumpet)

The nafiri is typically played at the peak moments of the ceremony,

generating an aura of majesty, honor, and the formal elevation of the

Buapak's status.

The Ceremony is conducted in a highly orderly and traditional manner, beginning

with early preparations and continuing until the conclusion of the event. Each

segment of the ceremony holds deep symbolic meaning, reflecting the refinement

of Adat Perpatih culture in honoring the appointment of the adat custodian.

Segment One: Procession of Arrival

The ceremony begins with a formal procession, accompanied by the melodic

sounds of Pacik music. The newly appointed Buapak is escorted by members of

the perut (subclan) and other attendees who carry the ceremonial items, which

include:

 2 Bunga Manggar (decorative palm flowers)

 2 sets of Sireh Junjung (betel leaf arrangements)

 2 Tepak Sireh (betel nut containers)

 4 sets of Bunga Pahar (decorative egg bouquets)

The procession serves as a symbol of honor and celebration, illustrating the community's acceptance of the newly appointed adat custodian.

Segment Two: Welcoming at the Rumah Adat

Upon arrival at the Rumah Adat (Anjung), the new Buapak is welcomed by the Ibu

Soko, who scatters Beras Kunyit (turmeric rice grains) as a symbol of purification,

blessing, and prosperity. Inside the anjung, a panel of adat dignitaries awaits,

consisting of:

 Dato Buapak Suku Mungkal Sri Pilah Perut Kanan

 Orang Besar Waris

 Tok Waris

 Orang Seresam

 Orang Semenda

These individuals serve as principal witnesses and play significant roles in the

execution of the appointment ceremony.

Segment Three: The Appointment Ceremony

Once everyone has taken their designated positions, the formal appointment

proceedings commence:

 Declaration of Appointment

Tok Waris officially announces the appointment of the new Buapak of the

Suku Mungkal Sri Pilah Perut Kiri Luak Ulu Muar.

 Presentation of the Songkok (Headgear)

Dato Buapak Suku Mungkal Sri Pilah Perut Kanan places the songkok on

the newly appointed Buapak as a symbol of formal confirmation and

respect within the adat structure.

 Presentation of Wang Masmana (Ceremonial Money)

Wang Masmana is presented as a symbol of prosperity, blessing, and the

formalization of the appointment, serving also as a token of acceptance in

certain customary practices.

 Presentation of the Keris (Ceremonial Dagger)

Tok Waris presents the Keris Pusaka to the Buapak, symbolizing power,

responsibility, and the sacred duties entrusted to him.

Segment Four: The Loyalty Oath Ceremony (Menyembah)

Following the formal appointment, the ceremony continues with the Menyembah

ritual, in which members of the Suku Mungkal Sri Pilah Perut Kiri Luak Ulu Muar

pay homage as a gesture of loyalty to the newly appointed Buapak. The ritual is

initiated by the Ibu Soko, representing the women of the suku.

Segment Five: Closing and Communal Feast

The ceremony concludes with an official address by the newly appointed Buapak

of the Suku Mungkal Sri Pilah Perut Kiri Luak Ulu Muar, followed by a traditional

banquet as a sign of gratitude and a symbolic expression of unity within the

community.

a) Name: Dr. Ahmad Rashidi Hassan

b) Address: Lot 1198, KM 20, Jalan Seremban - Kuala Pilah 71500 Tg. Ipoh

Negeri Sembilan

c) Phone Number: 01165625009

d) Email: kelabteaterasar@gmail.com

e) Association: Kelab Teater Asar Negeri Sembilan