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TARIAN KELUNDANG

<p>Kelundang means wood. The main item of Tarian Sewang Kelundang is the kelundang wood, hence the name.&nbsp; Initially, this dance was a tribe’s medicinal ritual and there were no dancers.&nbsp; But over time, the dance was introduced to the ritual as more people liked to watch the healing ceremony. This healing is not only practiced by Jakun people but also Semai and Temiar. The Jakuns will use the kelundang wood, but the Semai and Temiar use bamboo.&nbsp; However, the songs are sung in one’s respective dialect.&nbsp;</p><p><br></p><p>Kelundang ritual knowledge is obtained through acquiring and inheritance. Renown shamans inherited the knowledge of this shamanism or passed down their previous generations.&nbsp;</p><p><br></p><p>While healing, the panjang wood is tapped by all dancers for the sounds and rhythms. Two sticks are held by each dancer, using it to tap the wood. The healing takes quite a long time, which sometimes lasts all night. The wood for healing must be of batang peruan.&nbsp;</p><p><br></p><p><br></p><p>There are five male and female dancers, and a shaman, standing alternately.&nbsp; They wear headgears of palas (Licuala sp.) leaves, woven neatly like a centipede.&nbsp; The lyrics of the song are subject to the length of healing.&nbsp; &nbsp;</p><p><br></p><p><br></p><p><br></p><p><br></p><p>As times change, tarian&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; kelundang is now commercialized, functioning as performance arts to welcome visitors to Jakun Orang Asli settlement, Gumum, Tasik Chini, Pahang.&nbsp;</p><p><br></p><p>The stem of a kelundang tree, cut into two feet, is hung on a handle like a gong leg. Knocking the trunk will produce music-like rhythmic thumps as a background of the dance.&nbsp; &nbsp;Fifteen dancers, musicians and singers do their moves following the basic steps of the sewang dance since both dances are akin to each other.&nbsp; The dance floor pattern is simple, circular and elongated. When dancing, the singers will sing poems in Jakun accent, celebrating their visitors and the beauty of Tasik Chini.</p><p><br></p><p><br></p><p><br></p><p><br></p><p><br></p><p><br></p><p><br></p><p>Title of Song - Welcome&nbsp;</p><p><br></p><p>This is not just of any bee&nbsp;</p><p>The bees nesting in the tualang&nbsp;</p><p>This is not any kind of welcome&nbsp;</p><p>Welcoming you the revered lords&nbsp;</p><p><br></p><p>The stick is not just of any stick&nbsp;</p><p>It branches far into the forest&nbsp;</p><p>We do come from afar&nbsp;</p><p>For ye dancing the kelundang&nbsp;</p><p><br></p><p>The lake is not just of any&nbsp;</p><p>Chini is a given name</p><p>It is not just of any lake&nbsp;</p><p>There lives a mystique dragon&nbsp;</p><p><br></p><p>How high is the Mount Tahan?&nbsp;</p><p>They row to Kuala Bera&nbsp;</p><p>Let's observe it through and through&nbsp;</p><p>Politeness is the value</p><p><br></p><p>The Temakang Hill the Gelugor Hill&nbsp;</p><p>Seen from Tasik Chini&nbsp;</p><p>We welcome the good you</p><p>When shall we meet again?&nbsp;</p><p><br></p><p>The bees are not just any bee&nbsp;&nbsp;</p><p>They nest in the bamboo trees&nbsp;</p><p>The reverence is not of any kind&nbsp;</p><p>We do so with two hands.</p><div><br></div> ...

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  • 2759

NGAJAT PUA KUMBU

<p>Ngajat Pua Kumbu is recognized as part of the repertoire of ngajat, the traditional dance of the Iban ethnic group, which incorporates pua kumbu, the Iban community's traditional textile, as a medium of storytelling and a symbol of cultural heritage through the attire known as Ngepan Iban.</p> ...

  • 0
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  • 2015

TARIAN SUMARANUM

<p>Sumaranum is a traditional dance of the Iranun ethnic community, predominantly residing in the Kota Belud district and several areas in Kota Marudu and Tuaran. In the Iranun language, Sumaranum means "longed for" or "yearned for." The name reflects the community’s deep affection for the musical rhythm accompanying the dance, which is often longed for and fondly remembered.</p><p><br></p><p>This dance has a rich history, originating as a central element of the Iranun community’s traditional healing ritual, the Parinang ceremony. Over time, as cultural shifts accompanied the Iranun people's embrace of a formalised religion, the dance evolved into a performance art form known as Ajung. This name was derived from the central feature of the dance—a structure called the Ajung, a replica of a house crafted from fabric or paper. The Ajung was elaborately decorated with colourful fabrics and flags at each corner. Eventually, the dance was renamed Sumaranum by consensus, a title that still endures.</p> ...

  • 4
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  • 1980

GENDANG PANJANG (PERAK)

<p>The Gendang Panjang is a form of drumming music closely associated with the Thai or Siamese-descended communities. This art form was introduced to Kampung Tasek, Pengkalan Hulu, Perak, over 30 years ago and has since been actively practiced by the local Siamese community.</p> ...

  • 1
  • 1563

GULAI JANGEK

<p>Gulai Jangek is a traditional Minangkabau dish from West Sumatra that uses cow or buffalo skin, usually prepared as crackers or cooked in a spiced coconut milk curry. This dish originates from the Minangkabau community's practice of utilizing every part of the animal, reflecting values of resourcefulness and preventing waste. Jangek is served during traditional ceremonies as a symbol of prosperity and culinary creativity, transforming a simple ingredient like skin into a flavorful dish with significant cultural value.</p> ...

  • 0
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  • 1913

KUIH PENCUCI MULUT TRADISI WADAI KIPENG

<p>Wadai Kipeng is a traditional snack of the Johore Banjar. Wadai means cake while kipeng means something pressed (like a piece of cookie). It is oftentimes served in thanksgiving ceremonies or a prayer feast.</p><p><br></p><p>To make it, one requires glutinous rice flour, salt and water.&nbsp; While the sauce ingredients are coconut milk, water, white sugar, brown sugar and salt.</p><div><br></div> ...

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  • 3198

SHADOW PUPPET THEATRE DANCE

<p>Wayang Kulit Purwo, also known as Wayang Kulit Jawa, is a form of traditional shadow puppet theatre originating from Java, Indonesia, and brought to Malaysia by Javanese migrant communities. This performance art uses intricately carved leather puppets to depict characters from Hindu epics such as the Mahabharata and Ramayana, as well as Panji stories.</p><p>Believed to have originated in Java over 1,500 years BCE, Wayang Kulit Purwo was created by Javanese ancestors for ritualistic purposes. In Malaysia, it was introduced by Javanese communities migrating to states like Johor and Selangor. The performance retains many traditional Javanese elements, including the language and gamelan music.</p><div><br></div> ...

  • 2
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  • 1906

ADAT SADANGGU

<p>The Adat Sadanggu, also referred to as Sadunggu, Sadenggu, or Sandanggu, is a significant rite of passage practiced by the Chetti community of Melaka. This ceremonial tradition is specifically observed for young girls upon experiencing their first menstruation, marking the critical transition from childhood to maidenhood. Deeply embedded in ritual, spirituality, and communal cohesion, the practice continues to be upheld as a symbolic act of reverence for ancestral customs passed down through generations.</p><p>Believed to have been practiced for over two centuries, the Sadanggu custom traces its origins to the early settlement of the Chetti people in Melaka. This unique community emerged from the intermarriage between South Indian traders, predominantly Tamil, and local Malay women during the Malacca Sultanate in the 15th century. Although the ceremonial expressions of Sadanggu have evolved, its fundamental purpose remains intact: to formally acknowledge and sanctify a girl's coming of age within the community.</p><p>Transmitted primarily through oral tradition and familial practice, Sadanggu continues to be actively performed within the Chetti enclave of Kampung Chetti, Gajah Berang, Melaka. According to Chetti belief, a girl undergoing her first menstruation enters a state of spiritual impurity and heightened vulnerability to malevolent forces. As a result, she is confined to her room for 16 days and is strictly prohibited from leaving the house, attending school, or visiting temples. During this seclusion, the family refrains from entering places of worship, and visits from outsiders are discouraged, as such interactions are believed to risk spiritual contamination.</p><p>Thus, Sadanggu transcends its role as a mere rite of passage; it serves as a profound manifestation of the Chetti community’s cultural and spiritual identity. The ritual embodies a rich tapestry of symbolism, aesthetics, and collective values, illustrating how tradition, belief, and community interweave to nurture the identity and womanhood of their daughters.</p><div><br></div> ...

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  • 4819

TARIAN DABUS (PERAK)

<p>Tarian is dance while dabus is a small blade of iron.&nbsp; Hence tarian dabus is a dance using small blades of iron (called anak dabus).&nbsp; Initially this dance was a form of martial arts, but it slowly evolved into performance arts.&nbsp; The dance renders heroism, intellect, agility, valour and bliss, that is one of the Perak traditional dances existing more than 300 years.&nbsp; Blending music, singing, dancing and bravery, tarian dabus is staged and enjoyed at public events.</p><p><br></p><p>Dabus Song</p><p><br></p><p>Baju putih, serban putih</p><p>Lalu dibawa pergi sembahyang</p><p>Baju putih, serban putih</p><p>Lalu dibawa pergi sembahyang</p><p>Allah kasih Muhammad kasih&nbsp;</p><p>Rasulullah terlalu sayang</p><p>Allah kasih Muhammad kasih&nbsp;</p><p>Rasulullah terlalu sayang</p><div><br></div> ...

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  • 5928

GENDANG URUMEE MELAM

<p>Urumee Melam is a traditional drumming art form rooted in the cultural heritage of the Tamil community in South India, particularly in the Tamil Nadu region. Classified under the membranophone family, this instrument produces sound through the vibration of stretched membranes or animal skins. The Urumee Melam features a cylindrical body made of wood or metal, with both ends covered by animal hide. It is played using a combination of hands and drumsticks and is typically strapped to the player’s body with a cloth or sling, allowing it to be played while moving. The unique playing technique enables performers to create continuous rolling rhythms and complex beats, distinguishing it from other types of percussion instruments.</p><p><br></p><p>The drum was introduced to Malaya in the 19th century through waves of Indian migration, particularly among those who came to work in the plantation and construction industries. Since then, the Urumee Melam has become an integral part of Hindu religious ceremonies in Malaysia, especially during festivals such as Thaipusam, Pongal, and Kavadi processions. The hypnotic rhythms produced by&nbsp;<span style="display: inline !important;">the drum help evoke a deep spiritual atmosphere, fostering communal unity and heightening the devotional experience for worshippers.</span></p><p><br></p><p>Today, Urumee Melam is not only cherished by the Indian community but has also attracted interest among Malaysians of various ethnic backgrounds who seek to understand, appreciate, and preserve the uniqueness of this cultural heritage. It stands as a powerful example of how traditional music can connect individuals to their beliefs and ancestral roots, while also serving as a bridge to unity and mutual understanding between communities.</p><div><br></div><div><br></div> ...

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CEREMONY BAPUKUNG OR PASUNG

<p>Adat Bapukung or Pasung is a unique tradition of the Banjar community, originating from South Kalimantan, Indonesia, and practised by the Banjar diaspora in Johor, Malaysia. This tradition is closely associated with the cukur jambul ceremony (a baby’s first haircut) and serves as a method to soothe infants, providing comfort and encouraging longer sleep durations.</p><p>In this tradition, the baby is placed in a small cradle made of batik cloth, seated and swaddled securely. Although the baby appears tightly bound, this position is believed to offer a sense of security akin to being held or cradled in the womb. The ritual is conducted within a small shelter containing the cradle and involves the recitation of prayers and salutations to Prophet Muhammad (SAW).</p><p>This tradition reflects the Banjar community’s cultural adaptation in infant care, symbolising familial warmth and affection while highlighting their dedication to preserving inherited values.</p><div><br></div> ...

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  • 1847
22

CANGGUNG DANCE

<p>Canggung Dance is one of the traditional dance forms that represents the cultural identity of Perlis, Malaysia. This dance is unique for its performance style, which features an exchange of pantun (Malay poetic verses) sung between male and female performers. The origins of Canggung Dance are closely linked to the influences of Rambong or Makyong Laut dances, which were later adapted by the local community in Perlis to create what is now known as Canggung. Etymologically, the word Canggung is believed to have derived from the Thai word Tanggung, meaning "to dance", reflecting regional cultural influences in its development.</p><p>Canggung Dance was first actively introduced during the Japanese occupation around 1941. Its earliest performances were presented by two siblings, Che Lian and Che Intan, who became pioneers in spreading and popularizing this dance among the people of Perlis. Since then, Canggung Dance has continued to flourish as a form of folk entertainment, commonly performed at social gatherings such as feasts, weddings, and post-harvest celebrations.</p><p>Although it shares similarities with other forms of Malay folk dances, such as Ronggeng, Canggung Dance maintains its distinct characteristics, especially through its exchange of pantun between male and female dancers. The pantun often carries themes of advice, playful teasing, and light-hearted satire, reflecting the refinement and wisdom of the Malay community. Today, Canggung Dance continues to be preserved and performed at various cultural events and festivals and is recognized as an important element of Malaysia’s intangible cultural heritage, particularly cherished by the people of Perlis.</p><div><br></div><p></p> ...

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