CULTURAL MAPPING PORTAL

Pulau Pinang

1

ADAT RESAM DAN BUDAYA MASYARAKAT CINA PERANAKAN DI PULAU PINANG

The Peranakan Chinese, also known as Baba Nyonya, began establishing their ethnic lineage during the era of the Malay Melaka Sultanate. This community emerged when Chinese traders (men) married local Malay women or Javanese girls. Over time, this lineage flourished in the Straits Settlements following the arrival of the British, resulting in a significant population of Peranakan Chinese in Melaka, Penang, and Singapore.The men who initiated these intermarriages were predominantly of Han descent, who migrated to the Straits of Melaka for trade and eventually assimilated into Malay culture through these unions. This cultural blend is reflected in their attire: Peranakan Chinese women, or Nyonya, wear the Kebaya Nyonya, a short kebaya (Malay influence) paired with batik fabrics featuring animal and floral motifs (a mix of Malay and Chinese styles). Meanwhile, the men, or Baba, retained traditional Chinese clothing.The Peranakan Chinese have a unique culinary tradition. Their snacks, referred to as kueh, include delicacies like kuih bakul, kuih rotan, and kuih chang, often stored in siah (tiffin carriers) and closely tied to Chinese traditions. On the other hand, their main dishes, such as asam pedas, laksa, and kari Nyonya, reflect strong Malay culinary influences. In Melaka, the term Peranakan remains widely used, whereas in Penang, they are more commonly known as Baba Nyonya. The terms "Baba" and "Nyonya" originated as familial titles for male and female children of Peranakan parents, respectively, and eventually became identifiers for the community.Although Malay customs are deeply ingrained in Peranakan Chinese culture, most members of this community do not practice Islam. Instead, they celebrate Chinese New Year, the Lantern Festival, and other traditional Chinese festivities. They also enjoy social dances like joget lambak, a reflection of their historical status as a respected group often invited to colonial-era celebrations with the British and Portuguese. This esteemed status earned them the nickname "King's Chinese" during colonial times. The Peranakan Chinese are known for their linguistic versatility, fluently speaking Malay, Chinese, and English. This multilingual ability highlights their adaptability and social standing during colonial times.Peranakan Chinese weddings are vibrant affairs that blend Chinese heritage with Malay customs. Key elements include:Betel Nut Box Ceremony: Symbolizing the bride’s purity.Dowry Presentation: Given to the bride’s parents as a token of gratitude for raising her with virtue.Ring Exchange: A mutual exchange of rings by the bride and groom.Flower Scattering and Incense Rituals: Adding a touch of solemnity and tradition.The wedding is enlivened with Dondang Sayang songs and beautiful Malay pantuns (poetry). Sometimes, a pantun duel and symbolic toll gate set up by the Mak Andam (traditional wedding consultant) occur before the groom is allowed to join his bride on the dais.Guests are invited to participate in traditional dances such as joget lambak, fan dances, handkerchief dances, bowl dances, and orange dances, adding a unique and festive flair to the event. The Peranakan Chinese uphold strict cultural norms, prohibiting any interaction between the bride and groom before marriage. The Chim Pang ceremony serves as their formal meeting before the wedding day. During this ritual, both families light candles at a table, and the bride and groom sit facing each other as if meeting for the first time.One of the most interesting aspects of Peranakan wedding traditions is the 12th and final day of celebrations, where nasi lemak is a mandatory dish. A designated cook, known as the Bibi Nasi Lemak, ensures the dish is perfectly prepared. This day marks the end of public festivities, leading to the Che Umm ceremony—a formal meal shared by the newlyweds and their in-laws to signify the establishment of a new family.The Peranakan Chinese customs and traditions offer a fascinating glimpse into the harmonious blend of Chinese and Malay cultures, creating a unique and enduring heritage.<div> </div> ...

1
10600

0

TARIAN ZAPIN SINDANG

Zapin Sindang originates from Kampung Sindang in Samarahan, Sarawak, and was founded by Encik Nawi, who was also from the same village. This dance features three distinct movement patterns: Ragam Sembah, Ragam Poko, and Waina Wailed or Waina Tahtim. Accompanied by music with a zapin rhythm, this dance is believed to have originated in the Arab world and was introduced to Sarawak through Sambas and Serasan in Kalimantan, Indonesia. It is also thought to have played a role in the spread of Islam in Borneo.<div> </div> ...

0
-
1841

6

ALAI SEKAFI DANCE

Alai Sekafi is a traditional dance of the Lundayeh ethnic community, primarily found in the Sipitang district and the interior region of Long Pasia in Sabah. The term "Alai" translates to "to dance," while "Sekafi" refers to a traditional musical instrument used by the Lundayeh people, which resembles the Sape. Therefore, the name of the Alai Sekafi dance comes from the instrument played during the performance. ...

6
1916

1

ADAT RESAM DAN BUDAYA MASYARAKAT INDIA: KEMATIAN: UPACARA MENANGGALKAN THAALI

Indian society believes in the concept of rebirth, where death is likened to sleep, and the soul will "wake up" afterwards. Indian scholars also explain that death is the separation between spirit and body. The body will be destroyed while the spirit returns to the realm of Barzakh. Dead bodies in Indian society are usually cremated or buried.<div> </div> ...

1
-
1389

Kedai Makan Long Zizah Kampung, Kuala Sat Ulu...

28

GULAI IKAN PATIN TEMPOYAK

Gulai Ikan Patin Tempoyak has made Temerloh a must-visit food destination.  Patin is a type of fresh water or river fish, found in Temerloh and the Pahang River, that the areas are acclaimed for the patin cuisine. This fish is cooked specially with tempoyak, the fermented durian that brings about the distinct taste of the gulai, a favourite of many.  Although called 'gulai', it does not use coconut milk. Other fish suitable for this cooking are baung and jelawat fish (freshwater fish).  The patin found in Pahang is renowned for its delicious soft flesh and (fish) oil, believed to be due to the Pahang River environment.    Tempoyak is fermented durian, usually from the old fruits’ pulps (generally in almost or already sour state).   The pulps are separated from the seeds, mixed with a little salt, then fermented for three to five days at room temperature. Some will ferment it for a year.  Tempoyak is not eaten on its own but made into paste or ingredient of dishes such as gulai ikan patin tempoyak.   Gulai tempoyak ikan patin is also identified in Raub, Kuala Lipis and Jerantut. It can be said that every restaurant in these districts will serve this gulai delicacy to draw customers.  This cuisine is eaten with white rice, side dishes and various sambals (dips).  Its taste is distinct due to the sour durian paste (the tempoyak) in it.   Ikan patin is found in the Pahang River, the longest river in Peninsular Malaysia.  It meanders about 440 to 459 kilometers, crossing towns the Jerantut, Temerloh, Maran, Bera, Pekan and Chini towns, and finally flows to the South China Sea. For the unversed, there are many types of freshwater fish in Sungai Pahang.  They are the: • patin (patin buah, patin sungai, patin sangkar, patin muncung, patin ekor merah), • kelah, • arowana, • lampam jawa, • kelah merah, • temeloh, • aruan, • belida, • tamalian/ temoleh, • baung, • kederak, • sebarau, • kerai, • tenglangan, • bujuk, • toman, • ketutu, • puyu, • buntal, • keli, and• limbat.   Patin flourish in the Pahang River. However, as times change, they began to be raised commercially in ponds or cages.  So popular, this fish has its own quality grade. The patin farmed in ponds are the easiest to obtain, thus the cheapest. The second grade is the ones reared in cages in the rivers of Temerloh, Pahang.  The third grade is patin buah, the prime species, found in certain muddy and stagnant parts of the river.  They must be caught by fishing line or net and is expensive as it is increasingly difficult to obtain.  The fourth type is patin muncung, the rarest, which can only be caught by nets.  Thus it is the most expensive.   The shape of this fish is unique. Its body is long, slightly flat and without scales, with silvery white and bluish colours.  The mouth is small.  Equipped with two to four pairs of tentacles as tactile devices, they live at the bottom of the river and feed at night. <div> </div> ...

28
4760

1

GENDANG 24 MUSIM

The 24-Season Drums, also known as Chinese drums or shigu among traditional music players in Malaysia, is an ensemble that features 24 drums, each representing one season in the 24 solar terms of the Chinese calendar. This calendar, created by the ancient Chinese people, is based on various natural phenomena, particularly climate changes. The name of each season is written on each drum using Chinese calligraphy. In general, this ensemble combines three elements of Chinese traditional culture and belief: the 24 solar terms or seasons, the art of calligraphy, and the drumming art form. This unique fusion has led to the creation of a new cultural art form and a reinterpretation of drum performance, which previously did not exist in Chinese communities, particularly among Malaysian Chinese.The 24-Season Drums became popular due to their large number and have been taught in Chinese schools across Malaysia since the 1990s. The first 24-Season Drum ensemble in Malaysia was established by a music teacher from Johor Bahru, Mr. Chen Wei Chong, on 12 June 1988. The first performance of this ensemble featured only nine drums and was performed by a Chinese organization in Johor Bahru. Due to the positive reception and growing interest, the organization successfully raised funds to purchase an additional 15 drums to complete the ensemble.<div> </div> ...

1
-
9170

Lot 754 Kg. Kubang Rawa Salor, 15100 Kota Bharu...

8

WAYANG KULIT (KELANTAN)

Wayang kulit is a traditional theatrical entertainment of shadow puppetry in Kelantan which has gained admiration nation-wide.  Presented in Kelantanese accent, and played with lights on a white canvas, wayang kulit displays a remarkable storytelling entertainment in Kelantanese wittiness and humour.  It is mainly performed in the northeastern of Kelantan and Patani regions of Southern Thailand. The puppets are carved out of cow hide leather. The puppeteer is called Tok Dalang.  He moves the puppets on the surface of a ’kelir, backlit by strong lights to project the shadows on the screen.   The Tok Dalang's prominence lies in his ability and wittiness to voice the various characters with emotion and tones, pranks and disputes, bringing the characters alive, and delighting the audience. Generally, the stories are adapted from the Ramayana epic and local folktales, casting well-known characters like Seri Rama, Siti Dewi, Wak Long, Pak Dogol and Hanuman. Kelantan wayang kulit carries its own uniqueness and exclusivity, branding a specialty to the nation’s heritage. <div> </div> ...

8
13941

3

ETAK SALAI

Etak, locally referred to as "etok," is recognized as a heritage food in Kelantan with a rich and unique history tied to the state. For centuries, Kelantanese people from all walks of life, regardless of education, social, or economic background, have enjoyed smoked etak. Today, roadside stalls selling etak are commonly found across the floodplain areas of Kelantan, particularly in Kota Bharu, Pasir Mas, Tumpat, and Bachok. Scientifically known as Corbicula fluminea, this species of Asian clam, illustrated in Figure 1, is typically harvested from sandy and muddy riverbeds. It thrives in brackish water, where rivers meet the sea, in Malaysia and other parts of Asia.<div> </div><div><div>Culinarily, Etak Salai, or smoked etak—named after its preparation method—is celebrated for its distinctive umami flavor, combining salty and sweet tastes. This gives it a unique profile that is difficult to replicate with other types of shellfish. In Malaysia, it is primarily consumed in Kelantan, where its popularity has driven a thriving local business, establishing etak as a unique heritage food of the state.</div><div>Etak Salai is a favoured street snack that can be enjoyed on its own. Its preparation involves marinating the clams with ingredients such as lemongrass, onion, salt, and MSG for one to two hours. The marinated clams are then arranged on a bamboo platform, 2 to 3 feet wide, and smoked over a wood fire for about an hour. This method uses low to medium heat to ensure the etak retains its freshness and juiciness after cooking, making it a truly special delicacy.</div></div><div> </div> ...

3
-
4962

Sabah Association of Bangsa Sungai, Lot 6 ,Bloc...

3

ADAT RESAM DAN BUDAYA KAUM ORANG SUNGAI DI PITAS - ADAT KEMATIAN

The Orang Sungai community in Pitas is one of the 30 sub-ethnic groups of Orang Sungai in Sabah. They primarily reside in the Pitas district and coexist with other ethnic groups, particularly the Rungus. While most of the Orang Sungai population in Pitas practices Islam, a minority, especially within the Tambanuo sub-group, follows Christianity. Like other sub-groups, including Buludupi, Idahan, Milian, Liwago, Begahak, Bengkoka, Dewara, Dumpas, Inokang, Kuamut, Lingkabau, Mangkaak, and Paitan, the Orang Sungai community in Pitas is characterised by distinctive customs, cultural practices, beliefs, and taboos. Their cultural identity has been shaped by processes of acculturation and assimilation, particularly through the influence of animistic beliefs, especially in rituals related to death. These rich cultural traditions continue to symbolise the heritage and identity preserved by the Orang Sungai community in Pitas. ...

3
-
3086

Kumpulan Penari Limbai Karamaian, Kampung Kelam...

0

TARIAN SAYAU BELANDAIH

Sayau Belandaih is one of the traditional dances of the Kadazan-Dusun ethnic community, specifically from the Dusun Tatana sub-ethnic group. This dance is practiced in several villages, including Kayul, Gorowot, Menunggang, and Melampai, within the Kuala Penyu district. ...

0
-
1983

Persatuan Rebana Keras Klebang Besar, Melaka ...

14

REBANA KERAS

Rebana Keras is one of the traditional arts of Malacca, brought by Persian Arab traders who traded in the Malay peninsula during the Malacca Malay Sultanate. They conducted business at daytime and entertained at night, drumming the rabbana. The rabbana is a little flat drum struck with a thin cane drum stick.  Rabbana drumming is also believed to have been played in Sultan Mahmud's wedding ceremony.  An Arab merchant, upon receiving news about the Sultan Mahmud’s marriage to a Princess from China, planned to liven up the event with rabbana.  Having the palace approval, the merchant and his friends held a celebration of the bridal procession, drumming the rabbana, which attracted the locals’ interest.  As  a result, the rabbana gained popularity (Rahmat Arshat, 2012).  The locals eventually changed the term rabbana to rebana keras, as the sung song and the rabbana beats are of harsh tones (Rahmat Arshat, 2012).  For the unversed, rebana is a traditional Malay membranophone drumming instrument. Looking like a tambourine, its round frame is made of wood, and one side of the face is covered with cow or goat hide. Being heavy and requiring thumping with the palm of the hand for loud sounds, rebana keras is therefore drummed only by men rather than women. Usually played by 12 to 15 drummers, it contains dikir puji-pujian (praising rhymes) of which some modified to the needs of the occasion.<div> </div> ...

14
2747

Kg. Nesam, Bintong, Perlis

18

ALU BUNYI

Alu bunyi is  considered the second oldest form of  performing arts in Perlis. It was brought by Indo-Chinese travellers who sailed to Malaya. As they settled in Malay villages, they planted paddy and played this alu bunyi music with vigour to entertain themselves.  Malay farmers found the music interesting and learned to play it that it grew to be their source of entertainment too.    Alu bunyi is likewise played at harvest festivals. In the olden days, other than a form of entertainment, it was conducted to apease paddy spirits to assist farmers repelling pests,  rats and birds from ruining their crops. <div> </div> ...

18
1808

LIST OF ARTS AND CULTURE

Entire list of cultural arts includes all categories and states

Search Filters : 423