LIST OF ARTS AND CULTURE
Entire list of cultural arts includes all categories and states
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ADAT RESAM DAN BUDAYA MASYARAKAT MAH MERI KELAHIRAN: MEMBERI NAMA
<p>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.</p><p>The Mah Meri community is one of the Orang Asli groups living in Peninsular Malaysia, particularly in the coastal areas of Selangor, such as Carey Island. They belong to the Senoi tribe and are known for their rich cultural heritage, including the internationally renowned art of wooden mask carving.</p><p>As a society that greatly respects the environment, Mah Meri's traditional beliefs are closely related to nature and the spirits of ancestors. They believe that every aspect of life, including birth and naming, has a connection with the spiritual world and requires the blessing and protection of the ancestral spirits.</p><p>In the context of the moment after the birth of a child from a married couple, naming is an important ceremony because the Mah Meri community believes that there is a spiritual power that protects the baby from any threat, including the interference of evil spirits. This process is done with custom and tradition, reflecting their deep belief in the balance between man, nature, and spirit.</p><div><br></div> ...
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MEE WANTAN
<p>Wantan noodles, also known as wantan mee, is a type of noodle dish that is based on Chinese tradition and originates from southern China, especially the Cantonese region. The history of mee wantan in Malaysia begins with the mass migration of the Chinese community, especially from the Cantonese and Hakka people, who came to Malaya in the 19th century during the British occupation. These immigrants worked as tin miners and traders, while bringing with them their culture, customs, and traditional cuisine, including wantan noodles.</p><p><br></p><p>Mee wantan became popular in Malaysia because it suits the local palate who love noodle dishes. Traditional wantan noodles use delicate egg noodles served with light soup or thick soy sauce, and accompanied by dumplings (wantan) filled with meat or shrimp. Along with the changing times and the development of tastes in Malaysia, this dish has experienced several adaptations, especially among the Muslim community. Halal versions that use chicken or seafood are now increasingly popular, especially in Muslim Chinese restaurants. Currently, mee wantan has become one of the favorite dishes of various races in Malaysia and can be found in various restaurants, stalls, and kopitiams throughout the country.</p><div><br></div> ...
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TARIAN TIGAL PRANUK
<p>Tigal Pranuk is a dance that mimics the movements and behaviours of an animal, specifically the mousedeer (kancil). This dance requires physical flexibility and expressive facial movements to portray the sounds, actions, and mannerisms of the animal.</p><p><br></p><p>The behaviours of these mousedeer was observed by a group of villagers from Bukar’sadung, who happened to be in the area collecting firewood. Upon returning to their village, they began imitating the mousedeer's antics, which eventually evolved into the form of a dance.</p><div><br></div> ...
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CEREMONY REWANG
<p>Rewang, also known as gotong-royong (communal cooperation), is synonymous with the culture of the Javanese community in Johor. This age-old tradition emphasises communal collaboration in preparing for events such as weddings, prayer gatherings, or other celebrations.</p><p>Traditionally, rewang involved young individuals competing to become "penanggah" or "kendarat," roles akin to banquet servers. However, these roles have diminished as self-service systems or catering packages with attendants have become common. Rewang activities typically take place on the night before the wedding ceremony, after Isyak prayers or following a khatam Al-Quran or berzanji recital.</p><p>Rewang is often complemented by traditional entertainment such as kuda kepang, barongan, joget lambak, karaoke, and communal feasts featuring dishes like sup tulang.</p><div><br></div> ...
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DODOL PENGANAN
<p>The Dodol menu is a traditional dessert from Nusantara that is deeply rooted in the cultures of the Malay, Minangkabau, and Jawa communities. Known for its chewy texture and fatty sweetness, dodol is often served at weddings, Hari Raya, and other celebrations as a symbol of prosperity and joy. The preparation of dodol is usually done collaboratively and requires a stirring process that takes hours, reflecting the value of patience and cooperation in the community. Dodol is recognized as a cultural heritage that symbolizes the unity and identity of the Malay community and continues to be passed down from one generation to the next.</p><div><br></div> ...
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ADAT RESAM DAN BUDAYA KAUM IBAN: ADAT PERKAHWINAN
<p>The wedding ceremony (melah pinang) begins with the groom, dressed in the traditional attire of the Iban community, being paraded in a procession by vehicle or jong to the bride’s house, accompanied by the beating of gongs. Their arrival is marked by a gunshot as a sign. The bride’s entourage joins the groom’s group by the river for a ceremonial bath together, symbolizing the start of a bond between the two families.</p><p><br></p><p>The wedding ceremony starts with a discussion in the ruai (communal hall) accompanied by a serving of tuak (rice wine). The bride requests berian (gifts) according to the customs of the village. Other traditional gifts include:</p><p><br></p><p>1.<span style="white-space:pre"> </span>Pemecah tangga fee, consisting of an adze or axe</p><p>2.<span style="white-space:pre"> </span>Pembuka pintu fee, which includes a spear</p><p>3.<span style="white-space:pre"> </span>Pembuka kelambu fee, represented by a sword</p><p>4.<span style="white-space:pre"> </span>Other appropriate gifts</p><p><br></p><p>The membelah pinang ceremony determines the couple’s bond duration. The split areca nut is then distributed to the guests. With this, the wedding ceremony is considered complete, unless a bersanding ceremony is held that evening, in which case the ceremony concludes that night.</p><p><br></p><p>If there are any mistakes or errors during the wedding ceremony, the newlyweds will bathe in the river to cleanse themselves. They are also asked to hold a seven-yard-long cloth so that each individual’s mistakes will be washed away.</p><div><br></div> ...
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TARIAN ZAPIN SINDANG
<p>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.</p><p><br></p><p>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.</p><div><br></div> ...
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DODOL
<p>Dodol is believed to have originated from Indonesia, particularly from the regions of Java and Sunda. Initially, it was a highly popular treat among communities in Southeast Asia, including countries like Malaysia, Brunei, the Philippines, and Singapore.</p><p><br></p><p>Dodol is a type of confection made through hours of cooking, using ingredients commonly found in tropical areas, such as coconut milk and palm sugar. This delicacy symbolizes prosperity and abundance due to its lengthy preparation process and the considerable effort required. For this reason, dodol is often a special dish served during grand occasions and important celebrations in local communities.</p><p><br></p><p>Dodol became known in Malaysia through cultural and trade exchanges between Malaysia and Indonesia, particularly via the Strait of Malacca, which served as a major trade route in ancient times. Traders brought not only goods but also culinary traditions, including dodol.</p><p><br></p><p>Dodol continued to develop among the Malay community in Malaysia, especially in states like Pahang, Selangor, Johor, and Perak. It has become a highly popular traditional treat and is often prepared during Hari Raya celebrations, weddings, and communal feasts (kenduri).</p><div><br></div><div><div>Variations of Dodol </div><div>Although the basic ingredients and preparation methods of Dodol are not much different from dodol in other states, there are some variations and modifications that give Dodol its unique characteristics, such as:</div><div>1.<span style="white-space:pre"> </span>Durian Dodol: Some Dodol recipes incorporate durian flesh, giving it a more aromatic and lingering flavor. This makes durian dodol especially popular among durian enthusiasts.</div><div>2.<span style="white-space:pre"> </span>Peanut Dodol: In some variations, peanuts or mung beans are added to the dodol, providing a more interesting texture and a distinct flavor.</div><div>3.<span style="white-space:pre"> </span>Pineapple Dodol: Some dodol producers also make pineapple dodol, which combines the sweetness and slight tartness of fresh pineapple with the richness and softness of dodol.</div></div><div><br></div> ...
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TARIAN NOPENG KINEK
<p>Nopeng Kinek is a new dance which came from the Gendang Melayu Sarawak arts, consisting of tandak/nopeng, drums, and poetry. Being performed regularly at weddings inspired its new creation.</p><p><br></p><p>Penopeng means ‘a wearer of mask’. The dancers are only boys whilst the girls sit behind the curtains, beating the drum or gong. Saying goes that these shy dancing boys can’t help peeping at the girls through the curtains. Too shy, they cover their faces with sarung pelikat as if they are masked. Over time, this little act of peeping and covering their faces, makes the boys nicknamed ‘the masked ones’ (penopeng). Then nopeng, eventually means dancing. </p><p><br></p><p>This new creation of nopeng kinek is to encourage the young to appreciate their culture. </p><div><br></div> ...
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KUIH SOPANG REBUS
<p>Kuih Sopang Rebus is a traditional Negeri Sembilan cake. The name comes from its shape, a flattened ball dough making it appear ‘half’ a ball or ‘separuh’ in Bahasa Melayu but pronounced ‘sopaghoh’ in the Negeri Sembilan dialect. Thus came the term ’sopang’. </p><p><br></p><p>This delicacy is made of glutinous rice flour, coconut milk, sugar, and salt, with a filling of grated young coconut. The dough is balled then flattened, filled with fillet, then delicately folded to resemble a curry puff. They are placed orderly in a container. The container then is put on the wooden sticks lining the pot with boiling water for steaming. The term sopang rebus is rather a misnomer because ’rebus’ means boiled. But the cake is just steamed, not boiled. </p><p><br></p><p>Kueh sopang is a favourite at breakfast, afternoon tea or breaking fast (as dessert) in the fasting month of Ramadhan. </p><div><br></div> ...
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AWANG BATIL
<p>Awang Batil is a Perlis art of musical storytelling. This art is performed by a narrator, the penglipur lara, known as Awang Batil. He narrates stories while tapping a bronze pot (made to store water). The tapping is the background music of the narration.</p><p><br></p><p>Initially, Awang Batil was known as Awang Belanga because instead of tapping a pot, he did a belanga. However, the belanga was filled with coal, thus later it was replaced with a batil, a copper container. Back in the day, Awang Batil travelled through villages especially those having weddings to tell his stories. </p><div><br></div> ...
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