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MUZIK TRADISIONAL TABOH IBAN

<p>Taboh is an Iban traditional music in Sarawak. The word taboh means sounds&nbsp; produced by traditional Iban musical instruments: tawak, gendang, engkerumong and bebendai.</p><p><br></p><p>It is played at Hari Gawai Dayak,&nbsp; a ritual performed by the Iban when building and blessing a new long house, ‘reviving’ the lunar ecllipse, having weddings and performing bathing ceremonies for&nbsp; small children in rivers.&nbsp;</p><p><br></p><p>Taboh music is played in three paces&nbsp; which is subjected to purposes of the ceremonies.&nbsp; So do its rythmn and melody.&nbsp;</p><p><br></p><p>There are differences among the taboh played in Kuching, Sri Aman, Betong, Saratok, Kapit, Bintulu, Miri and Limbang. Other than being played at Gawai Dayak or other rituals, it is also played during the Ngalu Petara, which is to call the petara (God) to appear from the sky.&nbsp;</p><div><br></div> ...

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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> ...

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MUZIK CAKLEMPONG

<p>Caklempong is folk music of the Minangkabau community. It was brought to Malaya by the Minangkabaus of the West Sumatra, Indonesia, who settled in Negeri Sembilan in the 14th century.&nbsp;</p><p><br></p><p>In the Minangkabau dialect, caklempong is taklempong, a traditional musical instrument from the idiophone family that uses a diatonic scale. 'Cak' is the sound of the drumbeats while 'lempong' is the sound of the bonang (gong) beats.</p><p><br></p><p>In the past, caklempong was so important that apart from entertaining, it captured the audience so profoundly that they became united, benefitting the community at large.</p><p><br></p><p>&nbsp;</p><p><br></p><p><br></p><p>To begin with, there were five caklempong tones: do, re, mi, so and la. However, in 1970, the caklempong was developed into six tones: do, re, mi, fa, so, la, ti, and do.</p><div><br></div> ...

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ADAT BARAAN/GROUP VISITATION

<p>Adat Baraan is a Javanese tradition in Johor involving group visitation, especially during Hari Raya Aidilfitri celebrations. This communal activity often includes recitations of selawat (praises upon Prophet Muhammad) and prayers to invoke blessings for the host.</p><p>The term baraan originates from the Javanese language, meaning "to wander" or "to visit in groups." This practice is believed to have been introduced by Javanese migrants to the Malay Peninsula and has since been maintained as part of their cultural heritage.</p><div><br></div> ...

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PERANAN TOPENG SAGU MELANAU UNTUK KAUM DI SARAWAK, BORNEO

<p>The Melanau are one of the largest ethnic groups in Sarawak, residing along coastal areas including Matu Daro, Rejang, Mukah, and several other districts. Among them, there are Muslims and Christians, as well as those who practice animism, worshipping the spirits known as Ipok, manifestations of natural forces and powers. In Melanau belief, Ipok consists of Ipok Laut (sea spirit), Ipok Balau (forest spirit), Ipok Sarauang (sky spirit), and Ipok Iyang (earth spirit).</p><p><br></p><p>In traditional medicine, the Melanau believe that illness can result from an imbalance between the body and natural energies due to disturbances from malevolent spirits. Therefore, the Adat Bebayuh exists as an animistic healing practice of the Melanau people to cure ailments.</p> ...

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TARIAN SUMAZAU

<p>Sumazau is an iconic traditional dance of the Kadazandusun ethnic community in Sabah. This dance is often performed during the Kaamatan Festival (Harvest Festival), which is celebrated annually on May 31 as a tribute to ‘Bambaazon’ (the spirit of rice) after the harvest season. This dance, also known as Sumayau in the Dusun language, is closely related to the word ‘Minsayau,’ referring to dancing with hopping movements.</p><p><br></p><p>The origin of this dance is associated with the movements of an eagle spreading its wings in the air, particularly over the golden rice fields during the harvest season. Inspired by these eagle movements, the Sumazau dance adopts similar motion patterns. This dance is performed in pairs, with male and female dancers, and is not limited to a specific number of participants.</p> ...

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NASI KANDAR

<p>Nasi Kandar is a delicious rice dish in Penang, introduced by Indian Muslim traders from India. Served with a variety of curry and side dishes, the signature of Indian foods; it is thus savoured by people of all ages, turning it into a popular cuisine.&nbsp;</p><p><br></p><p>Kandar means putting a long stick on one’s shoulder to carry heavy items.&nbsp; Hence came the name nasi kandar from this practice.&nbsp; Penang rice vendors in those days peddled their goods by suspending two containers at both ends of the stick on the shoulder, with rice and side dishes on each end. Goes a story saying that nasi kandar was a quick and easy daily meal of the workers of Weld Quay Port, the international port of Penang.</p><p>&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;</p><p>Nasi kandar, having a distinct aroma, is kept in a three feet high wooden container.&nbsp; Nasi kandar lovers enjoy it with a lavish mix of curry gravy over the rice, thus called kuah banjir (flooding) and a variety of side dishes of meat, fried chicken, kari limpa, beef, fish roe, shrimp or fried squid.&nbsp; The vegetable dishes are eggplant, okra or sweet potato. The lavish gravy, side dishes and vegetables provide rich flavours.</p><p>&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;</p><p>Today, the term nasi kandar, is seen in most Tamil Muslim restaurants, ‘Mamak Malaysia’, and Indian Muslim stalls, a testimony of the nation’s favourite.</p><div><br></div> ...

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ZAPIN PULAU DANCE

<p>Zapin Pulau, originating from Pulau Tioman and Pulau Aur in Mersing, Johor, is a distinctive variation of zapin dance that reflects the cultural identity of the island communities. This traditional art form has been preserved and passed down through generations by local figures dedicated to maintaining its authenticity.</p><div><br></div> ...

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KARI DEBAL

<p>Kari Debal is a traditional dish famous in the ethnic Portuguese cuisine of Malaysia, particularly among the Christian Portuguese community in Melaka, known as the Kristang people. This dish exemplifies the influence of Portuguese culture blended with local elements from Malay and Indian cuisine.</p><p><br></p><p>Kari Debal originates from Portuguese cuisine, brought to Melaka by Portuguese traders in the 16th century. Among the Kristang community, descendants of the Portuguese residing in Melaka, this dish has become a part of their cultural heritage.</p><p><br></p><p>Debal, meaning "bull" or "meat," refers to the beef used in this curry, but it can also be made with chicken or lamb. Kari Debal is often associated with ceremonies or celebrations, particularly Christmas, but it is also available at eateries or restaurants that serve Kristang cuisine.</p><p><br></p><p>Known for its spicy and richly spiced flavor, Kari Debal features aromatic spices that make it highly flavorful and fragrant. It is typically served with white rice or bread, such as Portuguese bread (pao) or pancakes, to savor its thick, rich curry sauce.</p><p><br></p><p>Uniqueness of Kari Debal</p><p>Portuguese Influence: Kari Debal is a culinary fusion of Portuguese cooking with Malaysian local ingredients and spices, particularly Malay and Indian.</p><p>Rich Flavor: The combination of abundant spices and coconut milk gives this curry a deep, complex flavor. It is not only spicy but also rich in savory notes with a slight tanginess from asam keping (tamarind slices).</p><p>Festive Dish: Kari Debal is often prepared during Christmas celebrations and family gatherings in the Kristang community, making it closely tied to family traditions and cultural heritage.</p><div><br></div> ...

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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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ADAT RESAM DAN BUDAYA MASYARAKAT CINA PERANAKAN DI PULAU PINANG

<p>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.</p><p>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.</p><p>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.</p><p><br></p><p>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.</p><p>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.</p><p><br></p><p>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.</p><p>Peranakan Chinese weddings are vibrant affairs that blend Chinese heritage with Malay customs. Key elements include:</p><p>Betel Nut Box Ceremony: Symbolizing the bride’s purity.</p><p>Dowry Presentation: Given to the bride’s parents as a token of gratitude for raising her with virtue.</p><p>Ring Exchange: A mutual exchange of rings by the bride and groom.</p><p>Flower Scattering and Incense Rituals: Adding a touch of solemnity and tradition.</p><p>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.</p><p>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.</p><p><br></p><p>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.</p><p>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.</p><p>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.</p><div><br></div> ...

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ADAT RESAM DAN BUDAYA MASYARAKAT MAH MERI KELAHIRAN: SEMASA MENGANDUNG

<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><br></p><p>Since there are various tribes in the Mah Meri community, there are many differences in terms of way of life and language. Their culture and customs are also different and unique. The following customs show what is practiced among the Mah Meri community as a whole.</p><div><br></div> ...

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