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 KEMATIAN: MENGURUS MAYAT
<p>The Mah Meri community is one of the Orang Asli groups that inhabit coastal areas in Selangor, Malaysia. They are known for their rich culture, woodcarving art, and unique customs, including in funeral and death ceremonies. The customs and rituals related to death in the Mah Meri community reflect their belief in the spiritual world and respect for the spirits of their ancestors.</p><p>The Mah Meri community believes that death is not the end but the transition of the soul to another realm. The spirit of the deceased needs to be carefully managed to ensure that it gets a good place in the spirit world. They also believe that failure to perform the death ceremony correctly can cause the spirit of the deceased to disturb the living family members.</p><div><br></div> ...
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AKOK
<p>Kuih Akok is one of the most popular traditional desserts in the East Coast states of Malaysia, particularly in Kelantan and Terengganu. This kuih (dessert) is renowned for its rich sweetness, coconut aroma, and golden-yellow color. Akok is a symbol of cultural and heritage pride for the Malay community, with its preparation emphasizing the use of local ingredients.</p><p><br></p><p>Origin of Kuih Akok</p><p>Name and Origin</p><p>Kuih Akok is believed to have originated in Kelantan and Terengganu, with various stories about its beginnings. The name "Akok" might derive from the Malay word "Akok," which refers to its shape resembling a "rock" or "supporting structure."</p><p>Traditionally, this kuih is prepared in small cup-like shapes using molds, giving it its unique appearance.</p><p>History of Kuih Akok</p><p>Kuih Akok is believed to have existed since the era of the Malay Sultanates on the East Coast. Initially, it was prepared as a special dish for celebrations and feasts.</p><p>Over time, it became a staple at various occasions such as Eid celebrations, communal feasts (kenduri), and large family gatherings.</p><p>Cultural Influence</p><p>This kuih reflects the rich culinary heritage of the East Coast Malay culture, which is renowned for its use of natural ingredients like eggs, coconut milk, palm sugar, and rice flour. It embodies the diversity of traditional Malay cuisine, emphasizing the use of local resources.</p><div><br></div><div><div>Characteristics of Kuih Akok</div><div>Shape:</div><div>Kuih Akok is usually small and oval-shaped.</div><div>Taste:</div><div>This kuih has a rich sweetness from palm sugar, complemented by the creamy richness of coconut milk. The combination of sweet and creamy flavors makes it highly favored.</div><div>Texture:</div><div>The texture of Kuih Akok is soft, chewy, and creamy, owing to the use of coconut milk and eggs in its preparation.</div></div><div><br></div> ...
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ADAT RESAM DAN BUDAYA MASYARAKAT MELAYU: ADAT DAN PERSIAPAN DIRI UNTUK TURUN KE LAUT
<p>In the life of the Malay community, particularly among fishing communities, self-preparation for going to sea is a process that involves crucial spiritual, physical, and social aspects. The sea is not only a source of livelihood but also a place filled with challenges and dangers. Therefore, traditional customs and self-preparation before setting out to sea are highly emphasized to ensure safety, success in earning a living, and personal well-being.</p><div><br></div> ...
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TARIAN ZAPIN GHALIT
<p>In general, Tarian Zapin is more in vogue in Johore. Nevertheless, the Kedahan do dance it, which is named Zapin Ghalit or Ghalet. </p><p><br></p><p>‘Zapin’ is from an Arabic word, ‘zafn’ (Kamus Besar Arab-Melayu, 2000, dewan Bahasa Pustaka). While when a male has moved his legs fast following a melody, which is dancing, is ‘zaffana’. The Malays pronounce it ‘zapin’, simply referring to the dance.</p><p><br></p><p>In Kedah dialect, ‘ghalit’ means careless, not alert, or complacent. Therefore, the zapin ghalit choreography displays the moves portraying this laid-back life.</p><p><br></p><p>To begin with, tarian zapin is influenced by Arab culture, thus in the old days, danced only by men. Then too, it was educational, used as a medium to preach Islam through its poems and songs.</p><p><br></p><p><br></p><p><br></p><p>Zapin ghalit was initially an entertainment at Johore royal courts, brought from Hadramaut, Yemen, by Arab traders to Johore in the early 16th century. </p><p><br></p><p>As times and perception change, zapin has turned to become Malay culture in the Malay Archipelago, especially the Malay Peninsula. Thus there is a shift in the tide too where women are included in the dance. </p><p><br></p><p>The large-scale migration of Yemenis to Johore in the 19th century has formed two zapins: Arab and Malay. The original dance had gone through changes inspired by the Yemenis in Johore which eventually produced these two dances.</p><div><br></div> ...
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KUIH QASIDAH
<p>Kuih Qasidah, also known as Kuih Hasidah, is one of the traditional delicacies originating from the state of Kedah. According to oral historical accounts, Kuih Qasidah is believed to have its roots in the Arab region and was introduced by Arab descendants who migrated and settled in the area. Besides Kedah, this kuih is also popular in the state of Terengganu, where there is a notable difference in its color: the Terengganu version is yellow, while the Kedah version is translucent white.</p><p><br></p><p>Kuih Qasidah is considered a classic delicacy due to its creamy, sweet flavor, making it especially popular during the month of Ramadan. It was a preferred choice among earlier generations as a dish for breaking fast due to its delicious taste. Additionally, it is also suitable to be served as an afternoon snack alongside coffee or hot tea.</p><p><br></p><p>In terms of preparation, Kuih Qasidah is relatively simple to make but requires precise techniques. The mixture must be cooked until it achieves a thick and glossy texture. Once cooked, the kuih is garnished with fried onions sautéed in ghee, enhancing its aroma and flavor. This makes Kuih Qasidah not only delicious but also unique in terms of its presentation and taste.</p><div><br></div> ...
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PERMAINAN TRADISIONAL LANSARAN MURUT
<p>Lansaran is from a Murut word, lumasar, which means to bounce or wobble. This tradition is a Murut tribe legacy, and practiced especially in Tenom and Keningau districts, Sabah. Back then, it was a custom in paying respect to the spirit, or spirits of human skulls acquired in wars or tradition of ngayau. </p><p><br></p><p>The game is played with group dancing.</p><div><br></div> ...
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MASAKAN TRADISIONAL PULUT KUKUS IKAN MASIN
<p>Pulut Kukus Ikan Masin, or glutinous rice with fried salted fish, is a popular delicacy in Perlis and in the Northern states of Semenanjung Malaysia. It is a common breakfast dish for those in Perlis. This dish is made of steamed glutinous rice and fried salted fish. Usually the salted fish are ikan gelama and ikan tamban. Pulut kukus becomes more appetizing when paired with fresh grated coconut, which the locals call nyok (in their dialects).</p> ...
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MONGIGOL MENGALAI
<p>Mongigol Mengalai is a traditional dance of the Kadazan-Dusun ethnic group of the Dusun Tinagas tribe. This sub-ethnic group predominantly resides in the upper Sugut River region, a hilly area situated at the intersection of the Ranau, Kota Marudu, and Labuk-Sugut districts in northern Sabah. "Mongigol," which means "to dance," is performed exclusively by women, whereas "Mengalai" refers to a solo performance by a male dancer accompanied by female dancers.</p> ...
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TARIAN ETNIK BABA NYONYA : BAKUL SIA
<p>The Bakul Sia Dance has deep historical roots in Baba Nyonya culture, which emerged from intermarriages between Chinese traders, particularly those from Fujian and Guangdong provinces in China, and local Malay women. This fusion of cultures gave birth to a unique ethnic identity with distinct language, clothing, food, and art, separate from traditional Chinese or Malay cultures.</p><p><br></p><p>The traditional Bakul Sia Dance is believed to have originated from customs within the Peranakan community, where dances were performed to celebrate weddings or important occasions. The name "Bakul Sia" refers to the "basket" used in the dance, which serves as a central symbol in the performance.</p><p><br></p><p>Meaning of the Bakul Sia Dance</p><p>This dance is often associated with significant ceremonies, such as weddings or festivals, where a basket containing flowers or fruits is used as the primary accessory. The dance highlights movements full of symbolism, where each step and gesture convey prosperity, well-being, and fertility.</p><p><br></p><p>Overall, this dance expresses respect for customs and traditions while reflecting the harmony of Baba Nyonya culture, which integrates Chinese and Malay influences. The dance movements represent elegance and grace, showcasing the skill of balancing the basket in hand, symbolizing balance in life.</p><div><br></div> ...
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CEREMONY HAIR-CUTTING
<p>Adat Potong Jambul is a Malay tradition in Johor that signifies a significant milestone in a baby's life. This ceremony is typically held on the 40th day after birth, coinciding with the end of the mother's confinement period, or on the seventh day, depending on local customs.</p><p>During the event, relatives and neighbours gather to recite doa selamat and perform collective berzanji. After the recitations, the baby is brought into the main hall to undergo the ceremonial hair-cutting, known as potong jambul.</p><p>This tradition embodies cultural and spiritual practices, reflecting values of familial bonding, community ties, and blessings for the newborn's future.</p><div><br></div> ...
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ALAT MUZIK GENDANG
<p>The gendang (drum) is often used to complete the ensemble of traditional musical instruments in the state of Sabah, especially the Kulintangan, Gong, Babandil or the accompaniment of bamboo musical instruments. Almost all indigenous ethnic communities in Sabah have this musical instrument, which is used for traditional ceremonies and traditional celebrations until it becomes part of the symphony of performances at social events, weddings and various types of parties. As a musical instrument that belongs to the category of membranophones, it produces sound through the vibration of membranes on the skin that is beaten. The gendang is very significant in adding an important layer of rhythm to the traditional cultural performances of ethnic communities in Sabah.</p> ...
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