LIST OF ARTS AND CULTURE
Entire list of cultural arts includes all categories and states
Search Filters : 423
TARIAN MANSAYAU
<p>The Mansayau is a traditional dance of the Murut ethnic group, specifically from the Nabai sub-ethnic group, who predominantly reside in the Keningau district, including villages such as Kampung Tuarid Tauf, Tuarid Liawan, Debulat, Masak, and Patikang Laut. Inspired by the graceful movements of birds soaring above the clouds, the dance was originally performed as part of a healing ritual for the sick. Following the ritual, a traditional Tapai drinking ceremony would typically be held as a symbolic act of closure. During this ceremony, everyone present would join the Mansayau dance, expressing gratitude to their ancestors for protection and seeking blessings to safeguard the community from illness.</p> ...
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KEK LAPIS SARAWAK
<p>Kek Lapis Sarawak has indeed become synonymous with the culinary heritage of the Malay community in this state. Originally a special dish served during Hari Lebaran each year, it has now become a daily treat available at cake shops not only in Sarawak but also in Peninsular Malaysia, particularly in the capital city of Kuala Lumpur and Johor Bahru.</p> ...
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TARIAN LILIBU
<p>Lilibu is a traditional dance of the Bisaya ethnic community, primarily in the Sabah Beaufort district. "Lilibu" means "winnowing tray," a tool used to separate rice grains from chaff. The name is inspired by the practice of Muncang, a communal rice planting activity involving the villagers. This activity encompasses the entire process, from planting to harvesting and pounding the rice into grains.</p><p><br></p><p>This dance vividly portrays the joyous atmosphere of the rice harvest season, with activities carried out in collaboration, accompanied by Badaup (singing), where songs of praise are dedicated to the rice spirit as an expression of gratitude for the successful harvest. The men gather to pound the rice in large wooden mortars using pestles known as Batang Alu-Alu. The rhythmic pounding creates a sound called Mengalang. Meanwhile, the women collectively winnow the rice to remove the chaff, transforming it into edible grains.</p><div><br></div> ...
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TARIAN LANGI PINYAMBUT
<p>Langi Pinyambut is a traditional dance passed down through generations by the ancestors of the Bidayuh community in Sarawak. This dance is typically performed during the harvest season. In fact, this traditional dance is a mandatory performance during the Gawai Dayak Festival to celebrate the harvest of rice crops. The dance holds a very special and specific purpose as to honour the rice harvest brought in from the fields that have been cultivated over time. At the same time, the dance serves as an expression of gratitude and a prayer to God, with the hope that the rice yield will be sufficient to sustain the community throughout the year.</p> ...
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PERMAINAN TRADISIONAL WAU
<p>Wau is a kite. Wau flying is a traditional outdoor game, a display of strength and grace in the air, enjoyed by those living in breezy areas of Kelantan. It is also played by those in other states like Johor, Negeri Sembilan, Selangor and Terengganu. </p><p><br></p><p>Oral history says that wau was created by Sang Jaya, also known by his other titles: Dewa Muda, Dewa Hindu and Masai Kelana Seri Panji, between 711 and 839 AD, as a state’s regalia. It was also a symbol of a nation’s sovereignty and her power to occupy other nations. </p><p><br></p><p>Kite fliers have their own favourite kites, for instance, Wau Bulan in Kelantan, Wau Burung in Terengganu and Wau Jalabudi in Kedah. </p><p><br></p><p>Wau making is unique compared to other games as it requires drawing and colouring skills to produce an exquisite one.</p><p><br></p><p>The splendor of Kelantan wau is exceptional. Thus the wau flying and production need to be preserved as a state identity.</p><div><br></div> ...
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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. </p><p><br></p><p>Kandar means putting a long stick on one’s shoulder to carry heavy items. Hence came the name nasi kandar from this practice. 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> </p><p>Nasi kandar, having a distinct aroma, is kept in a three feet high wooden container. 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. The vegetable dishes are eggplant, okra or sweet potato. The lavish gravy, side dishes and vegetables provide rich flavours.</p><p> </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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TARIAN MELENGGOK
<p>The Melenggok dance is a traditional dance for the Cocos community, which is an ethnic minority in Sabah who mostly live in Tawau and Lahad Datu districts. According to history, this dance originates from the Cocos (Keeling) Islands, Australia, which has a long history of migration and close ties with the local community in Sabah in the early 20th century (Romtie et al., 2021). This dance is specifically danced by male dancers only with the act of 'Melenggok', which means 'swaying' or 'twisting' the body inspired by the movement of birds on the coast. This is accompanied by Silat movement elements at the beginning of the performance as well as a combination of the dance moves of Cocos, who stomp their feet while clapping their hands.</p> ...
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UMAI
<p>Umai is a traditional dish of the Melanau community based on seafood, particularly fish and shrimp. The main ingredient for umai is raw fish for preparing fish umai, while raw shrimp is used for preparing shrimp umai. For making fish umai, the Melanau people often choose parang fish, white pomfret, empirang fish, shark, and terubok fish. Meanwhile, for shrimp umai, smaller-sized shrimp are typically the preferred choice. The fish and shrimp must be cleaned and mixed with other ingredients consisting of shallots, onions, chili, lime juice, and ginger, as well as other additional ingredients according to individual taste. If using fish as the main ingredient, the fish meat is usually thinly sliced first. The shallots, onions, garlic, chili, and ginger must be pounded and mashed to be thoroughly mixed with the sliced fish prepared earlier. Similarly, if using small shrimp as the main ingredient, the shrimp must be mixed until well-blended with the pounded or blended ingredients to add flavour to the fish and shrimp. The squeezed lime juice can provide a sour taste to enhance the deliciousness of the umai. The amount of juice needed depends on personal preference, but generally, most umai preparers choose to make it slightly spicy and tangy to taste.</p> ...
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PERMAINAN TRADISIONAL HENCANG BUAH KERAS
<p>Hencang Buah Keras has been played for hundreds of years. ‘Hencang’ means crushing, and buah Keras, a candlenut. The players need to crush the candlenuts, the main item of the game. </p><p><br></p><p>Initially hencang buah keras was only to the pleasure of palace courtiers, played exclusively by them. But later, they invited the common folks to play on the palace grounds, thus the game popularity spread to all social strata. Adding to the merriment, it is also played along with dances. The dances can be Gamelan, Labi-Labi, Inai and Piring. It is also performed along with the martial art silat and drums.</p><p><br></p><p>Playing the game, the courtiers do not crush the candlenuts. Instead, the crushers were the warriors (the common people working for the sultan). The good crushers would be respected by the folks in the region and their names revered. </p><p><br></p><p>Historically, hencang buah keras was brought to Pahang by Kraeng Agang Jene Muhammad Naziruddin, more known as Keraing Aji (Tok Tuan), a Bugis nobleman and warrior from Makassar, Sulawesi, Indonesia. The Bugis migrated to Pahang after the Dutch capture of Makassar in 1669. Keraing Aji strongly opposed the Dutch and fought to drive them out of Makassar. Hence, he and his followers were arrested by the Dutch and sentenced to exile in Capetown, South Africa.</p><p><br></p><p>On the voyage to Capetown, Keraing Aji escaped to Muar, Johor and then moved to settle in Kota Tinggi, Johor. After a while, he sailed to Endau and stopped there to collect water. He then continued his journey to Telok Kandang, Kampung Pulau Jawa, Pekan, Pahang. Feeling safe there, he stayed for ten years at Telok Kandang. In 1722, Keraing Aji moved to a new settlement in Pekan, naming it Kampung Mengkasar, after the name of its founder who was from Makassar, Sulawesi, Indonesia.</p><div><br></div><div><div>The Bugis migration brought the influence of culture and art to the people of Pahang. Having been introduced by Keraing Aji, they started to play hencang buah keras, and eventually, it became the Pahang game.</div><div><br></div><div><br></div><div><br></div><div>Types of Nuts </div><div><br></div><div>There are two types of nuts required in the game: the candlenut and the Gendong.</div><div><br></div><div>a)<span style="white-space:pre"> </span>The Candlenut</div><div>The candlenuts used is a hard type, which are called male and female.</div><div>a)<span style="white-space:pre"> </span>The male nut is almost round, light and fragile, thus, rarely used in the hencang as it can be easily crushed (thus losing the game).</div><div>b)<span style="white-space:pre"> </span>The female nut – has a flat surface that it becomes the main choice since the surface is good for pairing. </div><div>c)<span style="white-space:pre"> </span>c) Buah Gendong - shaped like a chicken egg. However, it is rarely used in the game unless there are no other nuts to be used.</div></div><div><br></div><div><br></div> ...
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VADAI
<p>Vadai arrived in Malaysia along with the migration of Indian communities, especially from South India, such as Tamil Nadu, Kerala, and Andhra Pradesh, to Malaya in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. These Indian immigrants came as laborers to work in rubber plantations and road construction under the labor system introduced by the British. Along with their traditions and culture, they also bring a variety of cuisines, including vadai.</p><p><br></p><p>Vadai Tradition in India</p><p>In India, vadai has become an important part of South Indian culinary tradition. It is eaten as a daily snack, light food, or served on special occasions and religious festivals such as Deepavali.</p><p>Vadai Influence in Malaysia</p><p>In Malaysia, this influence remains and grows, making vadai a food often found in night markets, mamak shops, and food stalls across the country. Vadai is one of the traditional foods that is very famous among the Indian community in Malaysia. This cuisine, which originated in South India, was brought by Indian immigrants who migrated to Malaya during the British colonial period.</p><p><br></p><p>Characteristics of Vadai</p><p>Vadai, also known as "vada" or "vadai," is a snack made from ingredients such as dhal beans, rice flour, and spices that are then fried until crispy. In Malaysia, vadai is not only loved by the Indian community, but it is also enjoyed by various races because of its unique taste.</p><div><br></div> ...
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ADAT RESAM DAN BUDAYA MASYARAKAT INDIA: KEMATIAN: MENGURUS MAYAT
<p>Indian society believes in the concept of rebirth, where death is treated as sleep, and the soul will "wake up" afterwards. According to Indian scholars, death is the separation between spirit and body. The body will be destroyed, but the spirit will return to the barzakh realm. In practice, the bodies of Indian people are either cremated or buried.</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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