LIST OF ARTS AND CULTURE
Entire list of cultural arts includes all categories and states
Search Filters : 426
WADAI
<p>Wadai Kipeng, also known as Gayam by the Banjar Alai community in Johor, is a traditional dish resembling desserts such as Puteri Mandi and Bubur Candil. Made from glutinous rice flour mixed with salted water and a small amount of lime water, the dough is kneaded into small balls before being cooked. This dish holds cultural significance within the Banjar community, reflecting their culinary heritage and communal spirit.</p> ...
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HADRAH DAN TARIAN HADRAH (KEDAH)
<p>Hadrah is drumming music brought by Persian traders to Kubang Pasu, Kedah. It became popular in Kedah and Perlis in the 17th century, which then, widely performed from day to night. At present it is music of choice at weddings. </p><p><br></p><p>Hadrah is also played in other states, but the lyrics of the ones in Kedah are in Kawi Malay language which originated in Kampung Bayas, Jitra.</p><p><br></p><p><br></p><p><br></p><p><br></p><p><br></p><p><br></p><p><br></p><p><br></p><p><br></p><p><br></p><p>Way back then, hadrah male dancers dressed in women’s clothing to perform since women were not allowed to dance. However, at present, female dancers are performing as well. </p><p><br></p><p><br></p><p>It is said that this dance was created from an occurrence of a group of woodcutters who lost their way in the forest. While looking for a way out, they sang, prayed and beat their kompang (a type of drum). The Kedah hadrah is unique as it has an interlude performance called noge. </p><div><br></div> ...
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MAK YONG (TERENGGANU)
<p>Mak Yong is a traditional performing art form originating from Kelantan, characterized by a unique blend of acting, singing, dancing, and music. In 2005, Mak Yong was recognized by UNESCO as one of the Intangible Cultural Heritage practices. Mak Yong is deeply rooted in Malay culture, particularly in Kelantan, where it developed as both court entertainment and a form of local community expression.</p><p><br></p><p>Mak Yong performances showcase the refinement of Malay etiquette, graceful movements, and poetic language, reflecting the delicacy of Malay cultural heritage. Typically, all roles are played by women, except for the role of the caretaker, with the main character portrayed by the Pak Yong. Figure 1 illustrates a Mak Yong performance still practiced in rural villages.</p><p><br></p><p>Currently, the art of Mak Yong faces the threat of extinction due to several factors, including the oral transmission of knowledge, which requires a long period of time. Nevertheless, various initiatives such as training programs and performances have been undertaken to preserve this art form, ensuring that it remains an integral part of Malaysia's artistic and cultural identity. Mak Yong is not only a symbol of traditional heritage but also reflects the philosophy and refined soul of the Malay community.</p><p><br></p><p>Mak Yong stories are usually based on myths, legends, and ancient tales rich in magical elements and moral values. Among the popular stories often performed are Hikayat Dewa Muda, Anak Raja Gondang, Raja Tangkai Hati, Raja Besar Maha Gading, and Dewa Pechil. These stories narrate the journeys of kings, their struggles against evil forces, their search for love, and their adventures to achieve prosperity. The themes often convey life values such as loyalty, justice, and wisdom.</p><p><br></p><p>The characters in Mak Yong stories vary depending on the tale being told. Some of the prominent characters in Mak Yong include Pak Yong, Mak Yong, Peran, Inang, Tok Wak, Betara Guru, and giants (Gergasi).</p><p><br></p><p>Mak Yong is performed with musical accompaniment, and traditionally, only the Rebab, the gendang ibu and gendang anak (mother and child drums), and the gong were used during performances. However, over time, additional instruments such as the gedombak, canang, kesi, and geduk have been incorporated into the ensemble.</p><div><br></div> ...
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TARIAN KLASIK INDIA SG PETANI
<p>The classical Indian dance in Sungai Petani, Kedah, has a rich history closely tied to the migration of Indian communities to Malaya, particularly in the 19th and 20th centuries. This dance, encompassing various forms such as Bharatanatyam, Kathak, and Odissi, was brought by Indian immigrants who arrived as plantation workers and traders. Classical dance is not merely an art form but also serves as a medium for narrating epic tales like the Ramayana and Mahabharata, as well as performing religious rituals in Hindu temples.</p><p><br></p><p>In Sungai Petani, this tradition flourished with the establishment of various cultural and arts institutions aimed at preserving this heritage.</p><div><br></div> ...
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ALAT MUZIK KULINTANGAN
<p>Kulintangan is a traditional musical instrument deeply rooted in the culture of ethnic communities in the state of Sabah because this musical instrument is inherited by almost every ethnic group. It consists of small gongs arranged horizontally on a wooden frame and is usually played in groups. Kulintangan usually has 8 to 9 small gongs arranged in a row, and when played, it produces different sounds from each other using two small wooden beaters.</p><p><br></p><p>There are some differences in terms of the number of kulintangan in some districts. For example, in the Telupid and Beluran districts, the Dusun Labuk tribe usually uses 9 kulintangan, while ethnic groups from other districts usually only use 6 to 7 kulintangan. Besides that, the kulintangan played also has differences in terms of traditional musical accompaniment between districts. For example, on the West Coast side, they usually only use kulintangan without any traditional musical accompaniment. In contrast, on the East Coast, such as Telupid and Beluran, the kulintangan musical instrument will be accompanied by the striking 3 types of gongs of different sizes. Similarly, with the Bajau and Suluk ethnic communities around the Semporna, Tawau and Lahad Datu districts, the Kulintangan is usually accompanied by the traditional musical instruments Gong Ibu and Gong Anak, as well as Tambul (drum).</p> ...
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KUIH BUGIS MANDI
<p>Kuih Bugis Mandi, also known as Kuih Badak Berendam or Kuih Puteri Mandi in other states, is a traditional sweet treat of the Bugis in Selangor. These small cakes are easy to prepare at home, consisting of three bits: the cake balls, the coconut filling and the gravy. </p> ...
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KUIH CHANG NYONYA
<p>Kuih Chang Nyonya is a traditional delicacy of the Baba Nyonya community, especially popular in Melaka and Penang. This delicacy is also known as Nyonya Chang or Zongzi in Chinese culture. Kuih Chang is a type of glutinous rice dumpling wrapped in bamboo leaves and cooked by steaming or boiling.</p><p><br></p><p>Kuih Chang originates from Chinese traditions, specifically the Duan Wu Jie (Dumpling Festival or Dragon Boat Festival). This festival commemorates a patriotic Chinese figure named Qu Yuan, a poet and minister from ancient times. Kuih Chang was introduced to the Baba Nyonya community when the Chinese migrated to Malaya. Over time, it was adapted to local tastes by the Baba Nyonya community, making it unique with a fusion of Chinese and Malay culinary elements.</p><div><br></div><div><br></div><div><div>Characteristics of Kuih Chang Nyonya</div><div>Kuih Chang Nyonya differs from traditional Chinese Chang due to the unique ingredients and techniques that tailor the dumpling to the taste preferences of the Peranakan community. Some distinctive features of Kuih Chang Nyonya are:</div><div>1.<span style="white-space:pre"> </span>Blue-Colored Glutinous Rice</div><div>o<span style="white-space:pre"> </span>The rice is often dyed with butterfly pea flower (bunga telang), which provides a natural blue color.</div><div>o<span style="white-space:pre"> </span>Typically, only part of the glutinous rice is dyed blue to create an attractive pattern.</div><div>2.<span style="white-space:pre"> </span>Sweet and Spicy Filling</div><div>o<span style="white-space:pre"> </span>The filling of Kuih Chang Nyonya is made from minced pork or chicken, peanuts, and flavoring ingredients such as spices, palm sugar, and grated coconut.</div><div>o<span style="white-space:pre"> </span>Special Baba Nyonya spices like candlenut (buah keluak) or coriander are often added for a distinctive aroma.</div><div>3.<span style="white-space:pre"> </span>Bamboo Leaves as Wrapping</div><div>o<span style="white-space:pre"> </span>Kuih Chang Nyonya is meticulously wrapped in a small pyramid shape using bamboo leaves, similar to traditional Chang.</div></div><div><br></div> ...
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KUIH KARAS (KEDAH)
<p>Kuih Karas is made from rice flour. It has a fine, net-like texture, similar to vermicelli but crispy and sweet in taste. This traditional snack is made by mixing a thin rice flour batter that is then poured into hot oil using a special mold until golden yellow. It is then lifted and folded. Kuih Karas is very popular among the people in the Kota Setar district of Kedah.</p> ...
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ALAT MUZIK SULING (SERULING)
<p>The flute, in the context of the Kadazan-Dusun ethnic community, is a traditional musical instrument in the category of aerophones, a mouth flute type that is shorter in size than the length of a regular flute. It is made of Sumbiling bamboo, which has five or six finger holes known as 'Pongombitan'. The thumb hole is known as 'Molohing Tunturu'. Both ends of the flute are pierced for the flow of blowing from the mouth and the flow of the sound tone produced. The hole for blowing is known as 'Pogunian', and the end of the flute hole (back) is known as 'Pongirusan'.</p><p><br></p><p>This flute musical instrument is easier to make compared to other bamboo musical instruments. However, precision is required in its production to ensure that the flute maintains the authenticity of its sound and the manufacturing tradition that has been passed down from generation to generation.</p> ...
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MUZIK TRADISI BERTITIK BAJAU SAMA
<p>Traditional music bertitik is a heritage treasure played at weddings by Kota Belud Bajau community, </p><p><br></p><p>This music is to announce that there is a wedding nearby. The vilagers will hear bertitik music in the evening before and during the henna night. Then it plays again during the marriage ceremony as the bride and groom are celebrated. </p><p><br></p><p>However, bertitik music cannot be performed at bad times. Neither nor it be played during the 40-day mourning (death). If it is still played, tragedies will befall all in the village. </p><div><br></div> ...
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CEMPULING
<p>Cempuling is a form of traditional musical art inherited from the Javanese community and was first introduced to the Malay Peninsula in the 19th century. The term “Cempuling” is derived from a combination of Javanese words: “Com-Com” (variety), “Pul-Pul” (gathering), and “Eling-Eling” (remembrance). Collectively, the term conveys the idea of "a group of individuals gathering to remind one another," reflecting the original function of this art form as a medium for disseminating Islamic teachings and moral guidance.</p><p><br></p><p>In its early days, Cempuling functioned as a medium for religious outreach, conveying spiritual messages and ethical values through song, music, and oral performance. It was not merely a form of entertainment but also a vehicle for spiritual and social education, accessible to and embraced by the wider public.</p><p><br></p><p>In Selangor, particularly among Javanese communities in Banting and Kampung Sungai Pelek, Sepang, Cempuling continues to be preserved as both a marker of cultural identity and an ethnic symbol. It is frequently performed during cultural events such as weddings, communal feasts, and arts festivals, playing a significant role in reinforcing social cohesion and communal unity.</p><p><br></p><p>One of the most active groups preserving this tradition isteh group of Cempuling Damar Wulan from Kampung Sungai Pelek, Sepang. The group has achieved notable recognition, securing second place in the Cempuling Festival organized by the Selangor Malay Customs and Heritage Corporation and the State Government of Selangor. They have also been featured on the TV3 program Sembang Nasi Lemak Kopi O and released a widely appreciated advisory-themed single titled Piye Kepriye in the Javanese language.</p><div><br></div><div><br></div> ...
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ADAT RESAM DAN BUDAYA KAUM KADAZANDUSUN SUKU KADAZAN PAPAR – PANTANG LARANG KAPATAZON (KEMATIAN)
<p>As the largest ethnic group in Sabah, the Kadazandusun community exhibits linguistic diversity, with various dialects reflecting distinct customs, including death-related terms. In the general Kadazandusun language, death is referred to as Kapatayon. However, in the Kadazan Papar dialect, the term Kapatazon is used. The Kadazandusun language includes two primary terms to denote death and pronunciation variations influenced by dialectal differences among sub-ethnic groups. Furthermore, each Kadazandusun sub-ethnic group observes distinct taboos related to death. While the structural framework of these taboos is mainly uniform, certain variations underscore the cultural distinctiveness of each subgroup.</p> ...
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