LIST OF ARTS AND CULTURE
Entire list of cultural arts includes all categories and states
Search Filters : 430
AIR SARBAT
<p>Air Sarbat, a type of drink, has existed for thousands of years in Persia and recorded in the book Canon of Medicine and The Tale of a Thousand and One Nights. In a short while, this drink became popular in India during the reign of the Mughal Empire. In fact, the empire had improved it by drinking with ice from the Himalayan range for a more refreshing effect. </p><p><br></p><p><br></p><p>In the early 1900s, the Indians migrated to Malaya in droves, bringing along their food and drink traditions, for one, the air sarbat. It was delicious, capturing the locals’ taste thus it became popular in Penang. A business brand, 3579Ais Tingkap emerged, pioneered by a trader in Lebuh Tamil, George Town since 1919. In hot weather, quenching their thirst, people will happily go for traditional drink air sarbat. </p><div><br></div> ...
- 26
- 1861
LAYANG MAS PERLIS
<p>Layang Mas Dance is one of the traditional court dances originating from the state of Perlis. This dance holds a unique historical value, as it is believed to have been created during the period when Raja Perlis sent the Golden Flower Tribute (Ufti Bunga Emas) to the King of Siam, at a time when Perlis was under the suzerainty of the Siamese Kingdom. The tribute was delivered by elephant, and during the journey, an elephant herder known as Tuk Jambul, together with his companion Ecan, composed a song titled Layang Mas.</p><p><br></p><p>Upon returning from Siam, the two men created a dance performance inspired by the song, and thus the Layang Mas Dance was born. It later became part of the Terinai dance repertoire—a well-known form of royal court dance recognized for its graceful and symbolic movements.</p><p><br></p><p>The movements of the Layang Mas Dance highlight the beauty of flowing hand gestures, soft turns, and coordinated shoulder and hip movements. A long scarf, or selendang, is tied around the waist and held between the thumb and index finger, creating the illusion of a bird in flight. This captivating visual enhances the symbolism of gentleness, nobility, and feminine elegance, which is why this dance is performed exclusively by female dancers.</p><div><br></div> ...
- 5
- 2377
TARIAN KUDA PASU
<p>Kuda Pasu, also known as Kuda Pacu, is a traditional dance popular among the Bajau Samah ethnic community in Kota Belud. Translating to "racing horse," this dance was first introduced in 1975 by Jeffery bin Oleh, a prominent figure in the traditional performing arts of the Bajau Samah community. To this day, Kuda Pasu continues to be performed at various celebrations and has been recognised as a traditional dance of this ethnic group.</p><p><br></p><p>According to its historical origins, this dance was inspired by horse riders' skills to welcome royal family members. In traditional Bajau Samah weddings, horses were often used to transport the groom's entourage to the bride's home. This practice symbolised the groom's heroism and valour on his wedding day and represented strength and status within the community. Consequently, the movements of men riding and handling horses became the foundation for the creation of this dance.</p> ...
- 5
- -
- 1872
TARIAN KADANDIU
<p>Kadandiu is a traditional dance of the Tidung ethnic community originating from the Tawau District, Sabah, especially in the Balung, Merotai and Kalabakan areas. This ethnic group also inhabits several districts in the Southeast region of Sabah, such as Beluran, Sandakan and Lahad Datu. Kadandiu, meaning 'my heart misses', is a dance inspired by the Batu Tinagat legend, which tells the story of Aki Bentawol and Dayang Dadalit, the youngest princess from heaven who came down to earth to bathe with her six siblings. This story begins when Aki Bentawol takes Dayang Dadalit's shawl, causing the princess to be unable to return to heaven.</p><p><br></p><p>It is also said that since Dayang Dadalit was on Aki Bentawol's land, the agricultural products, such as rice, were increasing, and thus Aki Bentawol decided to marry the princess. Then, they got married and were blessed with a child. However, after that, Princess Dayang Dadalit returned to heaven and left Aki Bentawol and their child, but she never came back to earth.</p><p><br></p><p>Because the legendary story inspires this dance, Kadandiu must be danced with a total of 7 female dancers and one male dancer, complete with golden attire in keeping with the image of a fairy princess as in the legend.</p><div><br></div> ...
- 3
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- 1194
ADAT MEMADAH
<p>Memadah is a custom practiced in Kelantan for the purpose of inviting individuals to attend an event or ceremony. The memadah custom is widely applied in life in Kelantan, especially in wedding invitations. Memadah is a social interaction of the Kelantan Malay community to inform relatives far and near, neighbors and the entire village community of the wedding date that will take place. The parents of the bride and groom will invite the guests they want a month before the date of the wedding ceremony.</p><p><br></p><p>Usually, an invitation to a wedding ceremony is done in two ways, namely through a verbal invitation or a card invitation. Among the Kelantan Malay, those invited to a wedding ceremony are called 'kena', while those who are not invited are called 'tidak kena'. Typically, the bride's parents will invite the whole village to attend their son's or daughter's wedding, unless the people they wish to invite are not at home at the time the invitation is extended.</p><p><br></p><p>Apart from wedding ceremonies, memadah customs are also practiced to invite any activity and event with a subtle and polite method.</p><div><br></div> ...
- 1
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- 1006
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> ...
- 5
- -
- 1727
TUAN HAJI MD ISMAIL BIN JAMJAM @ ZAMZAM
<p>Tuan Haji Md Ismail bin Jamjam @ Zamzam is a prolific writer from Johor, actively contributing across various literary genres, including poetry, novels, drama, short stories, textbooks, and song lyrics. His notable works include Perempuan Yang Kutemui in Antologi Puisi PPJ (1973), Merentas Lima Dasawarsa (Antologi Puisi Pilihan 1960–2015) published by ITBM KL (2017), and Rakaman Ombak (2019). Additionally, he has contributed to over 25 collaborative poetry anthologies, such as Sayang Adik Sayang – DPB (1975) and Kasut Hitler – Utusan Publication (1996).</p><div><br></div> ...
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- 659
MASAKAN TRADISIONAL ‘AMBUYAT’
<p>Ambuyat is a traditional food, a favourite of the Bruneians and Bisayas. This special dish is enjoyed by many and has been passed down for generations by the Kadazandusun, Murut, Bajau and Dusun Tatana in Sabah. </p><p><br></p><p>Starchy food, transparent and sticky glue-like texture, it is made from sago flour, which is processed from sago palm wood, the ampulung. </p><p><br></p><p>In the old days, ambuyat was eaten daily, and always served at weddings, festivals and other celebrations. </p><div><br></div> ...
- 14
- 1945
ALAT MUZIK TOGUNGGAK
<p>Togunggak or Togunggu' is a type of traditional bamboo-based musical instrument that is popular among the Momogun ethnic group in Sabah, such as the Dusun, Kadazan, Kadazan-Dusun, and Rungus. For the Murut ethnic group, it is known as Tagunggak. This musical instrument belongs to the idiophone category, like the Angklung musical instrument, which produces sound through the vibration of its entire body when tapped. It is made of bamboo rods that are cut to a certain size and designed to produce various sounds depending on the thickness, length, and diameter of the bamboo.</p><p><br></p><p>As an idiophone musical instrument, the Togunggak sound is produced when the surface of the bamboo is struck with a mallet, triggering vibrations that produce a specific tone. The number of rods in a set varies depending on ethnic tradition and performance context. Here, small sets usually consist of 6 to 12 rods (Togunggak), while large sets, such as the Murut Togunggak, can reach up to 30 rods (Peter, 2017). The Togunggak uses at least two or three large porings (Gigantochloa Levis) bamboo segments that act as bass to produce a large sound when struck. Each rod has a specific melodic and rhythmic function, allowing it to be played harmoniously in large ensembles to produce complex musical patterns.</p><p><br></p> ...
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- 3262
MUZIK KERONCONG DI MELAKA
<p>Keroncong music is a traditional music genre originating from Indonesia and has gained significant recognition in Malaysian musical culture. It blends elements of traditional Malay music with influences from Portuguese music. Known for its soft rhythms and soothing melodies, keroncong incorporates specific instruments that give it a distinctive character. Keroncong is an important part of Malaysia's rich musical heritage, particularly among the Baba Nyonya and Kristang communities.</p><p><br></p><p>Origins of Keroncong Music</p><p>Keroncong music has deep cultural roots and a long history, especially in the Nusantara region. In Melaka, keroncong developed alongside cultural and historical influences, particularly from the Portuguese, as well as interactions with local cultures.</p><p><br></p><p>Keroncong is believed to have originated in Indonesia, particularly among the Javanese community, but it was influenced by Portuguese music introduced by colonizers in the 16th century. Traditional Portuguese music, such as fado and modinha, was introduced to the local community in Melaka during the Portuguese colonial period (1511–1641). Instruments like the small guitar (cavaquinho) and melancholic Portuguese melodies evolved into what is now known as keroncong.</p><div><br></div> ...
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