LIST OF ARTS AND CULTURE
Entire list of cultural arts includes all categories and states
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ADAT RESAM DAN BUDAYA KAUM MURUT SUKU TAHOL - ADAT KEMATIAN TRADISI TAJAU
<p><br></p><p>The Murut Tahol tribe is the largest subgroup within the Murut ethnic community. They originally settled along the Tahol River in Pensiangan before migrating to other areas such as Tenom, Sapulut, and Nabawan. The tribe often refers to itself as Ulun Tahol, which means “the people of Tahol.”</p><p><br></p><p>Today, most members of the Murut Tahol tribe have adopted Christianity as their primary faith. However, a small segment of the community still adheres to animistic (pagan) beliefs. Despite having embraced various religions, the tribe continues to preserve and practice ancestral customs and traditions that align with their religious teachings. One notable tradition remains their death ritual, which involves a unique set of customs and beliefs that showcase their rich cultural identity and the strength of their community values.</p><p><br></p><p>For the Murut Tahol, death is a sorrowful misfortune, as they believe the deceased will continue to exist alone. Additionally, death is regarded as a mystery since no one can honestly know what the deceased's journey is like in another realm. In their philosophical perspective on life, the Murut Tahol categorise death into two types: a "good death" and a "bad death."</p><p><br></p><p>A "good death" happens peacefully during sleep, with the eyes and mouth closed tightly. In contrast, a "bad death" is characterised by extreme suffering and screams at the moment of passing. According to certain beliefs, these screams are associated with evil spirits that disturb a person before they die.</p><p><br></p><p>Therefore, they believe that the nature of a person's death is closely connected to how they lived. If someone is considered virtuous during their lifetime, their death is thought to be easier. Conversely, if a person is viewed unfavourably, their end is expected to be difficult, troubling, and terrifying. To ensure that the deceased's soul finds peace in the eternal realm, the Murut Tahol people strictly adhere to their traditional practices surrounding death, following the customs passed down through generations.</p><div><br></div> ...
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Halwa Maskat
<p>Halwa Maskat or English Halwa is a type of traditional sweet or dessert that is popular in the northern states of Malaysia. This sweet is square-shaped and golden yellow in color, resembling jelly or dumplings. Halwa Maskat is also known as English Halwa. However, this traditional dessert is believed to have originated from the city of Masqat in Oman, a Middle Eastern country, and was later adapted with local ingredients. The word "halwa" itself, which means a sweet or food soaked in sugar syrup, is used to refer to the sweet treats of Indian origin. When cultural assimilation took place, this dessert was named Halwa Maskat.</p><p><br></p><p>Halwa Maskat is not a dessert that is served daily. It is typically found during celebrations. This sweet is more commonly seen during the Aidilfitri festival, as the Mamak and Malay communities in Penang prepare Halwa Maskat for the occasion. This dessert is considered part of the list of "old-time cakes" because making it requires local wisdom or the "skills" of the elders. This is because, to make this special dessert, the dough, which consists of wheat flour, needs to be fermented for three days and three nights. Halwa Maskat is made from a mixture of wheat flour, ghee, and sugar as the main ingredients. After the flour has been fermented, the mixture needs to be stirred over a slow fire for five hours without stopping to achieve the sticky texture that forms Halwa Maskat. Due to this complicated preparation process, Halwa Maskat does not need to be stored in the refrigerator. It can last for months at room temperature. Its somewhat sweet and rich taste, resulting from the sugar and ghee used in the recipe, makes this dessert different from other traditional sweets. Because of the intricate preparation, this dish is classified as a special dessert and is served on special occasions. Unfortunately, the younger generation is not interested in making this dessert due to its difficulty, but isn’t this dessert a reflection of the culinary excellence of our culture?</p> ...
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KUIH SOPANG KUKUS
<p>Kuih Sopang Kukus is a traditional Nusantara kuih popular among the Malay community in several Malaysian states, such as Johor and Melaka. This kuih is passed down from generation to generation and is part of the local food culture, especially in rural areas. It is believed to have existed for hundreds of years. This kuih is often served at special occasions and religious events. The influence of trade and cultural mixing, especially with Indian and Arab traders, also contributed to the development of Kuih Sopang Kukus as a traditional dish that is highly valued in the local culture.</p> ...
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GENDANG PANJANG
<p>The Gendang Panjang is a form of drumming music closely associated with the Thai or Siamese-descended communities. This art form was introduced to Kampung Tasek, Pengkalan Hulu, Perak, over 30 years ago and has since been actively practiced by the local Siamese community.</p> ...
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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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MADUPPA BURASAK DANCE
<p>The Maduppa Busarak dance is a traditional performance art of the Bugis ethnic community, originating from Pontian, Johor. This dance serves as a symbolic gesture of respect and honour towards distinguished guests, embodying the core values of hospitality and cordiality inherent in Bugis cultural practices. The name of the dance is derived from two key terms: Maduppa, signifying ‘to invite’ or ‘to welcome,’ and Busarak, referring to a serving tray embellished with a small, ornate cover.</p><p><br></p><p>The dance was first introduced by Hajah Indok Chichuk Daing Hadadek, a prominent cultural figure from Kampung Sungai Kuali, Kukup, Pontian. Her significant contributions have cemented the Maduppa Busarak dance as an integral component of the cultural heritage in Johor.</p><div><br></div> ...
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ADAT RESAM DAN BUDAYA KAUM ORANG ULU: SUKU KELABIT ADAT MENYAMBUT TETAMU/PAHLAWAN
<p>The Kelabit tribe is a unique ethnic group found in the highlands of Bario, in northern Sarawak. This tribe is well-known for its special customs and cultural practices. The Kelabit, one of the smallest ethnic groups in Sarawak, are predominantly Christian. They reside in longhouses and practice traditional agriculture to sustain their livelihood. Bario rice is a significant agricultural product that represents the identity of the Kelabit people in Sarawak.</p> ...
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TEATER TRADISONAL MENORA DI KELANTAN
Menora is a cultural heritage art originating from the Narathiwat province, Southern Thailand, and has long been a part of Kelantan culture. This art, also known as “Manora” in Thai, is a type of folk dance theatre that combines elements of ritual, dance movements, instrumental music, singing, and storytelling. Although originating from Thailand, Menora is now also performed in Kelantan and several other areas in Peninsular Malaysia, making it a unique cross-border cultural symbol. ...
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ADAT TEBUS PELAMIN
<p>Adat Tebus Pelamin, colloquially referred to as "duit tol" (toll money) among the Malay community in Johor, is a long-standing wedding tradition. This custom involves a symbolic act of preventing the groom from ascending the bridal dais (pelamin) until he pays a designated amount of "toll money" to the bride's family.</p><p>Historically, this tradition has been seen as a playful and meaningful way to enhance the celebratory atmosphere while symbolising the groom's effort and determination in marrying his bride. The amount of toll money, often starting from as little as RM0.50 to RM1.00 per toll, is agreed upon by both families. In some cases, a higher amount may be offered as a gesture of respect or humour.</p><p>Adat Tebus Pelamin remains an integral aspect of Malay wedding culture in Johor, reflecting communal values of togetherness and cheerfulness.</p><div><br></div> ...
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TARIAN SUMAGAYAN
<p>Sumagayan, also known as Sagayan, is one of the traditional dances of the Iranun ethnic community in Sabah, predominantly residing in the districts of Kota Belud, Kota Marudu, and Tuaran. This dance is performed using masks, as it is closely linked to the legend Darangan ni Bantugen, an epic tale of heroism in Iranun traditional literature. The epic narrates the story of Bantugen, a renowned warrior who battles enemies to protect his people (the Iranum nation). Hence, the basic elements of this dance are characterized by combat and martial art movements that resemble the techniques of silat.</p><p><br></p><p>However, since the late 1970s, the popularity of this dance has declined, leading to its diminished recognition among the general public. One of its key elements, the use of masks during performances, is no longer widely practised. Today, only a small segment of the Iranun community, particularly in the East Coast regions of Sabah, including the small districts of Tungku, Nala, and Barigas, continues to preserve this dance as part of their efforts to maintain their culture and identity.</p><div><br></div> ...
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SAYAU KADAYAN
<p>The Sayau Kedayan, also known as Sayau Moginum, is a popular traditional dance among the Dusun Tatana tribe in the Kuala Penyu. Historically, this dance originated from the Moginum ritual, a ceremony conducted to invite the spirits of ancestors or deceased family members to participate in a celebrated event. However, as early as 1961, during the Kaamatan Festival, the dance transitioned into a public performance, serving as an artistic showcase of the Dusun Tatana culture.</p><div><br></div> ...
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