LIST OF ARTS AND CULTURE
Entire list of cultural arts includes all categories and states
Search Filters : 431
GULAI PISANG MUDA DAN IKAN BILIS
<p>Negeri Sembilan, also known as Negeri Sembilan Darul Khusus, is a state located on the west coast of Peninsular Malaysia. The people of Negeri Sembilan are originally from the Minangkabau tribe in West Sumatra, Indonesia, who started migrating here in the 14th century. This community group then settled in nine areas such as Johol, Jelebu, Klang, Sungei Ujong, Naning, Rembau, Jelai, Segamat, and Pasir Besar, then formed a federation known as Negeri Sembilan.</p><p>In terms of traditional cuisine, Negeri Sembilan is famous for its Gulai Lemak Chili Api, also known as "masak lomak lado api." This dish is a symbol of Negeri Sembilan's traditional Malay cuisine and comes from the influence of Minangkabau. It is often prepared using ingredients such as fish, snails, chicken, vegetables, and smoked meat. Thus, Gulai Pisang Muda and Anchovies are very popular because of their rich and spicy taste, making them one of the iconic foods in this state.</p><div><br></div> ...
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CANGGUNG DANCE
<p>Canggung Dance is one of the traditional dance forms that represents the cultural identity of Perlis, Malaysia. This dance is unique for its performance style, which features an exchange of pantun (Malay poetic verses) sung between male and female performers. The origins of Canggung Dance are closely linked to the influences of Rambong or Makyong Laut dances, which were later adapted by the local community in Perlis to create what is now known as Canggung. Etymologically, the word Canggung is believed to have derived from the Thai word Tanggung, meaning "to dance", reflecting regional cultural influences in its development.</p><p>Canggung Dance was first actively introduced during the Japanese occupation around 1941. Its earliest performances were presented by two siblings, Che Lian and Che Intan, who became pioneers in spreading and popularizing this dance among the people of Perlis. Since then, Canggung Dance has continued to flourish as a form of folk entertainment, commonly performed at social gatherings such as feasts, weddings, and post-harvest celebrations.</p><p>Although it shares similarities with other forms of Malay folk dances, such as Ronggeng, Canggung Dance maintains its distinct characteristics, especially through its exchange of pantun between male and female dancers. The pantun often carries themes of advice, playful teasing, and light-hearted satire, reflecting the refinement and wisdom of the Malay community. Today, Canggung Dance continues to be preserved and performed at various cultural events and festivals and is recognized as an important element of Malaysia’s intangible cultural heritage, particularly cherished by the people of Perlis.</p><div><br></div><p></p> ...
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ULAT MULONG
<p>The Ulat Mulong or Sago Worm is a larva that inhabits the trunk of the sago palm tree, using the pith as its food source. The felled sago trunk is stored and left untouched for approximately two weeks to allow the larvae to grow, becoming healthy and active. When the time comes, the sago trunk is split open to extract the worms. These worms can be eaten raw, but they can also be roasted or fried.</p> ...
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- 1970
TARIAN MASRI KERCING
<p>The Masri Kercing Dance is a traditional Malay dance originating from Malaysia, often performed during celebrations or official events. This dance is closely associated with the Malay communities in Selangor and some areas in Pahang. The Masri Kercing Dance is known for its graceful, joyful, and harmonious movements. The term "Masri" refers to a traditional Malay dance created for entertainment purposes and to accompany traditional music.</p><p><br></p><p>Masri Kercing is a variation of the Masri dance, differing in style and movements. The word "Kercing" refers to the spinning and running foot movements characteristic of this dance. It is more dynamic and energetic compared to the more relaxed traditional Masri dance. This dance is typically performed by a group of dancers dressed in traditional attire, communicating through coordinated foot and hand movements.</p><p><br></p><p>The main movements in the Masri Kercing Dance involve quick and spinning footwork, reflecting the rhythm of the accompanying music. Dancers often move in circular formations, showcasing harmony among the performers. The dance emphasizes smooth and organized body movements, with hands raised or gesturing in sync with the rhythm.</p><div><br></div> ...
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ADAT RESAM DAN BUDAYA KAUM RUNGUS: ADAT PERSIAPAN PENANAMAN BENIH PADI
<p>The ethnic Rungus, the majority of whom live in the districts of Kudat, Kota Marudu and Paitan in the state of Sabah, are a traditional farming community that depends on agricultural activities as the main source of their livelihood. This agricultural activity is known as 'Mutagad Om Motungo', which is farming or gardening activities following a certain seasonal cycle that starts in July and ends in April of the following year. The process begins with the clearing or clearing of land in July, followed by the felling of trees in August. The felled trees are then left to dry for a month before being burned in October. This Burning Process marks the beginning of the proper rice planting season.</p><p><br></p><p>As an agrarian ethnic group with high customs and cultural values, the 'Mutagad Om Motungo' activity has specific taboo practices especially when starting agricultural activities. This is a symbol of gratitude and an offering to 'Bambazon' which is the spirit of rice to bless and preserve their rice crops from being damaged or not bearing fruit. Therefore, a ritual custom known as 'Mangatod' or 'Patod' will be carried out before the activity of opening the land by farmers is done.</p><div><br></div> ...
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MUZIK MELAYU ASLI
<p>Introduction and History</p><p>Origins and Early Influences</p><p>Melayu Asli music has a long history and has evolved alongside Malay culture for centuries. It first emerged as court and folk music, used in official ceremonies, weddings, and community entertainment.</p><p><br></p><p>The main influences of this music came from India, the Middle East (Arab and Persian), and Java, due to maritime trade and connections between Malay kingdoms and the outside world. Elements such as the gambus from Arab culture, rebana from India, and violin from Europe enriched the uniqueness of Melayu Asli music.</p><p><br></p><p>Malay Sultanate Era (15th - 18th Century)</p><p>During the Malacca Sultanate, music flourished as part of court entertainment and Malay cultural arts. Gamelan and nobat were played during official ceremonies, while ghazal music and asli songs were performed to entertain the royal family.</p><p>In Johor, Pahang, and Terengganu, Melayu Asli music was influenced by Javanese gamelan and Arabic melodies, creating unique musical styles.</p><p><br></p><p>Development During the Colonial Era (19th - Early 20th Century)</p><p>During British and Dutch colonial rule, Melayu Asli music underwent changes due to the introduction of Western music styles such as waltz and polka.</p><p>Violin and accordion began to be incorporated into traditional music.</p><p>Zapin, Joget, and Ghazal rhythms became more popular as folk music.</p><p>Melayu Asli music became widely embraced by the general public, no longer limited to the royal courts.</p><p>By the 20th century, Melayu Asli music was being recorded and broadcasted on radio and performed on stage, introducing this genre to a wider audience.</p><p><br></p><p>1950s - 1970s: The Rise of the Melayu Asli Music Industry</p><p>During this period, Melayu Asli music rapidly expanded with the growth of the recording and film industry.</p><p>Radio and films in Singapore and Kuala Lumpur popularized Melayu Asli songs.</p><p>Singers like P. Ramlee, Saloma, R. Azmi, and Sharifah Aini performed asli songs in films and concerts.</p><p>Melayu Asli music became widely accepted as national music and was frequently played at official ceremonies and celebrations.</p><p>At this time, Melayu Asli rhythms also started blending with modern music, giving birth to Pop Melayu Asli, which was lighter and more accessible to younger generations.</p><p><br></p><p>Modern Era (1980s - Present)</p><p>Although modern genres like pop and rock have dominated the music industry, Melayu Asli music continues to be valued as a cultural heritage.</p><p>Melayu Asli performances are still featured in official events, weddings, and cultural competitions.</p><p>The Malaysian government, through Istana Budaya, ASWARA, and RTM, continues to preserve this music by introducing programs and traditional music competitions.</p><p>Melayu Asli music is now fused with contemporary music to attract the interest of younger generations.</p><p><br></p><p>Melayu Asli music is a heritage of Malay arts and culture that has developed from the Malay Sultanate era to modern times. It is not just entertainment, but also a symbol of Malay cultural identity and history. With continuous efforts to preserve and promote this music to new generations, Melayu Asli music will remain an important treasure in Malaysia's traditional music landscape.</p><div><br></div> ...
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- 1909
TARIAN GOBEK
<p>The Gobek Dance is inspired by the traditional practice of elders using a gobek (mortar and pestle) to crush betel leaves and areca nuts. The beauty of this dance lies in its melody and the graceful movements of male and female dancers, who incorporate the gobek as a central prop in the performance. The origins of the Gobek Dance are linked to the era of the Kedah Sultanate, where it was performed during royal ceremonies, particularly for celebrations and official events. This dance is renowned for its energetic and dynamic movements, reflecting the spirit of collaboration and teamwork in traditional community life.</p><div><br></div> ...
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UPACARA ADAT ‘SOGIT’ KAUM DUSUN
<p>Sogit is a law which requires compensations when a person is guilty of committing an offence in the culture of the Sabah Dusun. It is the Dusun traditional rules to preserve culture, discipline and harmony of the community, adhered to since the olden days.</p><p><br></p><p>The compensations are often in the form of livestock, such as pigs, buffalos, cows, goats or chicken. For instance, if a man harasses a woman, the penalty is to give some stipulated number of livestok.</p><p><br></p><p>Judging Process</p><p><br></p><p>If a woman is assaulted and impregnated by a man before marrying her, the latter needs to bring his family to meet with the head of the village. But if the man refuses to marry, he has to pay for the damage according to the wishes of the woman’s family.</p><p><br></p><p>On the other hand, if the woman wishes to marry the man, he must abide by the woman’s decision. The sogit is over one thousand Malaysian Ringgit (RM1,000), along with a list of traditional items that have been requested. If they decide not marrying, the wedding items must also be prepared by both sides.</p><p><br></p><p>Aim</p><p><br></p><p>Sogit is practised to judge and penalise the wrongdoers who commit unacceptable acts by the villagers. It is also to remind others to respect the laws and customs of the people. Some of the offences are:</p><p>-<span style="white-space:pre"> </span>Stealing crops or livestock</p><p>-<span style="white-space:pre"> </span>Damaging crops</p><p>-<span style="white-space:pre"> </span>Killing livestock</p><p>-<span style="white-space:pre"> </span>Proven guilty of rape</p><p>-<span style="white-space:pre"> </span>Hassling and kidnapping girls</p><div><br></div> ...
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LAKON BERADAT
<p>It is said that Lakon Beradat, which is a form of hadrah music, was originally brought from the Middle East by an Arab trading group led by Syed Mahmud Saman. This group of traders would perform hadrah music in front of the local people whenever they stopped to trade in the Malay Archipelago, including the island of Borneo. This began to attract the interest of the local population, who wanted to learn more about this music and subsequently attempted to master it. Syed Mahmud divided the performance into two groups: the drum group and the poetry group. The enactments in this musical performance were guided by songs that praised the greatness of Allah s.w.t. and Prophet Muhammad s.a.w.</p><p><br></p><p>In 1902, Lakon Beradat performances were introduced to Kampung Sibi, Bintulu, Sarawak by a religious teacher and trader from Sambas, Indonesia, named Guru Ahmad Zamzam. The popular songs often performed during that time included Bismillah, Allanabia, Yafattah, Al-Fasah, and Salora Bona. Today, only two groups remain active in Sarawak: the Kumpulan Hadrah Budaya Bintulu and the Kumpulan Hadrah Kampung Sambir in the Kuching Division.</p><p><br></p> ...
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ZAPIN PARIT MASTAR DANCE
<p>Zapin Parit Mastar was founded by Ahmad bin Timbul, a trader from Pontian, Johor, around the 1950s. During his trading trips to Karimun and Riau islands, he was inspired by the Zafin Arab Hadhrami and the local zapin performances in Selat Panjang and Riau. His fascination with this art form led him to develop unique zapin steps, which later became known as Zapin Parit Mastar, named after his village. His friends, including Haji Keliwon bin Denan, also learned and performed this zapin, establishing it as a cultural heritage in Kampung Parit Mastar.</p><div><br></div> ...
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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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MUZIK GAMELAN JAWA
<p>Gamelan Jawa has its own history. The presence of Gamelan Jawa in Malaysia is closely related to the arrival of the Jawa people to Johor. They perform gamelan with ancient puppets and dances such as Tari Kifrah, Serimpi Lilin, Butterfly, and Cakil. Gamelan musical instruments are also used to accompany Riog, Barungan, and Kuda Kepang performances. Gamelan music is often played at weddings, circumcisions, and other events.</p><p>This type of gamelan can be found in Johor, Selangor, and the Federal Territory. Gamelan Jawa music serves as folk entertainment and is not limited to palace performances only.</p><div><br></div> ...
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