LIST OF ARTS AND CULTURE
Entire list of cultural arts includes all categories and states
Search Filters : 430
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 BELOTAH
<p>Tarian Belotah is a folk dance of Perak paddy farmers, their melodious way of turning farming toil into a joyous awaited occasion. This dance is to separate paddy grains from the stalks, and they do it with rhymes. Lotah means rhyme, hence ‘belotah’ is rhyming. </p><p><br></p><p>Gemal padi (bunches of paddy stalks tied together) are placed on a platform, made from pinang tree planks. The planks are tied with rattan and secured to the floor. Then a group of ten to fifteen step on the paddy stalks on the floor in a circle in an effort to separate the grains from the stalks. While stepping, they exchange poems and songs, the melotah. </p><p><br></p><p>Sweetly, while laboring, separating paddy gains, the young men turn their drudgery into pleasure by teasing and courting the girls. Melotah eventually becomes an anticipated event for the young to socialise since in those days, society was extremely strict about boys meeting girls. </p><p><br></p><p>Belotah is akin to a sewang dance where the dancers rhyme while stepping on the paddy stalk bulks (gemal padi). They will also shout while jerking the platform, moving the planks rhythmically. As the planks move, they rub each other, producing squeaky sounds. These squeaky sounds are the ‘background music’ of the dance. So, the dancers move to the rhythm of the sound, swinging their legs twice forward and twice back, singing along the jerks of the planks. </p><p><br></p><p>Lyrics of Short Lotah </p><p><br></p><p>When it's cut, such a waste being cut</p><p>Gracious goes the root of the tree</p><p>Please, let it be, let it be sir</p><p>Ha ha hi</p><p>Ha ha hi</p><p>Ha ha hi</p><p>Lotah de lang le</p><p>Gracious the roots of the wood </p><p>Lotah de lang le</p><p>Wishing to tie the yam </p><p>Lotah de lang le</p><p>Soft are the planks</p><p>Wishing to harvest the rice</p><p>The spirit of the rice</p><p>Lotah de lang le</p><p>Lotah de lang le</p><p>The of stump of the mountain a sacred mountain</p><p>Hai ya ya ye</p><p>Can be seen from a high cliff</p><p>Lotah de lang le</p><p>We are here to welcome</p><p>Hai ya ya ye</p><p>Our revered sir</p><p>Who just arrived</p><p>Lotah de lang le</p><p>Lotah de lang le</p><div><br></div> ...
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TARIAN ASYIK
<p>Tarian Asyik is a classical dance of Kelantan. Its signatures are the dazzling golden headgear and magnificent dress of the dancers. Tarian asyik was created in Kelantan for her royal court, performed for the enjoyment of their kings and queens. The story goes that this dance arose from a 17th century Southern Thai Pattani king’s favourite bird. Unfortunately, his treasured bird escaped and failed to return after a long wait. Thus, to contain his sorrow and the never-ending grieving heart, the king ordered a dance resembling the movements of his dear bird.</p><p><br></p><p><br></p><p><br></p><p><br></p><p>Hence, like a bird, tarian asyik is very graceful and pleasing. It is danced mostly in sitting positions to resemble the movements of a bird, ocean waves, and an elephant with a calf. Again, as it is meant to be willowy, akin to the king’s bird, it is danced by female dancers only. However, presently, there have been a few changes where the dancers will slightly ascend from the sitting position. They also wear full-body outfits (observing the Islamic dress rule). In the past their clothes were equally gorgeous and unique like in the present, but they were a bit revealing.</p><p><br></p><p><br></p><p><br></p><p>Tarian asyik is one of the traditional dances of Kelantan which should be preserved. </p><div><br></div> ...
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ADAT RESAM DAN BUDAYA MASYARAKAT INDIA: PERKAHWINAN: SEBELUM MAJLIS PERKAHWINAN
<p>Each community and ethnic group has its own special wedding customs based on their tribe and tradition. Therefore, it is not surprising that Indian society also has very unique and different marriage customs from other races.</p><div><br></div> ...
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GULAI JANGEK
<p>Gulai Jangek is a traditional Minangkabau dish from West Sumatra that uses cow or buffalo skin, usually prepared as crackers or cooked in a spiced coconut milk curry. This dish originates from the Minangkabau community's practice of utilizing every part of the animal, reflecting values of resourcefulness and preventing waste. Jangek is served during traditional ceremonies as a symbol of prosperity and culinary creativity, transforming a simple ingredient like skin into a flavorful dish with significant cultural value.</p> ...
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TARIAN SAYAU BELANDAIH
<p>Sayau Belandaih is one of the traditional dances of the Kadazan-Dusun ethnic community, specifically from the Dusun Tatana sub-ethnic group. This dance is practiced in several villages, including Kayul, Gorowot, Menunggang, and Melampai, within the Kuala Penyu district.</p> ...
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GENDANG SILAT
<p>The Gendang Silat is a traditional musical instrument originating from the state of Perak. Deeply rooted in Malay culture, this instrument continues to be played today. Its rhythmic beats typically accompany silat performances, uplifting the spirit of silat practitioners (Pesilat). In addition to producing captivating rhythms, the auditory sounds of the gendang silat serve as a source of confidence for the Pesilat, whether during combat or performances. The mesmerizing rhythms not only create a dynamic atmosphere but also synchronize with the movements and energy of the pesilat. The gendang silat is often played alongside other traditional instruments, such as the Beduk, Gedombak, Geduk, Jidur, Kompang, and others, contributing to the distinctive rhythm of Malay drumming traditions.</p><div><br></div> ...
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TARIAN ADAI-ADAI
<p>Adai-Adai dance is one of the traditional cultural arts of the Brunei community in Sabah, Malaysia. It evolved from an oral tradition in the form of a pantun. It was sung collectively by the Brunei community living on the coast, especially in the districts of Menumbok, Sipitang, Kuala Penyu, and Beaufort. In ancient times, the Adai-Adai song was sung spontaneously by fishermen when they caught fish in the sea as a way to relieve fatigue when 'Berkarang' (work) and boost their spirits. Over time, this song developed into a form of dance based on the story of how a fisherman goes to the sea to catch fish and also tells about how wives welcome their husbands back on the shore after returning from the sea. In today's context, the adai-adai dance has become a form of cultural performance performed in various cultural events and wedding ceremonies, as well as becoming a symbol of Brunei's ethnic pride.</p> ...
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DENDANG SITI FATIMAH
<p>Dendang Siti Fatimah is a traditional poetry rich with Islamic and humanitarian values. This lyrical art is especially popular in Perak, particularly during the Berendoi (cradle ceremony) or cukur jambul (newborn blessing ceremony).</p><div><br></div><div><div>Rooted in Arab traditions, this poetry is believed to have originated during the time of Prophet Muhammad (PBUH), sung by nine maidens to lull his children to sleep. The poetry was later passed down to Saiyidatina Fatimah Az-Zahra, who sang it to her sons, Saidina Hassan and Saidina Hussain, to soothe them to sleep. Since then, the poem has been known as Dendang Siti Fatimah, symbolizing a mother's love and tenderness.</div><div>The original lyrics, composed in Arabic, include praises for the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) and touch on a mother’s life journey—from pregnancy and the struggles of childbirth to the sacrifices made in raising children. The poetry also imparts profound advice, reminding children of the importance of honouring their parents and upholding values of love and gratitude.</div><div>In the Nusantara region, Dendang Siti Fatimah has undergone cultural assimilation, with its lyrics translated into Malay and adapted to local traditions. Despite these adaptations, it has retained its core beauty and moral messages, becoming an enduring piece of artistic heritage. Today, Dendang Siti Fatimah is not merely a poem but a cultural treasure connecting the present generation with Perak's traditional and religious values.</div></div><div><br></div> ...
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ADAT SADANGGU
<p>The Adat Sadanggu, also referred to as Sadunggu, Sadenggu, or Sandanggu, is a significant rite of passage practiced by the Chetti community of Melaka. This ceremonial tradition is specifically observed for young girls upon experiencing their first menstruation, marking the critical transition from childhood to maidenhood. Deeply embedded in ritual, spirituality, and communal cohesion, the practice continues to be upheld as a symbolic act of reverence for ancestral customs passed down through generations.</p><p>Believed to have been practiced for over two centuries, the Sadanggu custom traces its origins to the early settlement of the Chetti people in Melaka. This unique community emerged from the intermarriage between South Indian traders, predominantly Tamil, and local Malay women during the Malacca Sultanate in the 15th century. Although the ceremonial expressions of Sadanggu have evolved, its fundamental purpose remains intact: to formally acknowledge and sanctify a girl's coming of age within the community.</p><p>Transmitted primarily through oral tradition and familial practice, Sadanggu continues to be actively performed within the Chetti enclave of Kampung Chetti, Gajah Berang, Melaka. According to Chetti belief, a girl undergoing her first menstruation enters a state of spiritual impurity and heightened vulnerability to malevolent forces. As a result, she is confined to her room for 16 days and is strictly prohibited from leaving the house, attending school, or visiting temples. During this seclusion, the family refrains from entering places of worship, and visits from outsiders are discouraged, as such interactions are believed to risk spiritual contamination.</p><p>Thus, Sadanggu transcends its role as a mere rite of passage; it serves as a profound manifestation of the Chetti community’s cultural and spiritual identity. The ritual embodies a rich tapestry of symbolism, aesthetics, and collective values, illustrating how tradition, belief, and community interweave to nurture the identity and womanhood of their daughters.</p><div><br></div> ...
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TARIAN DABUS (PERAK)
<p>Tarian is dance while dabus is a small blade of iron. Hence tarian dabus is a dance using small blades of iron (called anak dabus). Initially this dance was a form of martial arts, but it slowly evolved into performance arts. The dance renders heroism, intellect, agility, valour and bliss, that is one of the Perak traditional dances existing more than 300 years. Blending music, singing, dancing and bravery, tarian dabus is staged and enjoyed at public events.</p><p><br></p><p>Dabus Song</p><p><br></p><p>Baju putih, serban putih</p><p>Lalu dibawa pergi sembahyang</p><p>Baju putih, serban putih</p><p>Lalu dibawa pergi sembahyang</p><p>Allah kasih Muhammad kasih </p><p>Rasulullah terlalu sayang</p><p>Allah kasih Muhammad kasih </p><p>Rasulullah terlalu sayang</p><div><br></div> ...
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