LIST OF ARTS AND CULTURE
Entire list of cultural arts includes all categories and states
Search Filters : 430
ADAT PERPATIH NEGERI SEMBILAN
<p>The Minangkabau community who inherited this custom fully believe that Datuk Perpatih Nan Sabatang, also known as Cati Bilang Pandai and advisor to Sri Maharajo Dirajo, the first ruler of Minangkabau, has created a matriliny system through the personality of the Mother. The term Adat Perpatih only started since the arrival of Islam in the 15th century, along with the existence of this custom in the regions that later formed the combination of Negeri Sembilan in the 18th century.</p><p><br></p><p>Perpatih Customs in Negeri Sembilan</p><p><br></p><p>In the 15th century the east coast of Sumatra in Indonesia was part of the Minangkabau region under the rule of the Malacca Sultanate in Malaya. Therefore, the arrival of the Minangkabau community to Malaya is a common practice. They brought in this custom which was accepted and began to develop especially in the areas of Paya Kumbuh, Batu Hampar, Tanah Datar and Seri Lemak.</p><p><br></p><p>The Perpatih custom in Negeri Sembilan and Naning is a combination of this custom that is practiced in Minangkabau with the custom of the local population and is based on Islamic law. Therefore, there is a difference in these traditional elements in those regions with those in Minangkabau which contain elements of wandering, trading or migration.</p><p><br></p><p>The Biduanda tribe is the main tribe of the 12 tribes in the Negeri Sembilan Perpatih Adat system, and can be found in any adat region or badger because this is practiced by the original population.</p><div><br></div> ...
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ADAT RESAM DAN BUDAYA KAUM BRUNEI: ADAT PERTUNANGAN
<p>In going to the realm of marriage, the Bruneian ethnic community in the state of Sabah has customary procedures and processes that need to be carried out starting from the surveying process up to the bersanding ceremony. However, one of the most important components towards the process is the custom of engagement. The engagement process is a custom full of symbolism and procedures.</p><p><br></p><p>Before the engagement custom is carried out, visits to the girl's house for engagement matters are usually done many times. It starts with the implementation of the custom of surveying which means to investigate more closely about the status of a woman whether she already has or otherwise. After having a positive response, the man will visit the girl's house again to do the second process which is the 'Bajarum' custom, which means proposing and building a word of agreement and an agreement to carry out the customary engagement ceremony. Both of these processes will be carried out first so that the engagement customs planned by both parties go smoothly without any objections.</p><div><br></div> ...
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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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- 1522
ADAT RESAM DAN BUDAYA MASYARAKAT MELAYU: ADAT SEMASA BERADA DI TENGAH LAUTAN
<p>The Malay community, particularly fishermen living along the coastline, possesses various customs and traditions closely tied to their lives at sea. These customs encompass not only preparations before heading out to sea or after returning to shore but also practices and beliefs observed while at sea. Traditions during time at sea highlight the deep connection between humans, nature, and spiritual beliefs.</p><div><br></div> ...
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KUIH PENCUCI MULUT TRADISI WADAI KIPENG
<p>Wadai Kipeng is a traditional snack of the Johore Banjar. Wadai means cake while kipeng means something pressed (like a piece of cookie). It is oftentimes served in thanksgiving ceremonies or a prayer feast.</p><p><br></p><p>To make it, one requires glutinous rice flour, salt and water. While the sauce ingredients are coconut milk, water, white sugar, brown sugar and salt.</p><div><br></div> ...
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- 1516
GENDANG URUMEE MELAM
<p>Urumee Melam is a traditional drumming art form rooted in the cultural heritage of the Tamil community in South India, particularly in the Tamil Nadu region. Classified under the membranophone family, this instrument produces sound through the vibration of stretched membranes or animal skins. The Urumee Melam features a cylindrical body made of wood or metal, with both ends covered by animal hide. It is played using a combination of hands and drumsticks and is typically strapped to the player’s body with a cloth or sling, allowing it to be played while moving. The unique playing technique enables performers to create continuous rolling rhythms and complex beats, distinguishing it from other types of percussion instruments.</p><p><br></p><p>The drum was introduced to Malaya in the 19th century through waves of Indian migration, particularly among those who came to work in the plantation and construction industries. Since then, the Urumee Melam has become an integral part of Hindu religious ceremonies in Malaysia, especially during festivals such as Thaipusam, Pongal, and Kavadi processions. The hypnotic rhythms produced by <span style="display: inline !important;">the drum help evoke a deep spiritual atmosphere, fostering communal unity and heightening the devotional experience for worshippers.</span></p><p><br></p><p>Today, Urumee Melam is not only cherished by the Indian community but has also attracted interest among Malaysians of various ethnic backgrounds who seek to understand, appreciate, and preserve the uniqueness of this cultural heritage. It stands as a powerful example of how traditional music can connect individuals to their beliefs and ancestral roots, while also serving as a bridge to unity and mutual understanding between communities.</p><div><br></div><div><br></div> ...
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ADAT RESAM DAN BUDAYA KAUM BAJAU KOTA BELUD: ADAT PERKAHWINAN
<p>The Bajau ethnic group in Sabah is divided into two clusters, namely the Bajau Laut cluster from the East Coast of Sabah covering the districts of Semporna, Kunak, Lahad Datu and Sandakan Meanwhile, the Bajau Sama cluster occupies the West Coast of Sabah covering the districts of Kota Belud, Tuaran, Papar, Petagas, Putatan and Tanjung Aru. These two Bajau ethnic groups are Muslim and rich in traditional practices and heritage. Even so, in marriage customs, these two clusters have different and complex structures according to their cultural practices that are passed down from generation to generation. In the context of the Bajau community of Kota Belud, this marriage custom is still firmly practiced until now as a symbol of cultural identity by displaying the values of decency, respect, and family spirit that are the backbone of their social life (Muhd Hadhari Atong, 2024).</p> ...
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- 1841
WAYANG KULIT (KELANTAN)
<p>Wayang kulit is a traditional theatrical entertainment of shadow puppetry in Kelantan which has gained admiration nation-wide. </p><p><br></p><p>Presented in Kelantanese accent, and played with lights on a white canvas, wayang kulit displays a remarkable storytelling entertainment in Kelantanese wittiness and humour. It is mainly performed in the northeastern of Kelantan and Patani regions of Southern Thailand. The puppets are carved out of cow hide leather.</p><p><br></p><p>The puppeteer is called Tok Dalang. He moves the puppets on the surface of a ’kelir, backlit by strong lights to project the shadows on the screen. </p><p><br></p><p>The Tok Dalang's prominence lies in his ability and wittiness to voice the various characters with emotion and tones, pranks and disputes, bringing the characters alive, and delighting the audience.</p><p><br></p><p>Generally, the stories are adapted from the Ramayana epic and local folktales, casting well-known characters like Seri Rama, Siti Dewi, Wak Long, Pak Dogol and Hanuman.</p><p><br></p><p>Kelantan wayang kulit carries its own uniqueness and exclusivity, branding a specialty to the nation’s heritage. </p><div><br></div> ...
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PERSEMBAHAN BORIA
<p>Boria is a heritage theater of Pulau Pinang. It is associated with the history and events of Karbala, the killing of Saidina Hassan and Saidina Hussein by the soldiers of Caliph Muawiyah bin Abi Suffian, in Saudi Arabia, around 1340 years ago. </p><p><br></p><p>Some sources also state that boria was brought by Muslim Indians to Pulau Pinang, Malaya, around the 19th century. As Syi’ah followers hold annual ceremony on 10th of Muharram commemorating the Karbala event, these Muslim traders then performed the boria to celebrate it. Performing, they painted their faces, wore masks and sack clothes known as Boria Kuli Kalin. This act was only watched by the locals, especially the Malays.</p><p><br></p><p>The word boria is also thought to have been derived from 'borai', a Hindustani word for ‘crazy’. Another, boria can also mean ‘a mat’ because it is associated with Indian sepoi (soldiers) brought in by the British, who executed the boria on mats. While their clothes were also made of mats to depict the misery of Saidina Hassan and Hussein R.A in Karbala. There are also opinions that the word is borrowed from the Gujaratis who came to trade and settle in Penang, the word 'bori'. Fourthly, some think that boria comes from the word 'ria' which means rejoicing. </p><p><br></p><p>But most of these origin versions are of oral sources, not written, so none of them are certain.</p><div><br></div> ...
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ADAT RESAM DAN BUDAYA KAUM TIDUNG – ADAT PASAK INDUNG ATAU NAIK BUAI
<p>The Pasak Indung tradition is a unique custom of the Tidung ethnic community in Sabah. This community predominantly resides in the coastal and interior regions of Tawau, Kalabakan, Sebatik, and Lahad Datu. Renowned for their rich cultural heritage, the Tidung people have preserved their traditions, language, arts, and customs across generations. As a community that deeply values family bonds and unity, the Pasak Indung tradition reflects their traditional beliefs and reverence for life, particularly their appreciation of children as a vital part of their social and cultural systems.</p><p>Pasak Indung refers to a ceremonial celebration of a child’s birth within the family. This tradition is typically performed when the baby reaches seven days of age, during the mother’s confinement period. The ceremony symbolizes joy and gratitude for the newborn, who is considered a blessing and a bearer of fortune for the family. It also marks the end of the mother’s confinement period. While traditionally observed when the baby is between seven and 27 days old, the practice may, under certain circumstances, be extended until the child is three months old.</p><div><br></div> ...
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NASI AMBENG
<p>Nasi Ambeng is a traditional Javanese dish consisting of steamed white rice served in a large, circular tray (tampah) lined with banana leaves, surrounded by an assortment of side dishes. These side dishes include pegedil (potato patties), fried salted fish, rempeyek (thin crackers with peanuts), sambal goreng, boiled eggs, fried tempeh, urap (vegetables with spiced grated coconut), fried noodles or vermicelli, opor ayam (chicken cooked in coconut milk), toasted grated coconut, and occasionally local sweets and fruits.</p><p>The rice is often moulded into a compact form before serving, ensuring it remains intact when distributed. Popular among the Javanese community in Malaysia, particularly in Selangor and Johor, Nasi Ambeng is traditionally served during feasts, tahlil ceremonies, and communal gatherings. Its unique preparation and presentation highlight the values of togetherness, cooperation, and community spirit deeply embedded in Javanese culture.</p><div><br></div> ...
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