LIST OF ARTS AND CULTURE
Entire list of cultural arts includes all categories and states
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TARIAN LABI-LABI
<p>Tarian Labi-Labi (Labi-Labi Dance) is one of the traditional dances of the Malay community, originating from Terengganu, Malaysia. This dance is inspired by the movements and characteristics of the softshell turtle (labi-labi), a creature commonly found in the rivers and waterways of the region. It is a folk dance filled with humor and entertainment, making it a popular form of traditional performance.</p><p><br></p><p>The Labi-Labi Dance is believed to have originated from the fishing communities in Terengganu. It was created to illustrate the relationship between humans and nature, particularly the softshell turtle, which was a part of daily life. This dance is typically performed during social gatherings, cultural festivals, and traditional ceremonies, serving as a source of entertainment for the community.</p><p><br></p><p>Theme and Meaning of the Dance</p><p>The central theme of this dance revolves around the life of the softshell turtle, emphasizing its slow, cautious, yet intelligent nature. The dance often incorporates elements of humor, reflecting the daily lives of fishermen and their interactions with this animal. Additionally, it symbolizes the spirit of cooperation (gotong-royong) and unity within the Malay community.</p><div><br></div> ...
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ADAT RESAM DAN BUDAYA SEBELUM PERKAHWINAN MASYARAKAT CINA: UPACARA BERTUNANG
<p>In Chinese society, marriage is considered an important starting point in a person's life. It is one of the main aspects in strengthening and maintaining the family institution. This clearly shows that lineage can be passed down from one generation to the next. The word for marriage in Chinese is 婚姻 (pinyin: hūn yīn). Originally, traditional Chinese marriages were often arranged by families interested in combining relationships.</p><p><br></p><p><br></p><p>In Confucian thought, marriage is considered a very important matter because it involves the union of two families and has an impact on society. According to Chinese cultural tradition, marriage between two individuals with the same surname is considered incest. From the point of view of Confucian families, marriage connects families with different surnames and ensures the continuity of the paternal clan. Therefore, the benefits and drawbacks of a marriage affect the entire family, not just the couple involved. From a social perspective, husband and wife are seen as the basic unit of Chinese society.</p><p><br></p><p>The structure of customs before marriage in Chinese society: </p><p>Surveying Custom</p><p>Proposing Ceremony</p><p>Engagement Custom</p><div><br></div> ...
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GULAI LEMAK SIPUT
<p>Asal Usul Gulai Lemak Siput:</p><p>Hidangan Tradisional Pantai Timur: Gulai Lemak Siput adalah hidangan yang biasa dihidangkan di negeri-negeri pantai timur Malaysia, terutamanya di Pahang. </p><p><br></p><p>Sejak zaman dahulu, masyarakat Melayu telah memanfaatkan sumber daya alam seperti siput sebagai bahan utama dalam masakan mereka. Siput bukan hanya murah dan mudah didapati, tetapi ia juga memberi sumber protein yang baik, menjadikannya pilihan utama dalam banyak hidangan tradisional seperti gulai lemak siput.</p><div><br></div> ...
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KUIH KERIA
<p>Kuih Keria is one of the traditional Malay delicacies that is very popular in Malaysia, Indonesia, and Brunei. This snack is shaped like a donut but made from sweet potatoes and coated with palm sugar (gula melaka) or regular sugar. The name "Kuih Keria" is believed to originate from the word "keria," which refers to the circular shape of this kuih with a hole in the middle, resembling a wheel or a ring.</p><p><br></p><p>In the Malay dialect, this shape is often associated with the word "keria," meaning round or a small wheel. Kuih Keria is thought to have originated from the traditional diet of the Malay community in the past when sweet potatoes were widely used as a staple food. Sweet potatoes were often used in cooking and desserts due to their availability, affordability, and nutritional value. The recipe for Kuih Keria is said to have started as an alternative snack made with basic local ingredients, such as sweet potatoes, wheat flour, and sugar. Although its exact origins are not clearly documented, Kuih Keria has become an important part of the culinary culture of the Nusantara region.</p><p><br></p><p>Traditional Kuih Keria uses melted sugar as a coating to create a shiny, sweet glaze. This older version is commonly found in traditional markets. Later, a variation using melted palm sugar (gula melaka) was introduced, giving it a unique caramel flavor. This version is particularly famous in Melaka, especially in areas like Limbongan. The "Kuih Keria Antarabangsa Limbongan" became well-known for its special recipe, which offers a soft texture and a rich palm sugar coating.</p><div><br></div><div><div>Uniqueness of Kuih Keria Gula Melaka</div><div>•<span style="white-space:pre"> </span>Uses authentic palm sugar: This provides a distinctive caramel flavor compared to regular sugar.</div><div>•<span style="white-space:pre"> </span>Fragrant and rich in traditional aroma: It has become a favorite among many.</div><div>Interesting Facts About Kuih Keria</div><div>•<span style="white-space:pre"> </span>Kuih Keria Antarabangsa Melaka: This stall is very popular and has become a culinary icon of Melaka.</div><div>•<span style="white-space:pre"> </span>Symbol of Malaysian Street Food: Kuih Keria is often sold at night markets and street stalls, making it a crowd favorite.</div></div><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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KOMPANG (PERAK)
<p>The Kompang is a percussion instrument categorized as a membranophone, specifically a single-headed drum. It is believed to have originated from the Middle East, as evidenced by the Arabic lyrics often sung during its performance, which serve to deliver praises and salutations to the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH).</p><div><br></div><div><div>The history of the Kompang in the Malay Peninsula is believed to date back to the 14th century during the Malacca Sultanate era. It was introduced by Indian Muslim traders as a form of entertainment and a signal marking the arrival of their ships in the Straits of Malacca. The Kompang was then performed as a gift and a special presentation to the Sultan, symbolizing their presence in Malacca at the time. Another historical account suggests that Kompang music was brought by communities from Java who sailed to Johor in the 13th century. From there, it spread throughout the Malay Archipelago, including Perak, where it became a performance art presented to the Sultan. Over time, the Kompang tradition was taught to palace officials and eventually introduced to the general public.</div><div>In the state of Perak, Kompang performances play a vital role as part of the state's intangible cultural heritage. It is actively performed at events such as weddings, processions, and religious ceremonies. The instrument holds particular significance in districts such as Kuala Kangsar and Bagan Datoh, where many Kompang players come from, having inherited the tradition from their ancestors.</div><div>Efforts to preserve Kompang performances in Perak remain robust, driven by cultural associations and educational institutions committed to keeping this traditional art form relevant in the face of modernization. Recognized as intangible heritage under the National Heritage Act (2005), Perak's Kompang serves as a living testament to the richness of Malay tradition and artistic heritage that continues to be celebrated in the state.</div></div><div><br></div> ...
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HAMDOLOK DANCE
<p>Hamdolok is a traditional performing art that integrates elements of theatre, dance, music, and singing, popular in Batu Pahat, Johor. It was founded around the 1930s by Pak Rahmat Wayang, inspired by the celebration of Maulidur Rasul (the Prophet Muhammad’s birthday) by the Bedouin community in Mecca, as recounted by Haji Osman Jahit.</p><div><br></div> ...
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MEK MULUNG
<p>Mek Mulung is a traditional theatrical art form renowned in the state of Kedah and its surrounding regions. It is a performance art that combines elements of drama, music, and dance, typically performed during celebratory events such as weddings and festivals. Mek Mulung not only serves as entertainment but also as a medium to convey folk tales, history, and cultural values deeply rooted in Malay society.</p><p><br></p><p>The history of Mek Mulung dates back centuries, strongly influenced by traditional theater from Thailand, particularly from the Patani region. Mek Mulung is believed to have originated in the border areas of Malaysia and Thailand, where it was derived from a performance form known as mak mulung in Thai. Over time, it developed in Kedah, carrying significant Siamese cultural influences. Mek Mulung is often performed by a group of male and female actors accompanied by gamelan music and other traditional instruments.</p><p><br></p><p>Originally, Mek Mulung was part of religious rituals, but over time it became integrated into local cultural traditions. The stories performed in Mek Mulung are based on epics and folk myths that often contain moral and educational messages. In Kedah, Mek Mulung began to flourish actively in the 19th century, with many cultural figures reviving this art form after it nearly faded away. However, the advent of modern technology and competition from contemporary entertainment caused its popularity to decline in the mid-20th century.</p><p><br></p><p>Mek Mulung is one of Malaysia's notable traditional theatrical forms alongside Bangsawan, Jikey, Hamdolok, Menora, and Wayang Kulit. It is a comprehensive blend of artistic elements, including acting, dancing, singing, and music.</p><p><br></p><p>Mek Mulung consists of two aspects: performance and ritual. From a performance perspective, it serves as entertainment. From a ritual perspective, Mek Mulung has a deeper purpose, involving paying homage to ancestral spirits believed to protect against evil forces.</p><p><br></p><p>According to the History Studies International Journal of History (2018), Mek Mulung is defined as a traditional theater form encompassing dialogue, narrative, acting, dance, singing, and instrumental music.</p><p><br></p><p>Mek Mulung began spreading in areas such as Paya Kulubi and later Perik. However, it initially failed to gain popularity in Perik and was subsequently brought to Wang Tepus, where it garnered significant local attention, becoming a yearly traditional performance. Some sources also trace its origin to Legor, Siam, introduced to Kedah during the Kedah-Siam conflicts. However, its roots are widely acknowledged to stem from Kampung Perit, later spreading to Mukim Kurung Itam, Kuala Nerang, and villages such as Kampung Belukar Mulung, Kampung Paya Keladi, and eventually Kampung Wang Tepus, Jitra, Kedah.</p><div><br></div> ...
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SAPE
<p>The sape is a traditional stringed musical instrument found in the Orang Ulu community in Sarawak. Traditionally, this instrument is closely associated with the musical art of the Kenyah, Kayan, and Kelabit tribes and was originally played only during healing ceremonies in the longhouse. With changes in the lifestyle of these tribes, the sape has gradually evolved into a social and popular cultural instrument, serving as a medium or element for general entertainment.</p> ...
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BERZANJI
<p>Berzanji is an Islamic art performance popular in the state of Perak. It is a type of vocal art performed during religious ceremonies or events such as the Maulid Nabi (celebration of the Prophet Muhammad's birthday), Akikah (animal sacrifice for newborns), welcoming a newborn, circumcision ceremonies, and weddings. The Berzanji performance is derived from the works of Sheikh Ja’far al-Barzanji, who narrates the life history of the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH).</p><p><br></p><p>It touches on his lineage and life development from childhood to his appointment as a Messenger, including accounts of his struggles and exemplary character. These aspects serve as an important moral and spiritual guide for all humanity, highlighting the Prophet's noble qualities as a role model for the faithful.</p><p><br></p><p>The art of Berzanji in the state of Perak was developed through the role of traditional Islamic educational institutions such as sekolah pondok and madrasah. Students, along with their Quran teachers, would melodiously recite Berzanji, turning it into a form of entertainment after their studies. Upon completing their education, these students returned to their respective villages, bringing the practice of Berzanji with them. Many of them became teachers and imams in mosques and Surau (prayer halls), integrating this practice into the local community. </p><p><br></p><p>Additionally, encouragement from the Sultan and prominent leaders in Perak contributed significantly to the widespread growth of this art form throughout the state. Dedicated Berzanji groups were even established by the royal court and its aristocrats, with performances becoming integral to royal ceremonies and traditions. The development of Berzanji was largely driven by Quran teachers, who also imparted knowledge of melodic Quranic recitation (Taranum). This not only enriched the practice of Berzanji but also helped to promote Islamic arts within the context of performance, further enhancing its role in cultural and religious life.</p><div><br></div><div><br></div> ...
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ADAT RESAM DAN BUDAYA MASYARAKAT MAH MERI KEMATIAN: MENGURUS MAYAT
<p>The Mah Meri community is one of the Orang Asli groups that inhabit coastal areas in Selangor, Malaysia. They are known for their rich culture, woodcarving art, and unique customs, including in funeral and death ceremonies. The customs and rituals related to death in the Mah Meri community reflect their belief in the spiritual world and respect for the spirits of their ancestors.</p><p>The Mah Meri community believes that death is not the end but the transition of the soul to another realm. The spirit of the deceased needs to be carefully managed to ensure that it gets a good place in the spirit world. They also believe that failure to perform the death ceremony correctly can cause the spirit of the deceased to disturb the living family members.</p><div><br></div> ...
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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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