LIST OF ARTS AND CULTURE
Entire list of cultural arts includes all categories and states
Search Filters : 423
ADAT RESAM DAN BUDAYA KAUM MELAYU: ADAT PERKAHWINAN DI SARAWAK
<p>The uniqueness of marriage customs among the Malay community in Sarawak shows many similarities with the marriage customs practiced by the Malay community in Peninsular Malaysia. However, the terms used to describe each custom differ, alongside holding distinct concepts. This includes the traditional practices of merasi, merisik, and the implementation of the wedding ceremony.</p> ...
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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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MONGIGOL MENGALAI
<p>Mongigol Mengalai is a traditional dance of the Kadazan-Dusun ethnic group of the Dusun Tinagas tribe. This sub-ethnic group predominantly resides in the upper Sugut River region, a hilly area situated at the intersection of the Ranau, Kota Marudu, and Labuk-Sugut districts in northern Sabah. "Mongigol," which means "to dance," is performed exclusively by women, whereas "Mengalai" refers to a solo performance by a male dancer accompanied by female dancers.</p> ...
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MUZIK KENTRONG
<p>Kentrong was brought by traders from Indonesia to Malaya and began to grow in Malaysia, especially in Selangor and Johor. Prof. Dr. Ding Choo Ming, Principal Research Fellow of the Institute of the Malay World & Civilization, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia, in his article “Trade and Migration”, opened the way to the spread of traditional Malay literature. He states that many writers, copyists, storytellers and others, such as kentrong craftsmen in Jawa, poets in Sunda, and entertainers, go back and forth across the ocean and spin on land to entertain and educate. This statement means that the behavior of migration and literary activities of art and culture happened because of the influence and good political changes in Malaysia.</p> ...
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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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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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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><br></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><br></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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ZAPIN ARAB DANCE
<p>Arab Zapin, also referred to as zaffin, is the original form of the zapin dance brought to the Malay Archipelago by Arab traders and missionaries from Hadramaut, Yemen, during the 15th and 16th centuries. Initially, this dance was performed as court entertainment and served as a medium for Islamic proselytisation (dakwah). Arab Zapin is characterised by swift and simple footwork, strongly influenced by Arab culture. It is an integral part of the gambus (lute) traditions of Arab communities in Malaysia. This gambus-centred tradition includes zaffin, sarah, and samrah, typically beginning with a melodic improvisation known as Taqsim or Taqasim, performed on the gambus.</p><div><br></div> ...
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PERMAINAN TRADISIONAL LANSARAN MURUT
<p>Lansaran is from a Murut word, lumasar, which means to bounce or wobble. This tradition is a Murut tribe legacy, and practiced especially in Tenom and Keningau districts, Sabah. Back then, it was a custom in paying respect to the spirit, or spirits of human skulls acquired in wars or tradition of ngayau. </p><p><br></p><p>The game is played with group dancing.</p><div><br></div> ...
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TARIRAI
<p>Tarirai is a traditional dance popular among the Bajau Laut ethnic community in Semporna, Sabah. The uniqueness of this dance lies in the use of Bolak-Bolak, hand props made of short wooden sticks that are clapped together throughout the performance. The inclusion of Bolak-Bolak creates a distinctive auditory dimension, enriching both the visual and rhythmic elements of the dance.</p><p>The term “Tarirai” generally translates to "dancing quickly" in the Bajau Laut language, though for the Sikubung sub-ethnic group, it specifically means "jumping erratically." Thus, the dance is often interpreted as a rapid or swift performance characterized by hopping movements.</p><p>The origins of the Tarirai dance trace back to a historical incident involving a group of fishermen seeking their livelihood along the shore. Upon reaching a rocky area, one fisherman leapt in surprise after encountering a sea snake known as “Taliaga”. His startled reaction became a source of amusement for the other fishermen.</p><p>That evening, the fishermen shared the humorous incident with the villagers, imitating the startled jump for entertainment. The villagers later incorporated additional humorous elements and accompanied the imitation with Tangungguk music. Over time, the movements inspired by this event developed into the Tarirai dance, which continues to be celebrated and cherished as a cultural tradition.</p><div><br></div> ...
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PERMAINAN TRADISIONAL KERCANG
<p>Kercang is a Malay traditional game played using an object called kercang. The kercang is made of coils of rattan arranged in various shapes. In the past, the game was played by the Orang Asli (Jakun ethnic group) and Malays in the interior of the Endau Forest.</p> ...
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