discover a land of intriguing diversity

8/12/2019 Discover a Land of Intriguing Diversity

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Discover a Land of Intriguing Diversity

Malays, Chinese, Indians and many other ethnic groups have lived together in Malaysia for generations.

All these cultures have influenced each other, creating a truly Malaysian culture.

The largest ethnic groups in Malaysia are the Malays, Chinese and Indians. In Sabah and Sarawak, there

are a myriad of indigenous ethnic groups with their own unique culture and heritage.

Malay

Today, the Malays, Malaysia's largest ethnic group, make up more than 50% of the population, although

this drops to less than 25% in East Malaysia. In Malaysia, the term Malay refers to a person who

practices Islam and Malay traditions, speaks the Malay language and whose ancestors are Malays. Their

conversion to Islam from Hinduism and Theravada Buddhism began in the 1400s, largely influenced by

the decision of the royal court of Melaka. The Malays are known for their gentle mannerisms and rich

arts heritage.

Chinese

The second largest ethnic group, the Malaysian Chinese form about 25% of the population. Mostly

descendants of Chinese immigrants during the 19th century, the Chinese are known for their diligence

and keen business sense. The three sub-groups who speak a different dialect of the Chinese languageare the Hokkien who live predominantly on the northern island of Penang; the Cantonese who live

predominantly in the capital city Kuala Lumpur; and the Mandarin-speaking group who live

predominantly in the southern state of Johor.

In Sarawak this 25% is made up of a mix of dialect groups including Foochow, Hakka, Hokkien, Teochew,

Hainanese and Puxian Min while in Sabah the population of Chinese drops to around 10% who

predominantly speak the Hakka language.

Indian

The smallest of three main ethnic groups, the Malaysian Indians form about 10% of the population.

Most are descendants of Tamil-speaking South Indian immigrants who came to the country during the

British colonial rule. Lured by the prospect of breaking out of the Indian caste system, they came to

Malaysia to build a better life. Predominantly Hindus, they brought with them their colourful culture

such as ornate temples, spicy cuisine and exquisite sarees.


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Traditional Architecture

Malay

Traditional Malay architecture employs sophisticated architectural processes ideally suited to tropical

conditions such as structures built on stilts, which allow cross-ventilating breeze beneath the dwelling to

cool the house whilst mitigating the effects of the occasional flood. High-pitched roofs and large

windows not only allow cross-ventilation but are also carved with intricate organic designs.

Traditional houses in Negeri Sembilan were built of hardwood and entirely free of nails. They are built

using beams, which are held together by wedges. A beautiful example of this type of architecture can be

seen in the Old Palace of Seri Menanti in Negeri Sembilan, which was built around 1905.

Today, many Malay or Islamic buildings incorporate Moorish design elements as can be seen in the

Islamic Arts Museum and a number of buildings in Putrajaya - the new administrative capital, and many

mosques throughout the country.

Chinese

In Malaysia, Chinese architecture is of two broad types: traditional and Baba-Nyonya. Examples of

traditional architecture include Chinese temples found throughout the country such as the Cheng Hoon

Teng that dates back to 1646.

Many old houses especially those in Melaka and Penang are of Baba-Nyonya heritage, built with indoor

courtyards and beautiful, colourful tiles.

A rare architectural combination of Chinese and Western elements is displayed by Melaka's Terengkera

mosque. Its pagoda-like appearance is a fine example of Chinese-influenced roof form, combined with

Western detailing in its balustrades and railings.

Indian

With most of Malaysian Hindus originally from Southern India, local Hindu temples exhibit the colourful

architecture of that region.

Built in the late nineteenth century, the Sri Mahamariamman Temple in Kuala Lumpur is one of the most

ornate and elaborate Hindu temples in the country. The detailed decorative scheme for the temple


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incorporates intricate carvings, gold embellishments, hand-painted motifs and exquisite tiles from Italy

and Spain.

The Sikhs, although a small minority, also have their temples of more staid design in many parts of the

country.

Experience the Expressions of Community

Malaysians' strong sense of community is reflected in many of their traditional games and pastimes.

These activities are still played by local children on cool afternoons and are also a communal activity

during festivities such as before or after the rice harvest season and weddings.

Silat

This fascinating Malay martial arts is also an international sport and traditional dance form. Existing in

the Malay Archipelago for centuries, it has mesmerising fluid movements that are used to dazzle

opponents. It is believed that practising silat will increase one's spiritual strength in accordance with

Islamic tenets. Accompanied by drums and gongs, this ancient art is popularly performed at Malay

weddings and cultural festivals.

Sepak Takraw

Also known as sepak raga, it is a traditional ball game in which a ball, made by weaving strips of buluh or

bamboo, is passed about using any part of the body except the lower arms and hands. There are two

main types of sepak takraw: bulatan (circle) and jaring (net). Sepak raga bulatan is the original form in

which players form a circle and try to keep the ball in the air for as long as possible. Sepak takraw jaring

is the modern version in which the ball is passed across a court over a high net.

Wau

A wau is a traditional kite that is especially popular in the state of Kelantan, on the East Coast of

Malaysia. Traditionally flown after the rice harvest season, these giant kites are often as big as a man -

measuring about 3.5 metres from head to tail. It is called wau because its shape is similar to the Arabic

letter that is pronounced as 'wow'. With vibrant colours and patterns based on local floral and fauna,

these kites are truly splendid sights.


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Gasing

A gasing is a giant spinning top that weighs approximately 5kg or 10lbs and may be as large as a dinner

plate. Traditionally played before the rice harvest season, this game requires strength, co-ordination and

skill. The top is set spinning by unfurling a rope that has been wound around it. Then it is scooped off

the ground, whilst still spinning, using a wooden bat with a centre slit and transferred onto a low post

with a metal receptacle. If expertly hurled, it can spin for up to 2 hours.

Wayang Kulit

Wayang kulit is a traditional theatre form that brings together the playfulness of a puppet show, and the

elusive quality and charming simplicity of a shadow play. The flat two-dimensional puppets areintricately carved, then painted by hand. It is either made of cow or buffalo hide. Each puppet, a stylised

exaggeration of the human shape, is given a distinctive appearance and not unlike its string puppet

cousins, has jointed "arms". Conducted by a singular master storyteller called Tok Dalang, wayang kulit

usually dramatises ancient Indian epics.

Congkak

Congkak is a game of mathematics played by womenfolk in ancient times that only required dug out

holes in the earth and tamarind seeds. Today, it is an oval solid wood block with two rows of five, seven,

or nine holes and two large holes at both ends called "home". Congkak, played with shells, marbles,

pebbles or tamarind seeds, requires two players.

Traditional Attire

A Dazzling Tapestry of Asian Traditions

From magnificent tribal head-feathers with bark body-covers to antique gold-woven royal songketfabric, the array of Malaysia's traditional costumes and textiles are stunningly diverse and colourful.

In the early days, the aboriginal tribes wore native bark costumes and beads. With the advent of the

ancient kingdoms, hand-loomed fine textiles and intricate Malay batik were used by the Malay royalty.

As foreign trade flourished, costumes and textiles such as Chinese silk, the Indian pulicat or plaid sarong

and the Arabian jubbah a robe with wide sleeves were introduced to the country.


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Today, traditional attire such as the Malay baju kebaya, Indian saree and Chinese cheongsam are still

widely worn.

Malay

Before the 20th century, Malay women still wore kemban, just sarongs tied above the chest, in public.

As Islam became more widely embraced, they started wearing the more modest yet elegant baju

kurung. The baju kurung is a knee-length loose-fitting blouse that is usually worn over a long skirt with

pleats at the side. It can also be matched with traditional fabrics such as songket or batik. Typically,

these traditional outfits are completed with a selendang or shawl or tudung or headscarf.

The traditional attire for Malay men is the baju melayu. The baju melayu is a loose tunic worn over

trousers. It is usually complemented with a sampin - a short sarong wrapped around the hips.

Chinese

Comfortable and elegant, the traditional cheongsam or 'long dress' is also a popular contemporary

fashion choice for ladies. Usually, it has a high collar, buttons or frog closures near the shoulder, a snug

fit at the waist and slits on either one or both sides. It is often made of shimmering silk, embroidered

satin or other sensual fabrics.

Indian

The saree is the world-renowned traditional Indian garment. A length of cloth usually 5-6 yards in width,

the saree is worn with a petticoat of similar shade and a matching or contrasting choli or blouse.

Typically, it is wrapped around the body such that the pallau - its extensively embroidered or printed

end - is draped over the left shoulder. The petticoat is worn just above or below the bellybutton and

functions as a support garment to hold the saree. Made from a myriad of materials, textures and

designs, the saree is truly exquisite.

Popular with northern Indian ladies is the salwar kameez or Punjabi suit; a long tunic worn over trousers

with a matching shawl.

The kurta is the traditional attire for men on formal occasions. It is a long knee-length shirt that is

typically made from cotton or linen cloth.


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An Exotic Ensemble of Enchanting Experiences

Malaysia's multi-cultural and multi-racial heritage is most prominently exhibited in its diverse music and

dance forms. The dances of the indigenous Malay, Orang Asli and different ethnic peoples of Sabah and

Sarawak are truly exotic and enchanting. As the Chinese, Indians and Portuguese settled in Malaysia, thetraditional dances of their homelands became a part of Malaysia's culture and heritage.

Kompang

Arguably the most popular Malay traditional instrument, the kompangis widely used in a variety of

social occasions such as the National Day parades, official functions and weddings. Similar to the

tambourine but without the jingling metal discs, this hand drum is most commonly played in large

ensembles, where various rhythmic composite patterns are produced by overlapping multiple layers of

different rhythms.

Zapin

Islamic influence on Malaysian traditional dance is perhaps most evident in Zapin, a popular dance in the

state of Johor. Introduced by Muslim missionaries from the Middle East, the original dance was

performed to Islamic devotional chanting to spread knowledge about the history of the Islamic

civilisation.

Malay Mak Yong

Originating from Patani in Southern Thailand, Mak Yong was conceived to entertain female royalty,

queens and princesses, when their men were away at war. Combining romantic drama, dance and

operatic singing, tales of the golden age of the Malay kingdoms are dramatised in enchanting

performances.

Chinese Lion Dance

Usually performed during the Chinese New Year festival, Lion Dance is energetic and entertaining.

According to the legend, in ancient times, the lion was the only animal that could ward off a

mythological creature known as Nian that terrorised China and devoured people on the eve of the New

Year. Usually requiring perfect co-ordination, elegance and nerves of steel, the dance is almost always

performed to the beat of the tagu, the Chinese drum, and the clanging of cymbals.


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Dragon Dance

The dragon is a mythical creature that represents supernatural power, goodness, fertility, vigilance and

dignity in Chinese culture. Typically performed to usher in the Chinese New Year, the Dragon Dance is

said to bring good luck and prosperity for the year to come. Usually requiring a team of over 60 people,

this fantastic performance is a dazzling display of perfect co-ordination, skill and grace.

Indian Bharata Natyam

This classical Indian dance is poetry in motion. Based on ancient Indian epics, this highly intense and

dramatic dance form uses over 100 dance steps and gestures. As mastery requires many years of

practice, some children begin learning the dance form at the age of five.

Bhangra

Bhangra is a lively folk music and dance form of the Sikh community. Originally a harvest dance, it is now

part of many social celebrations such as weddings and New Year festivities. Typically centred around

romantic themes with singing and dancing driven by heavy beats of the dhol, a double-barreled drum,

the bhangra is engagingly entertaining.

discover a land of intriguing diversity

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