Nix and Culture

Murut very own food, Luba Tenga rice

In Brunei, most of the murut people are Christian and having their cultural food at a christmas day is a must. Luba Tenga is one of my favorite food which it has versatile function where you can eat it with any side dish and served with any pair of food. The rice is wrapped with banana leaves or itip called Nuba 'Laya. The inner part of the food, which is similar to malay Kelupis, is made of glutinous rice mixed with brown sugar, oil and salt. In the old days, murut people tend to get seasoning such as salt from saltwater wells which is better known as playground. they also get from hill salt which contains high nutrients including high iodine content, increasing intellectual level especially among children, sodium, calcium, potassium, and other materials.

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Murut ethnic in Brunei Darussalam

In Brunei Darussalam, Murut is a part of the 7 main ethnicity which lives as a communal in Temburong. It is likely that they had their own culture and language different from each other making them unique and easy to be noticed. But, researchers said that murut people in Brunei uses languages are indeed different dialects of the same language branch. Also, what still unchange is their cultural dress code are still the same.

This recognition is important because it gives a strong sense of identity and community to Puak Jati, especially as globalization becomes more intrusive.

In Brunei, indigenous groups are known as Jati Puak Brunei, designation by the government to recognize and acknowledge the existence of the seven indigenous groups in the country.

In progresif Sdn Bhd magazine, i was came out when th this amazing article which they give some details towards knowing the overview of Murut culture in Brunei:

They were known as the Lun Bawang (meaning ‘people of the land’) in other parts of Borneo,as the Muruts are known to inhabit hilly regions of the country, mostly in Temburong. Their unique, traditional garment is commonly displayed as part of Brunei’s cultural shows and is one which the puak Murut still commonly use during special occasions. The men’s attire is made of tree bark which is woven together into a vest.

#ax3305 #culture #the research

Tarian Bubu by the Kedayan ethnic

tarian bubu

When I was younger, I was told that we used to be having a cultural event which really exciting to do but now it was gone and forbidden to do it again. It was called as “Tarian Bubu’ which is used to be the communal event for the Kedayan people in Brunei Darussalam. I was told that it was disturbing for the audience who has faint hearted or even children who are under 6 years old. My sister had experience it live when she was 5 years old that she witnessed a fish trap was dancing by itself without the movement by the people and it was said to be awaken by some forbidden mantras or song which now illegal to perform. So, what is so unique about this event and why it is prohibited?

Basically, Bubu Dance is one of the traditional games found in the state of Sabah which has been inherited since time immemorial by our ancestors and is still practiced by the community today. Trap dance is also known as lukah dance by the local community. Apart from that, trap dance is also famous among the Bisaya and Iban culture. The origin of the Bubu Dance Trap dance was originally from the Kadayan people of Brunei and this dance appeared to be forbidden to be perform by the order of Islam. The trap dance is also said to be originated from the district of Beaufort, Sabah which is in the tribes of Brunei, Bisaya and Kadayan which the Purpose of this traditional game is practiced by the local community is because they believe that the dance has its own function and purpose which affects the people who practice it.

Among the purpose of this trap dance is to drive away evil spirits. They believe that the trap has its own spirit or aura to repel the bad elements that disturb their society. Trap dance is also a tool to be performed in a ceremony performed by the community. In addition, traps also serve to treat sick people. It is also performed during weddings and circumcision ceremonies. If there were an important people like the royals or the high ranked people who came to visits their place, they will be presented with a trap dance as a sign of respect and promote the arrival of these people to their place. The function of this trap dance serves as entertainment only by the local community and the dance is still practiced in Malaysia today because this game will be inherited by the children of the previous trap dance practitioner and it should be continued by his heirs.

In addition, trap dance can also function for medical purposes, among which is to treat people who are possessed. The spirit can also be restored by performing this dance. Prohibitions that should be followed while performing the trap dance ritual is said not to be stepped on especially by children because children are very weak in spirit and they may be possessed if they step on the trap. People who are weak, no matter how old or young, will be easily interrupted even if they only watch the dance performance because the dance is said to be mystical by the people of Kadayan, Brunei, so they must strengthen their spirit to avoid being easily possessed.

Among the other taboos is that the trap can only be used to catch fish after seven days the trap is pulled. If the trap is kept at home within seven days after it is played, the discouraged person who looks at the trap will see the trap as moving on its own. It is possible that the person will be possessed. Types of Traps Male Traps- The material used to make men's traps is a long mortar. The way to turn on a trap is the same as turning on a female trap. Female Traps- the materials used are traps where it is made of bamboo. Baju kurung is used to show that it is a female trap. On how to awakening the female traps is the same as waking up the male bubu, which takes a short time. This is because spells are already included in the ingredients. To turn ‘on’ the trap takes a long time which the traps is used to catch fish. The bait used is rubber seed bait where the rubber seeds are wrapped using knot leaves. Oil palm fruit is also used to catch fish. The child must be 21 blades. If it is for the dance purposes, the bamboo should be dyed. For trap dance as well, the shape varies in terms of the length and heights.

History source from:

http://acil89.blogspot.com/2010/08/tarian-bubu-kajian-di-kg-weston.html?m=1

picture from:

http://aspiraseniku.blogspot.com/2014/01/tarian-alai-bubu-sayau-salihid-dan.html?m=1

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Sireh Junjung As The Gift from the Groom in Malay Wedding

Last Friday, my mom got an offer from a friend who need help on decorating a traditional bouquet for her son's wedding. So we take the order and made it within 3 hours. Therefore, whats interesting about this traditional bouquet anyways?

Usually, in Brunei- Malay wedding or engagement, people will stare at the arrangement of wedding delivery items that are beautifully arranged from both sides of the bride and groom. As the rules of the traditions, the delivery item that is usually located in the front line is ‘sireh junjung'. So, why it is usually used as a 'penghulu' or 'head' of delivery, while other items are considered as 'escorts' delivery?

According to the traditions or customs of the Malays, ‘sireh junjung’ is a matter that must item in any engagement or marriage. Apart from being the narrator and complement of the ceremony, it also carries the implicit meaning of symbolizing the acidity of married life between husband and wife. This is because the life of every married couple has to stay together from all the joys and sorrows. Similarly, ‘sireh junjung’ are composed with betel leaves and a mixture of several other ingredients which somehow elderly Malay people will eat it as a snacks and the taste of it will be sweet, sour, bitter and sometimes salty. As mentioned above, there are several other ingredients that are usually included once in the composition of ‘sireh junjung’. The implication behind the materials used are:

Betel leaves - carries the noble meaning of his heart, brave, not easily discouraged and humble

Gambir - one of the hearbs, its bitter taste reflects the firmness of one's heart

Lime - gives a brackish, bitter and warm taste if eaten together with betel. It carries the meaning of a pure heart but can rebel if challenged

Pinang - a traditional fruit nut, symbolizes good lineage and noble heart

Tobacco - means a person who is resilient and willing to sacrifice in any case. Clove - its spicy taste gives the impression of a person who adheres to the principles

So, as my mother and i wanted to compose our “sireh nunjung” order,it will need fresh betel leaves in various of sizes - at least 13 pieces. Then the betel leaves will be arranged and shaped according to the our taste of design. Apart from that, the use of fresh flowers such as chrysanthemums and roses also plays a role by being placed in the crevices of betel leaves. As a ‘final touch’, you can sprinkle a little fragrance like rose water to evoke the aroma of the bouquet.

According to Malay tradition, 'Sireh Junjung' from the groom should be slightly higher than the bride. This is to show the role or responsibility of the man as the head of the family.As compared to the time of my mother before, sireh junjung is often composed high like a tree. But along with the development of time, sireh junjung has been composed into various modern forms such as mosques or buildings adapted according to the concept of delivery. Regardless of its shape, the composition of sireh junjung will still be the head of all deliveries and complements to a wedding ceremony.

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***picture above was our own fresh Sireh Junjung that proudly design by my mom and i for our lovely customer.

history sources:

7 Colours powder of Brunei's Malay wedding Traditions

In a malay wedding in Brunei, There is a night event called "Malam Berbedak" or powdering night, which the bride or the goom is equipped with traditional jewelery and is magnificently dressed to be celebrated as king or queen for a night. therefore, the event is also equipped with accessories such as 7-color powder to be applied to the groom or bride by the guests. according to custom, the first person to apply 7-color powder to the bride is composed of the bride's parents or older people first to start it. next, accompanied by people his peers up to younger people.

at the beginning of this original custom, the guests or guests who are present and want to apply 7 color powder to the bride is using their fingers and rubbed on the bride's hand and sprinkled with rose water and flower slices. however, when the influence of Islam came to this country, the way to apply the powder was with pandan leaves tied with rope or rubber, and used as a brush to be dipped into the powder to the bride. This also happens at another event, namely the 'berbedak mandi' event, which is to apply rice powder to the skin of the bride or groom as for a preparation to get their skin glow before the wedding day.

However, in this event, the powder used is only one powder, namely rice powder and rose water. As similar to the powdering night event, its called ‘Malam berpacar' which known as the night where people came and gathered to the bride or groom's house to apply henna to the fingers and toes to both of the couple as it showing the sign of they are the newlyweds. in this event, the powder is not used, but it is replaced with henna which they take a small amount of it and placed in the middle of the bride's palm with a round shape and on the fingertips. The event is also complemented by rose water and slices of flowers and pandan leaves.

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Kedayan in Brunei and Malaysia.

Since kedayan ethnic is one of Brunei Darussalam's main ethnicities, kedayan people nowadays have mistakenly looked at as a Malay-Brunei people which has no differences to both ethnicities. meanwhile, as we hear on how do they talk, most elderly people which spoke fluently in Malay-Brunei language has these elements or the accent of kedayan language. Apart from that, kedayan people in Brunei are only using their ethnical language, but not the identity. It is because of the small community that exist during that time and not living in a same communal area. these were also the cause of the extinction towards the culture and traditions.

Looking to the references from Brunei's neighbor country, Limbang has this large community which still has strong traditions which they are still doing the old rituals and traditional events such as makan taun, tarian Bubu, and more exciting, kedayan pageants show. Moreover, in Miri, the Kedayan community is still communicating with the Limbang as they still sharing the same cultural practices and still have their identity within their cultural behavior.

On the other hand, there is no evidence on the website that shows Brunei is sharing cultural dresses as the same as the neighborhood country. As I was told by my great grandmother, in their time, the Kedayan community were not located in one place. they just know they are related because they were sharing the same language. Apart from that, for clothing, Kedayan people wear a "Kain Batik" or a piece of fabric with a length of 2 meters, wrapped on to their waist, and act as a long skirt for females. For the top wear, mainly they wear a traditional "baju kurung melayu" with a small floral pattern towards the fabric and a white headscarf to complete the look.

will update soon about the unique traditions and the details of the cultural outfits✨

kedayan ethnic in Brunei Darussalam

kedayan is one of the unique cultures in Brunei Darussalam and it belongs to a branch of Malay Brunei culture. Although it is considered Malay, Kedayan has its language and its traditions which we can see by the way they talk and their acts. As mentioned by my great grandmother, who is now almost 100 years old, stated that kedayan people can be identified as their physical looks, where mostly true blood of kedayan has a height below 150cm, shorter than average people. Also, the way they talk sometimes people tends to take it as rude or offensive because of the harsh way they talk. for them, it was normal and it is a part of their cultural identity.

To look deeper into the history, the kedayan community is located in Borneo, which can be found in Malaysia, Indonesia, and Brunei. Here, in Brunei, the population of kedayan people begins to be declining because of mixed culture and is preferred Malay Brunei as their culture. All the traditions and cultural events are now been extinct in Brunei and can be found only at kedayan communities in Malaysia. Another factor of the extinction of these traditions is the influence of Islam on every culture in Brunei. There was a traditional dance that is called "Tarian Bubu" or "dancing fishnet" where kedayan Brunei people usually having this event occasionally but now it was banned due to the traditions that were crossing the Islamic beliefs.

Will post more about Kedayan culture soon!

credit to wikipedia for the picture for visual illustration of kedayan people during their time

MALAY BRUNEI FORMAL OUTFIT

INSPIRED BY AWANG BUDIMAN

For Malay Brunei culture, there is a formal wear called “Baju Songket” which is worn by the royals of Brunei Darussalam when they were in an official gathering within or outside the country. Furthermore, this outfit is also been used by the normal people which is when they are married. Looking back to the overview of Songket’s history, Brunei is popular with their handwoven fabric which was infused with the gold yarn to make it more cultural and looks expensive. It took 5 to 6 month to produce such quality woven fabric and this also affect the price range. Moreover, this cultural practice is still been breathing towards the modern eras and the price is also increasing. The minimum of 2 meter long fabric cost around $200 to more than $1000 depends on the design and the quality. Songket influence is also have in another country such as Malaysia which has unique floral design and its identity. Here, both country shares the same process towards wearing the outfit and it is also a part of their cultural heritage.

in 2018, I was challenging myself to came out with an idea to get have a photo shoot session with wearing the full Songket outfit in order to know about the feels towards wearing the majestic-rich in traditions outfit. Inspired by the local mascot of “Awang Budiman”, I manage to nail the look by completing the looks using full accessories such as “kris” or Malay sword, Malay crown brooch on the head part and the shirt. Towards the process on having a day with wearing the full cultural outfit, I learned how to do Malay creative movement which known as “Silat” which is used as a self-protection when facing an enemy back then in the old eras. I also learned how to fold the “Sinjang” which wrapped in the waist area, where certain folds may represents as a different message and symbolizations. In order to complete the scene, I do my photography session at the SOAS mosque which is the icon of Brunei to represents as the Malay-culture, yellow gold-threaded outfit represents as the kingdom of Brunei and the red Songket represents as the “Panji-Panji” of the Brunei flag.

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Back in 2018, I was approached by the local television crew to represents the youth on what do I think about culture. It was in a wedding event where Malay-Brunei traditions are held which is known as “powdering night” or “Malam berbedak” that the bride and the groom are wearing full gold accessories from head to toe and wearing “songket” cultural dress to complete the look. As I dragged to clear space, the interviewer starts asking about my introductions and jump to the actual questions. This is what I remembered:

What is culture?

“It’s a hard question for me which I just happen to embrace the interest in preserving my own culture by learning every detail throughout the culture and traditions. Culture may represent a group of people who shares the same interest or behavior which allows them to live with their community in harmony. Apart from that, culture may also refer to persons who act and talk with a language that happens to be representing themselves or where do they come from. Towards cultural traditions, it may represent a cultural practice that inherits from their ancestors, carried down towards the new generations, and having it as a communal event to show the cultural identity within their community.”

As a youth, do you think cultural traditions meant to be applied towards the new eras?

“Interesting question. Yes, it does mean for us as the new generations which some of us have no cultural identity due to mixed cultured parents or even forgotten culture and traditions. Towards the sounds, it may seems as unbothered but actually, culture and traditions are the one that makes our life interesting. To take it as an account, I might say that I was ashamed of myself because I just know the importance of having a cultural identity and this makes also has this idea to keep on researching culture related in Brunei Darussalam”

Similar to the question before, do you think we need to preserved it?

“A solid yes! We must preserve it because otherwise, we could lose our treasured identity to be extinct. By this, I was motivated by something which I found as silly towards our youth nowadays which when they were allowed to study abroad, most of them did their best to study hard and even learning the culture and traditions in the country they were sent to. But sadly, when they were asked about Bruneian’s culture and traditions, they were speechless. Not even a single knowledge about it. This makes me realize that as a youth, I should act now to preserve the culture by study our own culture, traditions, and the 7 ethnics in Brunei before applying to study abroad if I got a chance”

What is your message to the youth out there about this preservations?

“As a youth, we need to realize that we are the ones that leading our country and we are the ones who educate the new generations about our experiences that we gain. If I were given an opportunity to study abroad, I would show the true nature on our traditional culture are exists and makes Brunei proud. Introducing our culture to the world and not taking their culture as our identity. Why should we proud of people’s culture where you also have one.”

*End of the interview.*

Stay tune for more cultural feeds!✨

overviews of the traditional outfit

In Malay-Brunei culture, there is a unique event that is held during the night, which is called powdering night or "Malam berbedak" and this festive event is important for the Malay people to celebrate to embrace their cultural identity. What interesting about this cultural event is the groom and the bride have to wear full traditional accessories that rich in gold from head to toe for a night. This shows that the couple is treated like kings and queens only for a day and it is one in million experiences for newlyweds. The main part of a bride's feature is the yellow and white flowers that rolled into a loom and attached to the head part. Moreover, the jewelry has these unique shapes which consist of a dragon head, a chicken, colorful gems embedded in the necklace, and the headgear.

Fun fact, the jewelry has this representation of jasmine flower which is also carved in gold and layered into 3 parts of the head. These steps and features are focused on the bride's accessories. If we look deeper throughout the piece, the gold bracelets and the footwear consist of 7 pieces which the meaning behinds it may or may not be the 7 culture of Brunei. There is no evidence stated in internet sources and may be gained through the museum.

Will post the accessories details soon!

stay tuned!

image source:

https://brideculture.wordpress.com/tag/adat/

Malay culture series: Informal wears by the Bruneians in the 80s

In Brunei Darussalam, the people who have the average life may have less visible on their interest in fashion during the 80s. By having a normal life and living in harmony community, the fancy outfit is not an important part of living. Using a simple minimal T-shirt to cover their body, a "kain pelékat" or checkered patterns loose pants/skirt, these staple wear are the common outfit that people wear as their daily look.

To a certain part of the looks, in the 80s, people who lived in lavish life has the looks of rich and western influence due to fashion tends to make them look powerful in terms of dignity and showing their wealth to impress the community. Also, to look nice and rich may define your future job or career. So, by having the contrast towards both levels, people can tell who has a better life and had the opportunity to get high educations from overseas schools.

The graphic above was a picture of me in 2018, where I was wearing an outfit to look like the people who lived in the 80s in Brunei and try to feel the vibe of wearing full look and experience it on the jetty, which elderly people used to hang out during their time. As for the result, I cannot resist opening my phone and slides to my social media because I feel so bored and annoyed by doing nothing on the jetty. So the overall picture was visualizing the contrast of the people who lived with no technology can manage to survive in their time where if we switch places, the new generation will not be able to survive without a phone and internet connection. Another message that can be read is the picture is visualizing globalization which technologies took over the world within a glimpse of an eye.

will be posting more about another Bruneian culture soon! so stay tuned!

Brunei Darussalam in a first glace

In Brunei Darussalam, among all the 7 ethnicities, Malay Brunei is the largest ethnic that concludes more than half of the population. Also, the language is the most spoken and been the first language for Brunei Darussalam. In Malay Brunei culture, there are about 3 types of traditional wear that really show the Malay identity within a first glance. the outfit can be categorized as daily wear, casual wear for an event, and formal wear outfit.

Sneak peek throughout the Brunei history, in kampong Ayer, also known as the water village, people who lived there have practiced this kind of clothing due to communal behavior, and it is used as a work attire which worn every time when they start their day to go to work, fishing, or even hanging out with their family and friends on the jetty. furthermore, for middle-aged men, they simply wear a white simple t-shirt with "kain pelikat" which has checkered patterns and wears as a skirt. another additional for senior citizen men was a white round hat, which was known as "kupiah" or "tupi haji".

For casual wear, Malay people wear "baju Melayu" which is the Malay traditional outfit, with "sampin" wrapped around their waist. as for the accessories, the men use "songkok" as their hat. these looks are worn when they have an event such as a Malay wedding, open house, or even funerals.

As for the formal wear, the Malay Brunei has 2 outfits, which is known as "baju songket" which is a fabric that is weaved with gold yarns, along with the hat, known as "tanjak" or "dastar". these looks are worn during a wedding reception or traditional dancing. as for the second outfit, it is similar to "baju songket" but added with gold accessories like neckwear, hands and feets bracelets, and also headwear. It is called "pakaian brunei" which symbolizes the rank of a married couple as a king and queen for a day or night. This unique traditions are still practiced till now but has minor modifications towards how to celebrate the event. This rich in culture tradition are called "malam berbedak" or powdering night, has to removed some of the part which can be seen as inappropriate to islamic eyes, and added some of proper modification towards it.

Stay tuned for more graphics content with explanations!✨

What is culture anyways?

There are many ways to define culture. Some may refer to a group of people, the way they talk, their food, or even the way they act. Culture defines as a way of life, beliefs or attitude, arts, which refers to a group of people or social organizations that shares their own beliefs towards something such as their arts in music or literature.

These precious treasures has been carried by our ancestors from generation to generations to be preserved as the world evolved. But nowadays, it seems that cultural traditions begin to fade away due to this system is no longer needed because of the new culture that grow modern era. Many young people nowadays are adapting the new millennial pop-culture, where people dress freely, make their own rules and expressing themself as anything they want. But, this worries many parties which can lead to cultural shock that can bothers the upcoming future generation. So, why should we care about preserving our culture?

Cultural traditions is an identity to people. A heart that sculpted by our ancestors that beats in our heart which teaches us on how to survive in life and grow to be a better person. Furthermore, we need traditional methods to solve many things in this era eventhough our technology has been advanced. So, embrace your culture identity and continue to preserve it to your future generation.