|
By Marie Moon
Cultures have been meeting and mixing in Malaysia
since the very beginning of its history
More than fifteen hundred years ago a Malay kingdom in Bujang Valley
welcomed traders from China and India. With the arrival of gold
and silks, Buddhism and Hinduism also came to Malaysia. A thousand
years later, Arab traders arrived in Malacca and brought with them
the principles and practices of Islam. By the time the Portuguese
arrived in Malaysia, the empire that they encountered was more cosmopolitan
than their own.
Today's population of approximately 22 million people has a cultural
mosaic marked by many different traditions, but several in particular
have had especially lasting influence on the country. Chief among
these is the ancient Malay culture and the cultures of Malaysia's
two most prominent trading partners throughout history - the Chinese,
and the Indians. These three groups are joined by a variety of indigenous
tribes, many of which live in the forests and coastal areas of Borneo.
The Malays and indigenous ethnic groups form 58% of the population
whilst the Chinese and Indian groups form 27% and 8% respectively.
Various other ethnic groups account for the final 7% of the population.
Although each of these cultures has vigorously maintained its traditions
and community structures, they have also blended together to create
contemporary Malaysia's uniquely diverse heritage. Perhaps the easiest
way to begin to understand the highly complex cultural interaction
which is Malaysia is to look at the open door policy maintained
during religious festivals. Although Malaysia's different cultural
traditions are frequently maintained by seemingly self-contained
ethnic communities, all of Malaysia's communities open their doors
to members of other cultures during a religious festival - to tourists
as well as neighbours. Such inclusiveness is more than just a way
to break down cultural barriers and foster understanding; it is
a positive celebration of a tradition of tolerance that has for
millennia formed the basis of Malaysia's progress.
 |
|
Throughout November and December there are a number
of significant events held in Malaysia. Some of these events are
national whilst others are centred on various regional locations.
This review will consider five celebrations, details of which are
given in the table below.
Deepavali
Deepavali is the "Festival Of Lights". It is celebrated
by Hindus all over the world. The Festival signifies the triumph
of brightness over darkness, good over evil. Deepavali means "a
row of lights". It brings along with it glowing happiness and
the touch of sparklers all around. Deepavali is celebrated during
the 7th month of the Hindu calendar, which falls between the month
of October and November every year. Hindus celebrate it by decorating
their homes with dozens of lights or oil lamps, called vikku, to
signify the triumph of good over evil and light over darkness.
Malaysians visit their friends of Hindu faith to extend good wishes
and to take part in the feasting and merrymaking. The Hindus prepare
numerous traditional cakes and sweets for the day, among them are
"murukku", "omopadi", "athirrsam",
"achi murukku", "laddu" and "mysore pahu".
These are made a few days before Deepavali. The traditional Hindus
start the day by having an oil bath before sunrise and saying prayers.
They will wear new clothes and either go to the temple or pray at
home.
|
|
|
During Deepavali, Hindus decorate their homes with
dozens of vikku, small oil lamps, to signify the triumph of good
over evil and light over darkness.
This is followed by a show of respect to the elders. They also distribute
cakes and sweets to their neighbours and friends and many have "open
house" for their non-Hindu friends.
National Ramadan Bazaar
The holy month of Ramadan, where Muslims around the world fast from
sunrise to sunset is also practiced by the followers of the faith
in Malaysia. Islam, which means peace, teaches the faithful to love
and respect and be tolerant to one another. A special bazaar is
held to share the spirit of the brotherhood of man which is part
of the Islamic faith, the official religion in Malaysia.
The Ramadan Bazaars offer buffets of local delicacies, only available
during Ramadan for 'breaking fast'. The Bazaars are not only patronised
by the Muslims but other ethnic Malaysians and tourists gather round
the stalls from as early as 3pm. Tourists are well advised to visit
the Bazaars during this time so as to sample the wide variety of
special Malaysian food available during Ramadan, all at market-stall
prices.
|
|
"Ramadan offers a time to reflect - the food
on the dining table or the clothes that we buy for celebrating Syawal
are simple pleasures and provisions, that some others may not be
able to enjoy. Let us all count our blessings."
In Kuala Lumpur, some of the more popular Ramadan Bazaars are located
in Jalan Masjid India, Jalan Tuanku Abdul Rahman, Jalan Raja Abdullah
and Jalan Raja Alang. The Jamek Mosque in Kampung Baru, located
in the heart of the city, is well known for its free distribution
throughout Ramadan, of Bubur Lambok (rice porridge with meat cooked
in coconut milk). As early as 3.45pm, a long queue can be seen outside
the mosque, waiting for the porridge distribution. The Ramadan Bazaar
has for decades become a platform for strengthening social ties
not only among the Muslims but also among Malaysians as a whole.
An elderly Muslim gave a further view of the Ramadan Bazaar; "it
offers a time to reflect - the food on the dining table or the clothes
that we buy for celebrating Syawal are simple pleasures and provisions,
that some others may not be able to enjoy. Let us all count our
blessings."
|
|
|
Malaysia Mega Sales Carnival
This is a month-long shopping carnival in urban centres throughout
Malaysia. Discount bargains are on offer at shopping centres, emporiums,
retail outlets and also exclusive boutiques. Hotels and restaurants
offer customers attractive rates and prices. There are many activities
at the bazaars, also fairs and exhibitions will usually be held
in most towns. This is the opportunity for when the various Malaysian
provinces showcase their traditional arts and culture.
Kuala Lumpur presents a wide range of shopping establishments catering
to every taste and budget, these include modern air-conditioned
shopping malls, department stores, handicraft centres, duty-free
shops, bazaars and night markets. The night markets or 'pasar malam'
begin their trading activities in the late afternoon.
These open-air markets feature stalls thatsell a variety of local
produce, foodstuffs and clothing. Haggling is common practice. The
Malaysian Tourism Authorities have a rather upbeat message for the
intending tourist at this time of year, "The whole of Malaysia
is on sale again!"
Hari Raya Open House
Hari Raya Puasa is a celebration marking the end of the Muslim month
of fasting and abstinence, Ramadan. It is a special occasion for
Muslims. Hari Raya Puasa officially begins at the sighting of the
moon on the day before the next month on the Muslim calendar, Syawal.
The first moon of the month of Syawal is sighted by religious elders
in the late evening from several vantage points in Malaysia. The
festival begins the following day, ushered in by prayers at the
mosque early in the morning and by a visit to the cemetery to pray
for the departed souls of loved ones. Then, of course - the feast.
The "Rumah Terbuka" or open house concept is prevalent
in the Malaysian culture especially during major festivals and celebrations
like the Hari Raya Aidilfitri (Eid Festival) and Christmas. It brings
people together regardless of their religion, position or background.
This is the time when family, friends and neighbours visit each
other and take the opportunity to ask for forgiveness for past hurts
and grievances. His Majesty, the King of Malaysia and Muslim government
leaders also hold 'open houses' for the public at their official
residences.
|
