Sarawak is the most
diverse and multi-cultural state in the Federation of Malaysia. This
multi-racial and multi-cultural is reflected in its people’s lifestyles,
cultural practises, food and experiences. The people of Sarawak practise a
variety of religions including Islam, Christianity, Buddhism, Taosim,
Confucianism, ancestor worship, Bahai’sm and animism.
The diversity play a
defining role in Sarawak’s Cultural landscapes with their dances, music, crafts
and traditional practises. The communities of Sarawak comprised of Iban,
Chinese, Bidayuh, Malay, Melanau, Orang Ulu, Penan and other minority group
among them Punjabi, Sikhs.
The
Malays, who are renowned for their beautifully crafted wooden home, of which
some can still be admired along the bank of the Sarawak River in Kuching are
also known for their kain Songket and
"Selayah keringkan"(textiles woven in gold and silver tread). They
are also excellent silverware and brassware crafters. As literature plays an
important role in their lives, the "pantun" or poetry is a popular
pastime with young and old alike wile"bergendang", which you can see
and experienced during festive session, wedding ceremony and also during other
special occasion. The Malays are mostly Muslim and celebrate Hari Raya Haji and
Adil Fitri.
The
Chinese have been in Sarawak since the 8th.Century AD. Firstly as seafaring
explorers, followed by the migration of traders. Today, the Chinese are an
integral part of Sarawak's business community...sharing theirs trades and
cuisines. They are found predominantly in the cities and towns of Sarawak. There
are various clans of Chinese in Sarawak...depending on their places of origins,
among them are the Hakka, Foochow and Hokkien. You can learn more about the
immigration journey at the Chinese Museum Located at Kuching Waterfront,
Kuching. The majority of the Chinese in Sarawak practise Christianity, Buddhism
and also Taosim.
Lion
Dance and also Dragon dance are also being practise as part of their Culture
Heritage. The community usher the Chinese New Year with pray at the various
temple and other religious ritual.
The
Bidayuh mostly found in the Kuching and Samarahan divisions. Their gentleness
and simplicity in life endears them to everyone they meet...known for their
hospitality and warm smiles. They speak different dialects depending on the
place of domicile. Those from the Serian district speaks Bukar Sadong...from
Penrissen speaks Biatah...from Lundu speaks Selako Lara and from Bau speaks
Bau-Jagoi dialects. Their distinctive handicrafts like “Kesah” one of the many
crafts made from rattan by the community.
Even
though majority of the Bidayuh practise Christinanity, some of them still practise
the traditional ritual and animism. The Bidayuh together with the other Dayaks
tribe in Sarawak celebrate the Gawai in late May to early week of June every year
and also Christmas.
The Iban,
which means "the wanderers" is the largest of Sarawak ethnic groups.
Once the legendary warrior of Borneo and the most feared of the head hunting
tribes...they now live a peaceful lifestyle. Most of the Iban live along the
numerous riverine settlements in the longhouses. You can visit some of these
longhouses at Sri Aman, Sibu and also Kapit. The Iban community practise
Christianity and some still practise animism.
The
Melanau are known to be fearless sailors and skilled fishermen...this seafaring
group can be found in the coastal regions of the Rejang and Baram River. Some
of the Melanau people practise Islam,while other are mostly Christian. They
Celebrate Pesta Kaul, a ceremony by the fishermen seek the blessing and
thanking the Spirit of the Sea for the bountiful catch and also their safety at
sea.
The Orang
Ulu which is renowned for their artistically intricate beadwork on their
garments and basketry...and beautiful murals in their longhouses, are also fine
musicians who compose hauntingly melodious tune on their mandolin-like sapes.
They live mostly in the Interior of Miri, Bintulu, Belaga and Limbang Division.
The elder ladies still portray tattooed hands and legs to show by-gone days of
courage and beauty. Though majority of the Orang Ulu are Christian, there are
still a minority group that practise animism and the old tradition. They also
Celebrate Gawai and also Xmas like their others Dayaks Tribe in Sarawak.
The Penans
are shy and elusive. They are the last true nomadic people of Sarawak. They
build temporary huts deep in virgin jungles...hunt wild animal with their
blowpipes. They supplement their meals with wild sago, fruits, roots and
plants. The Penans are very skillful in making fine..durable rattan baskets and
mats. They could be found living in the Interior of Belaga and the surrounding
areas.
They are
other minority groups in Sarawak, among them are the Javanese, Indian, Punjabi
and also Sikhs. The diverse ethnic groups live harmoniously, respecting each
other unique culture, lifestyles and religion and celebrate a variety of
colourfull festivals throughout the calendar year.
