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Hello! My name is Alya Maisara Binti Khairuddin from class LG2431A and currently pursuing Bachelor of Applied Language Studies (Hons) English For Intercultural Communication.

As Malaysia is known as a multicultural country, there are many different traditional wedding attires from each ethnic group. Therefore, I would like to present the beauty and uniqueness of wedding attire from several ethnic groups such as Baba Nyonya, Kadazan, Bugis, Sikh and Iban. Let's explore with me together!

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1) BABA NYONYA

Who are they?

Where do they live?

What does the Baba Nyonya Bride's traditional wedding attire look like?

What does the Baba Nyonya Groom's traditional wedding attire look like?

References

2) KADAZAN

Who are they?

Where do they live?

What does the Kadazan Bride's traditional wedding attire look like?

What does the Kadazan Groom's traditional wedding attire look like?

References

3) BUGIS

Who are they?

Where do they live?

What does the Bugis Bride's traditional wedding attire look like?

What does the Bugis Groom's traditional wedding attire look like?

References

4) SIKH

Who are they?

Where do they live?

What does the Sikh Bride's traditional wedding attire look like?

What does the Sikh Groom's traditional wedding attire look like?

References

5) IBAN

Who are they?

Where do they live?

What does the Iban Bride's traditional wedding attire look like?

What does the Iban Groom's traditional wedding attire look like?

References

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WHO ARE THEY?

Baba Nyonya actually refers to the Peranakan Chinese heritage. They are the Chinese immigrants who intermarried with local Malay or Indonesian women, resulting in a unique mixed culture and identity. The word Baba is referring to the men of Peranakan Chinese descent which is similar to Mr. or gentleman, while Nyonya is referring to the woman of Peranakan Chinese which is similar to Mrs. or lady.

This culture comprises various aspect of beliefs and rituals whereas Baba Nyonya or The Peranakan Culture is basically a blend of Chinese and local customs, including language, cuisine, dress, and rituals.

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Since Baba Nyonya or The Peranakan are descendants of Chinese immigrants who intermarried with local Malays, they are usually found in some Asian countries like Malaysia, Singapore and Indonesia.

In Malaysia, they are most likely to be found in states like Malacca and Penang. Till these days, Malacca is famous for their heritage buildings, arts, museum and shops especially around Heeren Street and Jonker Street. However in Penang, many of Baba Nyonya's community lived in the George Town area.

Moreover, some of them also can be found in Kelantan, Terengganu, Kedah and Perlis.

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WHAT DOES THE BABA NYONYA BRIDE’S TRADITIONAL WEDDING ATTIRE LOOK LIKE? 

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WHAT DOES THE BABA NYONYA BRIDE’S TRADITIONAL WEDDING ATTIRE LOOK LIKE? 

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THE BRIDE'S ATTIRE

The Baba Nyonya's Bride will wear a bridal gown which is know as Kuah or Baju Panjang, a two-piece costume beautified with detailed embroidery motifs like peonies, phoenix, cranes and mandarin duck.

The Bride's hair will be dressed with as many as more than 100 hairpins and jewelleries. Besides that, wearing a headgear often called Nyonya Feng Guan is the most important part of the Bridal attire. The decorative headgear that completes the traditional look is a symbol of the bride's status and is a key part of the overall Peranakan wedding attire.

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Picture of Nyonya Feng Guan, the decorative headgear.

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WHAT DOES THE BABA NYONYA GROOM’S TRADITIONAL WEDDING ATTIRE LOOK LIKE? 

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WHAT DOES THE BABA NYONYA GROOM’S TRADITIONAL WEDDING ATTIRE LOOK LIKE? 

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THE GROOM'S ATTIRE

For the groom, they will usually wear a typical Baba's traditional clothe known as Lok Chuan or Mandarin jacket. The short jacket of Manchu style will be worn over a longer gown with auspicious motifs such as peonies, cranes, mandarin ducks and phoenixes.

Just like the bride, the groom will be wearing a Mandarin cap of brocade with a velvet rim to completes his ensemble.

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Catherine Leong. (n.d). 4 Interesting Cultural Facts Of The Baba Nyonya In Malaysia. Eksentrika. https://www.eksentrika.com/baba-nyonya-and-peranakan-in-malaysia/

Penang Global Tourism. (n.d.) Peranakan Wedding Theme. Penang Wedding Tourism. https://www.penangweddingtourism.gov.my/peranakan-wedding-theme/

yufan152000. (2016, August 14). Baba-Nyonya wedding ceremony (during wedding). A Love Cross Two Culture. https://babanyonyaculture.wordpress.com/2016/08/14/baba-nyonya-wedding-ceremony-during-wedding/

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WHO ARE THEY?

The Kadazan people are an indegenous ethnic group generally found in Sabah, Malaysia. The term Kadazan generally means "people of the land". These people are closely related to the Dusun people. They are also called Kadazandusun due to their similarities in culture and language.

While traditionally animist, they also have been influenced by Islam and Christianity. The Kadazan people are mostly traditionally farmers and hunters. It has become one of their primary source of income.

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The Kadazan community are found mainly in Penampang and Papar on the west coast of Sabah. Most of them are concentrated in areas like Penampang, Tambunan, Papar and Ranau.

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WHAT DOES THE KADAZAN BRIDE’S TRADITIONAL WEDDING ATTIRE LOOK LIKE? 

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WHAT DOES THE KADAZAN BRIDE’S TRADITIONAL WEDDING ATTIRE LOOK LIKE? 

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On their wedding day, the Kadazan's bride will wear their traditional attire, a blouse often decorated with gold buttons, silver belt and embroidered linings. The blouse called Sinuangga and the skirt are usually made of velvet material. It is usually worn with Himpogot, a hip belt made from connected silver coins which also represent wealth. The Kadazan woman also will pair the Himpogot with Tangkong, a hip adornment or belt that is made with an approximate number of 84 to 96 embossed brass rings and one shell disk are strung together with rattan strings known as hindavog.

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The picture shown is Tangkong and Himpogot which are usually worn together.

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WHAT DOES THE KADAZAN GROOM’S TRADITIONAL WEDDING ATTIRE LOOK LIKE? 

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WHAT DOES THE KADAZAN GROOM’S TRADITIONAL WEDDING ATTIRE LOOK LIKE? 

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Just like the bride, the groom also will be wearing their traditional attire or "Pakaian Adat", Gaung. It is a simple black cloth with gold and red trimmings, often worn with a heavy belt, which can indicate wealth.

In addition to the Gaung and to enhance the look, the groom may wear a heavy belt and a traditional headgear known as Sigar. Sigar is the headgear worn by most ethnics in North Borneo. It is made from a piece of cloth called Dastar which is a hand woven of Iranun people in Kota Belud, Sabah. Then it was folded to become a headgear. The shape of the Sigar is also different from every each of district in Sabah.

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The picture shown is Sigar, the Kadazan male traditional headgear. Sigar is tied and fold in a specific style to identify the heritage.

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Britannica. (n.d.). Kadazan people. Encyclopedia Britannica. https://www.britannica.com/topic/Kadazan-people

Odysseyist. (2009, October 23). Kadazan wedding: Bride’s gowns. Odysseyist. https://odysseyist.wordpress.com/2009/10/23/kadazan-wedding-brides-gowns/

Olumes. (n.d.). Tangkong / Himpogot. https://olumes.com/tangkong-himpogot/?srsltid=AfmBOopx4pbS45oteyweyUYwmCMR-9hO0t0kvOwSiYAwH48AXno5K7AX

Scribd. (n.d.). Sejarah suku kaum Kadazan. https://www.scribd.com/document/322486696/Sejarah-Suku-Kaum-Kadazan

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WHO ARE THEY?

The Bugis, also known as Buginese are actually originally from South Sulawesi in Indonesia. Due to their activity as a sea traders, many of them have arrived in Malaysia in the 16th century and beyond.

Afterwards, most of them settled in various parts of Malaysia in the states of Johor, Selangor, and Pulau Pinang.

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Sejarah dan Budaya Bugis di Tawau, Sabah

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As a result of the migrations of The Bugis communities, they can be found in regions in Peninsular Malaysia, at the southern part, particularly in states like Johor, Selangor and Pulau Pinang. While in Sabah, these people are found specifically along the southeast coast.

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WHAT DOES THE BUGIS BRIDE’S TRADITIONAL WEDDING ATTIRE LOOK LIKE? 

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WHAT DOES THE BUGIS BRIDE’S TRADITIONAL WEDDING ATTIRE LOOK LIKE? 

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One of the traditional attire of Bugenese community is the Baju Bodo. Baju Bodo is worn by the woman during special events including their wedding day.

During wedding ceremony, the bride will wear the Baju Bodo, a rectangular shape blouse, with both sleeves cut short up to the elbows which is made from silk or songket fabric and added with beautiful beads. Next, lace decorations will be added according to the tailor's creativity. On top of that, the bride attire will be complemented with gold colour accessories from head to toe to enhance the bride's elegance.

The bride's head will be prettify with the Saloko (a crown) and the hair will be styled in a bun adorned with Bunga Goyang or Pinang Goyang (flowers and pins). For the earing, the bride will be wearing a long earings known as Bangkarak. Moreover, the bride must wear three types of necklaces: Geno Ma Bule (a chain necklace), Rantekote (a long necklace), and Geno Sibatu (a large necklace). Besides that, there's also gold bracelets known as Tigero Tedong.

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Saloko (the crown)

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Bunga Goyang or Goyang Pinang often made of gold-plated metal and shaped like flowers and leaf. These accessories typically placed around the the bride's hair bun.

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WHAT DOES THE BUGIS GROOM’S TRADITIONAL WEDDING ATTIRE LOOK LIKE? 

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WHAT DOES THE BUGIS GROOM’S TRADITIONAL WEDDING ATTIRE LOOK LIKE? 

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As for the groom, he will be wearing a sarong named Lipa Garusuk in Bugis language and a headgear called Passapu. Furthermore, the groom's attire will be added with more accessories such as Keris, a traditional dagger, bracelets, a sash called Rante Sembang and more decorations on the head covering known as Sigarak.

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Lucia Terey John. (2019, January,19th). More brides favouring Bugis ‘Baju Bodo’. Borneo Post Online. https://www.theborneopost.com/2019/01/23/more-brides-favouring-bugis-baju-bodo/

Polianna Ronnie Sidom. (2015, August, 25th. Pakaian Tradisional Bugis. BH Online. https://www.bharian.com.my/bhplus-old/2015/08/77094/pakaian-tradisional-bugis

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WHO ARE THEY?

The Sikh community are the fourth largest ethnic group of Indian or South Asian descent in Malaysia. The Sikh community in Malaysia has a strong sense of identity and has made significant contributions to the country. Many of them have arrived in Malaysia during the British colonial period.

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Sikh in Malaysia can be found primarily concentrated in the area of Peninsular Malaysia, specifically in states such as Selangor, Negeri Sembilan, Perak and many more as they have migrants to Malaysia long time ago. Today, there are approximately 100,000 Sikhs in Malaysia. This makes them the largest Sikh community in Southeast and East Asia.

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WHAT DOES THE SIKH BRIDE’S TRADITIONAL WEDDING ATTIRE LOOK LIKE? 

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WHAT DOES THE SIKH BRIDE’S TRADITIONAL WEDDING ATTIRE LOOK LIKE? 

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The Sikh bride in Malaysia will be wearing either a long layered skirt known as Lehenga or a loose fitting dress called Salwar Kameez often in rich and vibrant colors like red, pink or dark maroon. According to their beliefs, these colors symbolize prosperity. Besides that, some brides also prefer to wear saree at their wedding ceremony.

When it comes to the accessories part, they will usually go all out with the jewelleries from the head to toe.

The bride will adorn their head with Maang Tikka, a traditional Indian ornament. It is a chain that is worn across the bride's forehead with a central pendant hanging.

Besides that, what is more fascinating is that the bride will be wearing a beautiful choker necklace. Studded with gems like rubies, kundan, and emeralds, the choker necklace is usually paired with a longer neckpiece.

Moreover, Sikh bride wear a 21 sets of white and red bangles on their wedding day. These bangles are usually given by her biological uncle and were dipped in a milk and rosewater.

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The bride is wearing the choker and Maang Tikka on her forehead.

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WHAT DOES THE SIKH GROOM’S TRADITIONAL WEDDING ATTIRE LOOK LIKE? 

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WHAT DOES THE SIKH GROOM’S TRADITIONAL WEDDING ATTIRE LOOK LIKE? 

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Mostly the traditional Sikh grooms prefer wearing Kurta on their big day generally in white color. However, nowadays grooms also wear The Sherwanis or The Achkan. It is a long sleeve and knee length coat-like garment often made of premium fabrics like silk or brocade. The Sherwanis would be pair with a turban known as Safa/Dastar which represents honor and respect. Moreover, Kirpan, a ceremonial sword will be worn on a strap across the groom's body.

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The man is wearing a turban called Safa adorn with beadworks. Along the neck, the groom is wearing Kantha or Mala, a beaded gold necklace. Besides that, we can see that there's a red shawl draped over his shoulder referred to as Dupatta.

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The groom will also be spotted wearing this embellish footwear known by the name of Mojri/Jutti.

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MAP Academy. (n.d.). Achkan. Retrieved May 4, 2025, from https://mapacademy.io/article/achkan/

Sikh & Dread. (n.d.). Sikh weddings. Retrieved May 4, 2025, from https://www.sikhanddread.com/sikh-weddings

WeddingSutra. (n.d.). Traditional jewellery guide for the Punjabi bride. Retrieved May 4, 2025, from https://www.weddingsutra.com/bride/bridal-fashion/traditional-jewellery-guide-for-the-punjabi-bride/

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The Iban are primally found in the state of Sarawak, Brunei and Indonesia. They usually lived in a longhouse, a traditional communal house built along a river bank. The house was built with a row of separate family rooms.

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WHAT DOES THE IBAN BRIDE’S TRADITIONAL WEDDING ATTIRE LOOK LIKE? 

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WHAT DOES THE IBAN BRIDE’S TRADITIONAL WEDDING ATTIRE LOOK LIKE? 

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The Iban bride often wear their traditional attire, Ngepan Indu during the wedding ceremony. The Selampai which is a band dress is the core element of the attire.

The wearer of Ngepan Indu will be dressed completely with the accessories such as Sugu Tinggi (the headgear), Tango (a chess adornment), Gerunchung (an anklet) and Buah Pauh (a purse). Most of the accessories are made of silver

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The Tango are made of beads and decorated with the pompom balls which are made from yarn. It is traditionally worn around the neck and covering the chest area.

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Sugu Tinggi, the headgear.

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Buah Pauh is traditional purse or pouch. It was called as Buah Pauh because it is shaped like a mango (Pauh).

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WHAT DOES THE IBAN GROOM’S TRADITIONAL WEDDING ATTIRE LOOK LIKE? 

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WHAT DOES THE IBAN GROOM’S TRADITIONAL WEDDING ATTIRE LOOK LIKE? 

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The Iban Male wears the Baju Burung (a jacket made from animal skin), Ketapu (turban-style wrap headgear), Baju Gagung (an armor vest) and more accessories will be worn to complement the attire.

Their wedding attire reflects their status, bravery and cultural heritage.

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The male is wearing Ketapu, an Iban traditional headgear usually made from woven cloth or songket material. Sometimes Ketapu will be adorned with feathers or beads.

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The man is wearing Baju Burung.

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Baju Gagung is usually worn by warrior and leaders. It represents high status.

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DayakDaily. (2021, July 22). Weaving an artform: Tango Ngepan Iban lives on in Patricia Limau’s creations. https://dayakdaily.com/weaving-an-artform-tango-ngepan-iban-lives-on-in-patricia-limaus-creations/

Sarawak Focus. (n.d.). Ngepan Indu. https://www.sarawakfocus.com/blog/world-of-arts-2/ngepan-indu-32

Sarawak Tourism Board. (n.d.). Experience: Ethnicities of Sarawak. https://www.sarawaktourism.com/web/stories/story-view/experience

Tun Jugah Foundation. (2021, May). Silver costume, ornaments and coin accessories worn by Iban women (Issue 3). https://tunjugahfoundation.org.my/v2/wp-content/uploads/2021/05/Silver-costume-ornaments-coins-accessories.pdf-by-Janet-Ngingit-Issue-3-2013.pdf

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WHO ARE THEY?

The Iban people also known as Sea Dayak are an indegenous ethnic group of Sarawak, Malaysia. There are best known or their rich and vibrant culture, particularly their agriculture activity, the traditions, arts, tattoo practices an more.