# data[].attributes.body
The Murut people, "Murut" meaning "people of the hill" in their native language, inhibit the interior and southeastern parts of Sabah and the territory straddling the Kalimantan and Sarawak borders. They are the third largest indigenous groups in Sabah with many subgroups such as Baukan, Gana', Kalabakan, Okolod, Paluan, Sulangai, Serudung, Tagal, Timugon and the Beaufort and Keningau Murut. They are the last Sabahan ethnic group to practice headhunting.

# data[].attributes.attachment_caption
Kedayan men and women performing "mukun" (dancing and reciting poetry) on a beach, taken from https://www.mkn.gov.my/web/ms/2022/02/23/seni-warisan-persembahan-

# data[].attributes.body
The Kedayan community are concentrated in the central and eastern regions in Brunei, however they are also found in Labuan, Sabah and parts of Sarawak. Their communities there are mostly located in Beaufort, Kuala Penyu, Papar, and Sipitang in Sabah, and in Lawas, Limbang, Miri, and Subis in Sarawak.

Kedayan people are found in so many places that it is uncertain where exactly they originated from. Despite the many speculations, historians theorise that the Kedayan people came to Brunei in the 15th century during the reign of the 5th sultan, Sultan Bolkiah.

# data[].attributes.body
The Mah Meri people (Mah meaning people, Meri meaning forest), originally known as Besisi, are also known to themselves as Ma Betisek (“people with fish scales”).

They are one of the nineteen Orang Asli groups of Peninsular Malaysia and are officially classified under the Senoi subgroup. They live in the states of Selangor, Negeri Sembilan, Malacca and Johor.

# data[].attributes.attachment_caption
Siti Nurazlinee Azmi (Malay), her husband Muhammad Hariz Ramesh Pillai Abdullah (Indian), with their 3 children, taken from https://gempak.com/intrend/jodoh-lel

# data[].attributes.body
The forefathers of the Jawi Peranakans were mostly Tamil migrants from southern India who, before the trade of Singapore opened up, settled in the Malay states of Kedah, Penang and Malacca. As most of them were single, many took Malay brides and their children became known as the Jawi Peranakan.

Jawi is an Arabic word to denote Southeast Asian Muslims and Peranakan is Malay for “born of”. Loosely defined however, Indian Muslims of mixed background and born in the Straits were also referred to as Jawi Peranakan, including children of Arab-Malay parentage. Other terms that refer to people of mixed Malay-Indian ancestry are “Jawi Pekan” (mostly used in Penang) and “Peranakan Kling” (mostly used in Malacca), the latter made popular by the great early Malay chronicler, Abdullah Munshi

# data[].attributes.attachment_caption
Map of where the Kedayan tribes are located, taken from https://joshuaproject.net/people_groups/10973/MY

# data[].attributes.body
(1:48) - A basket of gifts including sarongs are presented.

(3:33) - Jars of tapai (rice wine) are brought out to drink in celebration of the successful engagement.

# data[].attributes.attachment_caption
Symbol guide for the map above, taken from https://joshuaproject.net/people_groups/10973/MY

# data[].attributes.body
Known as "pinanamung", the price of dowry is discussed and negotiated. During the first stages, gifts such as ten or more lengths of sarong and woks are offered. The mandatory dowry is an item that will be deferred until later, sometimes much later, depending on the groom’s capability.

If the dowry negotiation is successful, the Murut people celebrate for 5 days with the drinking of tapai, a type of rice wine

# data[].attributes.body
The event starts with handing over a ring and cash to the girl side as a discussion opener. The amount of cash is not fixed and depends on the request of the girl side. If the girl’s family accepts, discussion about the items to be prepared by the man’s family for the engagement ceremony:

1)  Gold ring to signify the engagement

2) A kris complete with its cover to symbolise as substitute for the fiance or guardian for the girl engaged. The kris is to be returned to the man side after the marriage solemnisation as it is to be worn by the groom during the sitting on the dias ceremony as regalia.

3) A traditional item called kipil and caamai to keep the ring. If it is unavailable then it can be substituted with cash according to current rate.

4) A full man attire from head to toe. Both parties can replace it with cash according to the estimated value as agreed collectively

5) A gold ring for the elder sister of the girl to be engaged if she has an elder sister unengaged yet

# data[].attributes.body
Hello! My name is Alisya Hanim binti Abdul Halim, but "Alisya" is just fine. I am a first year, first semester student at UiTM Shah Alam studying the course "LG243 - English for Intercultural Communications". The reason I chose this course was because I was fascinated by the classes and what skills I could hone from it, such as confidence, empathy and communication. My goal is to be listed in the Dean's list every semester and hopefully by Allah's will, stand a chance to cross the graduation stage in a pink sash. Wish me luck!!!

# data[].attributes.attachment_caption
An example of a Murut bride and groom, taken from https://youtu.be/LruiYkqgPLc?feature=shared

# data[].attributes.body
Called "limpoho", the wedding celebration takes place a few months after the pinanamung. The dowry is exchanged; gongs, jars, cloths, beads, and anything else the in-laws requested.

# data[].attributes.body
Bidayuh is a collective name for several indigenous groups of people living the southern part of Sarawak. They are noted for their hospitality and warm smiles. The name "Bidayuh" means "people of the land". "Bi" mean "people" or "orang" and "Dayuh" mean "Land". They are also known as the Land Dayaks, a term first used during the time of James Brooke, the first White Rajah (king) of Sarawak.

Their traditional homeland was in the southwestern tip of Sarawak with the vast majority living in the Kuching Division and another seven percent in the nearby Samarahan Division. As late as 1980, nearly all of the Bidayuh were found in 291 villages in the contiguous districts of Lundu, Bau, Kuching, Serian, and Samarahan.

More recently there has been increasing movement of the young, especially those with vocational or professional skills, to other parts of Sarawak. Significant numbers are now found in the towns of Miri, Sibu, and Bintulu.

# data[].attributes.body
Ceremony after final dowry payment is made. It can take place years after the limpoho and even after kids and multiple wives. This is due to the fact that Murut men back then were not able to pay their debt that quicky

Sangiang - a platform built to receive and display the final dowry

Tapai is prepared months in advance in heirloom jars to be displayed at the ceremony. The number of tapai jars along with gongs, beads, and belts will show the person’s wealth and importance

The ceremony begins by slicing a section of a bamboo filled with blessed water at the bottom of the sangiang

Guest approach the wedded couple and send them well wishes

Gong players circle the sangiang seven times to ward off evil spirits.

The sangiang is unveiled and the drinking of tapai begins

Celebrations can last for almost a week

# data[].attributes.body
(0:54) - an assortment of gifts as the final dowry is shown

(1:22) - A Murut woman adorning the traditional wedding outfit

(1:33) - the groom constructing the sangiang, the platform where the final dowry will be displayed

(1:50) - bamboo filled with blessed water is sliced

(2:30) - The groom and his family circle the final dowry gifts with a gong

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
#SPM - BINGKISAN: [PERKAHWINAN ADAT SUKU KAUM MURUT, SABAH [26 APRIL 2015]

# data[].attributes.body
The generosity of son-in-law to his in-laws and doesn’t desire any sort of property till death. It doesn't end after finally tying the knot; even after children the in-law’s are entitled to anything they want and the man is expected to provide

Husband must aid the wife's family for events such as relatives’ marriages, deaths, ect. Not necessarily money, things like kain sarung, tajau (pot/vase), gold are also acceptable

They literally can demand anything. If they visit the husband’s home and take interest in their fridge it is in their right to take their fridge

Murut people see it not as a burden but a chance to strengthen the bond and relationship between the two families

# data[].attributes.attachment_caption
The groom and his entourage performing "putaran naga", taken from https://youtu.be/N9-kmvzABA8?feature=shared

# data[].attributes.body
Bride normally takes a special bath to cleanse and beautify her face and skin. She is also forbidden to leave her house for seven to 14 days before the wedding ceremony.

When the groom and his party arrive at the bride’s doorstep during the wedding ceremony, they will walk in an anticlockwise circle 3 times. This custom is known as “putaran naga”. Afterwards, the bride’s siblings or closest relative will pour water on the edge of the groom’s feet

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
malaysian culture - marriage at sarawak majlis perkahwinan kaum kedayan nyalau.

# data[].attributes.attachment_caption
Wedding packages for the bride and bride's family, taken from (3:27) https://youtu.be/9gSSlNikVD0?feature=shared

# data[].attributes.body
Three packages wrapped in cloth are given

Package 1 - Beetlenuts, sirih leaves, matches, tobacco, leaves to wrap the tobacco, lime paste. Everyone joins in to either smoke the tobacco or eat the beetlenuts wrapped in sirih leaves

Package 2 - Money, usually RM44.44 for the bride

Package 3 - Items and accessories for the bride

# data[].attributes.attachment_caption
Bride and groom getting their teeth filed, taken from (6:37)  https://youtu.be/9gSSlNikVD0?feature=shared

# data[].attributes.body
Carried out because of their belief that they will not need to bite on the 7 layers of bamboo after they pass away

Their teeth are filed 7 times

The bridal couple bite on areca nuts (or candlenuts) to keep their mouth open

# data[].attributes.attachment_caption
A Mah Meri wedding couple, taken from (0:00) https://youtu.be/qToNdPryDPo?feature=shared

# data[].attributes.attachment_caption
The groom undergoing the ukup ritual, taken from (8:41)  https://youtu.be/9gSSlNikVD0?feature=shared 

# data[].attributes.body
The bride and groom separately carry out two rituals. First, the ukup ritual. This is where smoke from burning incense is patted onto the bride and groom. This is so the Mah Meri ancestors acknowledge the wedded couple and protect them

Then, the cleansing ritual. Tepung tawar is brushed onto the bride and groom’s hands, forehead, cheek and jaw. Lastly, a shaman holds two bowls of rice with lighted candles and dances to acknowledge the bride and groom

# data[].attributes.attachment_caption
Groom's entourage being challenged to a fight, taken from (6:02) https://youtu.be/qToNdPryDPo?feature=shared

# data[].attributes.body
Before the groom can enter the venue, the bride’s male relatives challenge him to a fight. The groom’s party are the ones to defend him

The bride is hidden behind a wall of cloth/sarong by her female relatives. The groom’s party is required to walk around them 7 times before the groom can reach in and grab his bride’s hand

# data[].attributes.attachment_caption
Groom pulling his bride from the barrier of sarongs, taken from (7:03) https://youtu.be/qToNdPryDPo?feature=shared

# data[].attributes.attachment_caption
A shaman brushing the tepung tawar-covered bridal couple using nipah leaves, taken from (15:19), https://youtu.be/9gSSlNikVD0?feature=shared

# data[].attributes.body
The bride and groom change into kain sarong. The bridal couple along with their parents have their arms and foreheads smeared with tepung tawar. Then, a shaman brushes the tepung tawar off the bridal couple using a brush made out of nipah leaves that were dipped in scented lime water

The nipah leaves are then thrown behind the shaman as a symbol of brushing away any evil energy

# data[].attributes.body
A long white cloth is held over the bridal party. Scented lime water is poured over them through the white cloth. The bridal party washes off the remaining tepung tawar, taken from (15:58) https://youtu.be/9gSSlNikVD0?feature=shared

# data[].attributes.body
Coins are poured into the white cloth also. The cloth is bounced up and down 7 times before the remaining water along with the coins are thrown out. Children and the other family members scramble to collect as many coins as possible, taken from (21:32) https://youtu.be/qToNdPryDPo?feature=shared

# data[].attributes.attachment_caption
Map of population of the Bidayuh people, taken from Magiman, M.M. & Salleh, N. (2017). Bidayuh Sarawak’s Identity in Laggie Pingadap Dance. Borneo Research Jou

# data[].attributes.attachment_caption
An illustration of a young couple getting to know one another (maasu), taken from https://www.rakansarawak.com/v3/2022/04/02/pemeliharaan-adat-resam-penting-unt

# data[].attributes.body
Courtship - If a man is interested in a woman and intends to pursue a relationship, it is through a tradition called “maasu”. Maasu literally means “to visit a girl at night”. It is always carried out at night, typically after dinner, in the presence of the woman’s parents and family members. The man is allowed to stay up with the woman until her parents and family go to bed.

If the woman’s parents object, they politely advise the young man to avoid their daughter.

# data[].attributes.body
Proposal -  The man's family will send a representative - usually an uncle or a close relative - to visit the woman’s parents and see if they give consent to their daughter accepting the hand in marriage. This applies to women below the age of 21. Though it is not needed for women above the age, it is still a sign of respect to inform the parents of this decision.

The representative is also given the task to give an outline of the man’s family background and family tree. This is to ensure the man and woman are not closely related, which is taboo in Bidayuh culture.

# data[].attributes.body
Engagement - An average family will send these engagement gifts:

- jamuh singot (black sarong)

- gold ring

- cash

A well off family will send:

- gimba (silver belt)

- jamuh singot

- gold ring

- cash

In the old days, an engagement gift would look like:

- set of three small boxes (nakan) made of bamboo, in which are placed tobacco, gambir and lime

- a bundle of hand-picked sirih leaves as big as a head

- a black sarong

- a ring

One night, a week or two after sending the representative, the man along with his parents and some relatives proceed to the woman’s house with the representative leading the entourage. They must avoid falling down or stepping on pigís dung or ants. They also beat musical instruments to prevent them from hearing sounds of bad omen from the kusah or kriak (types of birds).

When the entourage arrives, they are greeted with yellow rice (beras siya) sprinkled on them. This is a traditional welcoming of the man to their home

# data[].attributes.attachment_caption
A Bidayuh bridal couple wearing traditional clothing at their wedding celebration, taken from (0:13) https://youtu.be/3v62B2L65J8?feature=shared

# data[].attributes.body
The ceremony begins with the tua gawai sprinkling yellow rice over the couple. As he does this he invokes a prayer. After the prayer, the tua gawai will brush a white cockerel over their heads, and at the same time he invokes another prayer, followed by the sprinkling of beads over the couple. While doing this he invokes a short prayer asking God (Tepa) to bless, guide and guard the couple in their daily life. He also asks that the couple be blessed with lots of children

On the wedding night the newly married couple is considered by the adat to have acquired parental status and as such they are given a sobriquet name (adon jajang). After the name is announced the married couple is from then onward called father of so and so (sama sinuh or sindu sinuh for the bride). Once the jajang name is given, everyone in the kampong calls them by that name rather than their personal names.

After this is over entertainment follows, entertainment sometimes are in the form of traditional Bidayuh dance like berejang or birayun or even begendang. These activities will continue until morning, with lots of tuak or rice wine.

# data[].attributes.body
At 12:40, the guest play games while drinking bowls of rice wine

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
Majlis perkahwinan Bidayuh Iban di Miri.

# data[].attributes.body
Traditional Bidayuh dance, berejang

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
Tarian Etnik - Bidayuh (SK Nanga Merit, Kapit) Berejang Manuk Be'uh

# data[].attributes.body
Merisik (enquiry) - it is usually done by the man’s family. There are superstitions that if there are challenges during the journey to the woman’s home, misfortunes will happen in the future, such as an unhappy household or divorce. If the man’s family wishes to pursue, they will have a representative send a “cincin tanya” to the woman’s family, wrapped in a pretty embroidered handkerchief

Engagement (meminang) - the process is similar to that of a Malay Muslim one; the future groom’s entourage arrives at the future bride’s home, neighbors, village chief and the tok imam will bare witness, and the dowry, the engagement period, wedding date and more are discussed.

However, an added custom from the Peranakan Jawi people is that at the end of the event, after the groom’s mother slips on the engagement ring and feeds her future daughter-in-law sweets, the male family members of the future groom will also hand feed the future bride sweets and milk. It is believed that this action symbolises sweetness in the realm of marriage as well as a sign that the girl is already taken

The Peranakan Jawi people also believe that the remittance (wang hantaran) should be an odd number to symbolise the nature of Allah The Almighty.

# data[].attributes.attachment_caption
Siti Nurazlinee Azmi and Muhammad Hariz Ramesh Pillai Abdullah on their wedding day, taken from https://gempak.com/intrend/jodoh-lelaki-india-walau-lain-bangsa-

# data[].attributes.attachment_caption
An example of bridal mehndi, taken from https://youtu.be/Rlus-2XsB4c?feature=shared

# data[].attributes.body
Berinai (henna painting) - also called mehndi, this event is usually done the night before the wedding. The bride and groom, who both get henna paintings done, do so in their respective family homes.

# data[].attributes.body
A montage of a mehndi night, taken from https://youtu.be/y9YvmWM9XaY?feature=shared

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
INDIAN MUSLIM WEDDING | Sarah B & Muzakkir - Mehndi Night/Malam Berinai

# data[].attributes.body
When the akad nikah is complete, the groom will drape a garland of malei flowers and hand feed a mixture of milk and mushed up bananas to his bride. The term malei means a garland of various types of flowers such as roses, orchids and jasmines are tied using a string. They believe the malei flowers are symbolic for happiness in marriage

Atchatai, a mixture of rice, turmeric and flowers are sprinkled over the bridal couple as a sign of blessing

# data[].attributes.body
The groom will also drape a garland of thali in the form of a chain made of beads and pieces of wheat-shaped gold. Thali or tjirumaangalyam is a symbol of a sacred marriage

The thali is tied with a white thread covered in turmeric. The thali is prepared 7 to 9 days before the wedding. The men will bring gold, sandalwood, kumkum, betel nut, coconut and payment for the thali craftsmani to make sure they know the right day to make it

# data[].attributes.body
Majlis persandingan (bridal display) - the bridal couple is beautified by a mak andam (beautician) using a mixture of a plate of rice, coconut, perfume oil, kaffir lime, charcoal and betel leaves. It is believed bathing in lime water will ensure the event will run smoothly without a hitch.

# data[].attributes.attachment_caption
A bride's assortment of dazzling jewellery, taken from (1:52) https://youtu.be/dHb_ZJrIu7E?feature=shared

# data[].attributes.body
Majlis kenduri - The bridal couple adorn stunning jewellery. It is believed that the fancier the jewellery, the more special the celebration. Couples will borrow and even take out a loan in order to dress in the finest accessories. Women guests will not attend the wedding if they do not have any as to not burden the shame.

# data[].attributes.body
MURUT

Who are the Murut people?

Map of Murut tribes location

Proposal/Engagement customs

Marriage customs

KEDAYAN

Who are the Kedayan people?

Map of Kedayan tribes location

Proposal/Engagement customs

Marriage customs

MAH MERI

Who are the Mah Meri people?

Map of Mah Meri tribes location

Proposal/Engagement customs

Marriage customs

BIDAYUH

Who are the Bidayuh people?

Map of Bidayuh tribes location

Proposal/Engagement customs

Marriage customs

JAWI PERANAKAN

Who are the Jawi Peranakan people?

Map of Jawi Peranakan tribes location

Proposal/Engagement customs

Marriage customs

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
Premium Vector _ Open book from a splash of watercolor, hand drawn sketch_  illustration of paints