# data[].attributes.body
Introduction

Table of contents

Kadazandusun

Iban

Punjabi

Bajau Laut

Mah Meri

Reflection

# data[].attributes.body
Name: Nayli Batrisyia An-Nasiha Binti Nor ' Azlan
Student ID: 2021494472

Group: LG2431B

Subject: EIC404
Lecturer: Dr. Maizura Mohd Noor

I choose religion as the cultural element from each ethnic because I am interested to know how far of a difference is one religion to the other. For me, religion has always intertwined with one’s way of living. Religion also shapes and decides how we live life.

Here I present to you my searches and findings of religions from Kadazandusun, Iban, Punjabi, Bajau Laut and Mah Meri people. Hope we can both gain benefits from this knowledge!

# data[].attributes.body
1. Project, J. (2021). Mah Meri, Besisi in Malaysia. Joshuaproject.net. https://joshuaproject.net/people_groups/13213/MY?__cf_chl_rt_tk=zLe63FBD1s.arlCSQxh0kWWwDS5Tk5pdL9wrmnIb.C8-1636798807-0-gaNycGzNChE

2. Rosnon, M., & Shaari, M. (2020). Youth and Community Wellbeing: Issues, Challenges and Opportunities for Empowerment V2. International Journal of Academic Research in Business and Social Sciences, 10(16), 73–95. https://doi.org/10.6007/IJARBSS/v10-i16/8293

3. Koshy, E. (2019, February 24). The mystical dance of the ancient spirits! NST Online; New Straits Times. https://www.nst.com.my/lifestyle/sunday-vibes/2019/02/463091/mystical-dance-ancient-spirits?__cf_chl_captcha_tk__=llxf3LSXkpvLiHp_Oy7FUaRZKqpWyBq_7W7cXG2i.UM-1636798762-0-gaNycGzNENE

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
The mystical dance of the ancient spirits

# data[].attributes.body
1. Waddington, R. (2021). Indigenous Peoples of the World — The Bajau. Peoplesoftheworld.org. https://www.peoplesoftheworld.org/text?people=Bajau

2. Bajau Laut are already Muslims, says Mufti | Daily Express Online - Sabah’s Leading News Portal. (2021). Dailyexpress.com.my. https://www.dailyexpress.com.my/news/165774/bajau-laut-are-already-muslims-says-mufti/

3. Hussin, H. (2019). Buwas Kuning(Yellow Rice) and its Symbolic Functions Among the Sama-Bajau of Malaysia. SAGE Open, 9(4), 215824401988514. https://doi.org/10.1177/2158244019885140

4. Anis, M., & Hussin, H. (2006). Mag-igal and Igal-Jin: Dancing the Spirits of the Ancestors in the Rituals of Magduwata of the Bajau Kubang in Bumbum Island, Semporna, East Malaysia (pp. 10–16). http://eprints.um.edu.my/25076/1/Mag-igal%20and%20Igal-Jin%20Dancing%20the%20Spirits%20of%20the%20Ancestors%20in%20the%20Rituals%20of%20Magduwata%20of%20the%20Baj.pdf

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
Mag-igal and Igal-Jin Dancing the Spirits of the Ancestors in the Rituals of Magduwata of the Baj

# data[].attributes.body
1. Zain, A. D. Md., Awang, J., Embong, R., Omar, S. M. H. S., & Ali, S. (2017). The Khalsa and the Non-Khalsa within the Sikh Community in Malaysia. International Journal of Academic Research in Business and Social Sciences, 7(8). https://doi.org/10.6007/ijarbss/v7-i8/3222

2.  BBC - Religions - Sikhism: Sikh Beliefs. (2014). Bbc.co.uk. https://www.bbc.co.uk/religion/religions/sikhism/beliefs/beliefs.shtml

3. Zain, A. D. Md., & Ismail, M. S. (2018). Sikhism’s Identity and Challenges in Malaysia: A Literature Review. International Journal of Academic Research in Business and Social Sciences, 8(7). https://doi.org/10.6007/ijarbss/v8-i7/4525

4. Amrit Sanskar - Practices in Sikhism - GCSE Religious Studies Revision - Eduqas - BBC Bitesize. (2021). BBC Bitesize. https://www.bbc.co.uk/bitesize/guides/zm848mn/revision/6

# data[].attributes.body
1. Hays, J. (2015). IBAN | Facts and Details. Factsanddetails.com. https://factsanddetails.com/indonesia/Minorities_and_Regions/sub6_3f/entry-4019.html#chapter-1

2. ‌Anak Anggo, F., & Laja, L. (2018). The Function and Role in the IBAN Social Rank in their Communities. International Journal of Engineering & Technology, 7(2.29), 639. https://doi.org/10.14419/ijet.v7i2.29.13989

3. Bilon@Senang, B. M., & Tugang, N. (2018). The Iban Traditional Religion: Miring. Journal of Borneo-Kalimantan, 4(1), 37–42. https://doi.org/10.33736/jbk.920.2018

4. Adilawati, A., & Bibiana, A. (2018). The Iban Folk Belief. Special Issue: Transforming Community towards a Sustainable and Globalized Society, 8(14), 100–107. https://doi.org/10.6007/IJARBSS/v8-i14/5031

5. GAWAI DAYAK FESTIVAL - Tourism Malaysia Corporate Site. (2021). Tourism.gov.my. https://www.tourism.gov.my/media/view/gawai-dayak-festival

# data[].attributes.body
1. Project, J. (2016). Kadazan, Eastern in Malaysia. Joshuaproject.net. https://joshuaproject.net/people_groups/11694/MY

2. Kadazan | Encyclopedia.com. (2021). Encyclopedia.com. https://www.encyclopedia.com/humanities/encyclopedias-almanacs-transcripts-and-maps/kadazan

3. KDCA Sabah. (2021). Kdca.org.my. https://kdca.org.my/about/kadazandusun/genesis

An extensive reading on how their animistic belief develops (page 15-20):

Evans, I. H. (1953). The Religions of The Tempasuk Dusuns of North Borneo. New York: Cambridge University Press
https://books.google.com.my/books?hl=id&lr=&id=B6iNgYDrSpcC&oi=fnd&pg=PR1&ots=W-ysiimy5W&sig=VIjonEdM8qs1kPmH6rMjcbTsBKM&redir_esc=y#v=onepage&q&f=false‌

# data[].attributes.body
1. The Mah Meri believes in Tuhan, the creator of all things but they feel like, He is not interested in humans. Also a part of reasons why they choose to worship Moyang instead. [2]

2. Hari Moyang is held to pay respects to the ancestors and spirits (Koshy, 2019). [3][2]

3. It consists of dances to the beat of the drums. [3]

On this day, the door between the human world and the spirit is opened. The spirits who are summoned give advice, blessings and warnings to the shaman in return of their offerings and gratitude.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
Hari Moyang of Mah Meri Tribe (Puja Pantai)

# data[].attributes.body
Everything is possessed by spirits, even humans. [1][2]

The word 'Moyang' for them means ancestors and spiritual beings.[2]

Ti' Enam (Sixth World) is where the humans live. [2]

Ti' Tujuh (Seventh World) is the residence for their Moyangs. [2]

Starting from the fifth layer and beneath are filled with bad spirits and ghosts. [2]

Their unique wood-carved masks are actually inspired by dreams that they have in which their Moyang comes to tell or warn them about something. [2]

These masks are then used for rituals, prayers and ceremonies. [2]

# data[].attributes.body
1. Major: Ethnoreligion (animistic belief) [2]

2. Minor: Islam and Christian [2]

# data[].attributes.body
The Senoi's subgroup (Project, 2021). [1]

Mostly found at Carey Island, Selangor (Zuhairi et al., 2020). [2]

Mah: people, Meri: forest. Originally known as the Besisi, another name being Ma Betisek (people with fish scales). [1]

# data[].attributes.body
1. Mag-omboh (magpaii-bahau), the annual rice ritual, is also a reunion between living and the dead. [3]

2. Seven bowls of Buwas Kuning offerings are presented to their ancestors. [3]

3.  The ritual is divided into 3 rites (Anis & Hussin, 2006): [4][3]

preparation of the offerings (mag-patanak)

rites of mag-omboh (amangan pai bahau)

music and dance ritual (mag-tagunggu’ and mag-igal)

4. The climax of the ritual starts with family members and guests recite Islamic hymns and du'a. [4]
5. Mag-igal, which is a healing ceremony. To form a physical and spiritual stability. These are executed by igal-jin (spirit bearer), jinn Lella for male and jinn denda for female. [4]

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
SPM 2017 - TARIAN IGAL-IGAL DAN TARIAN SUMAZAU OLEH PELAJAR SK LINDUNGAN, SABAH [9 SEPT 2017]

# data[].attributes.body
Some of the Bajau still believe in their ancient mythology which is lead by the supreme deities, Umboh Tuhan (Umboh Dilaut) and his consort, Dayang Mengilai (Hussin, 2019). [3][1]

In certain places among their community, they equate Umboh Tuhan with Allah. [3]

This shows that their understanding is still minimal as they choose to believe in both beliefs. [3][2]

The rituals are also often associated with Islamic elements. [3]

Picture above is a man's grave marker that is used by the Bajau. Originated from pre-Islamic era, but is now slowly disappearing because of Islamic influence (Man’s Grave Marker (Sunduk) | Bajau | The Metropolitan Museum of Art, 2021).

# data[].attributes.body
1. Major: Islam (Bajau Laut are already Muslims, says Mufti | Daily Express Online - Sabah’s Leading News Portal, 2021). [2][1]

2. Minor: Catholics and Protestants

3. Prior: Animism

# data[].attributes.body
The second largest ethnic group in Sabah (Waddington, 2021). [1]

Mostly found at Semporna, Sabah. [1]

Nomadic lifestyle, also called Sea Gypsies. [1]

# data[].attributes.body
1. Amrit Sanskar, the rite of initiation into the Khalsa (initiated Sikhs, they who commit themselves to a daily discipline) (Amrit Sanskar - Practices in Sikhism - GCSE Religious Studies Revision - Eduqas - BBC Bitesize, 2021). [1][4]

2. The ceremony goes: [1][4]

The initiated one has to wear the five K's.

Guru Grant Sahib, a sacred text of the Sikh, has to be   read by a granthi, the one who leads the ceremony.

Amritdhari Sikhs (who has already been initiated) represent the Panj Pyare (the first five who created 'Khalsa'), stir the amrit (holy liquid made of sugar and water) mixture with a khanda (a double-edged sword).

Ends with the congregation shares Karah Parshad, a blessed food (a sweet pudding made from wheat flour, sugar, clarified butter and water).

# data[].attributes.body
The Punjabis believe in their god who cannot take a human form and genderless (BBC - Religions - Sikhism: Sikh Beliefs, 2014). [2]

They also believe in equality and seva (selfless service). [2]

Panch Kekaar (5K), the five symbols or signs of their identity (Zain & Ismail, 2018): [3]

- Kesh (long hair)
- Kara (metal bracelet)
- Kirpan (small sword)
- Kachera (short pants)
- Kangha (comb)

# data[].attributes.body
1. Major: Sikh

2. Minor: Islam and Hindu

# data[].attributes.body
An ethnic minority in Malaysia (Zain et al., 2017). [1]

Originally from Punjab (North India and Pakistan), sent by the British to Malaya as political prisoners for the first time. [1]

The second time, they came as recruits to the armed forces of British (police, guards, military). [1]

# data[].attributes.body
Also known as Sea Dayaks, the largest ethnic group in Sarawak (Hays, 2015)[1] (Anak Anggo & Laja, 2018)[2]

Once feared for its strong reputation and headhunting tradition. [1]

Historically came from Kapuas river in Indonesia (Bilon@Senang & Tugang, 2018).[3] [1]

# data[].attributes.body
1. 3 religious practitioners: [1][2]

The bard (lemambang), servants of God, the one who chants at major rituals and events, the one who cries for funerals.

The augur (tuai burung), forecasters, mainly associated with rice cultivation.

The shaman (manang), consultants for sickness and ailments.

2. Miring, a ceremony, is not only for worshipping and honouring their God (Petara), Holy Spirit (Orang Panggau & Bunsu Antu) but also for strengthening the bond of the community (Noria et al., 2018). [4][3]

3. Gawai Dayak, a celebration and ritual to celebrate the harvesting season of the rice. Gawai means 'festivals'. Guests are welcomed with tuak (traditional Dayak rice wine) and their special cuisine (GAWAI DAYAK FESTIVAL - Tourism Malaysia Corporate Site, 2021). [5]
4. Gawai Antu, rituals for the dead, sending them back to Sebayan (another world). [5]

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
#PETRONASGawai Episode 9: The Celebration

# data[].attributes.body
The Ibans believe in Sengalang Burong, the bird-god who guides them. [1]

'Nothing happen without a cause,' is a saying that they strongly hold. [1]

They also believe trees talk and the sounds of crickets determine our fetus' sex. [1]

# data[].attributes.body
1. Major: Christian

2. Minor: Islam

3. Prior: Paganism and Animism

# data[].attributes.body
1. Taadu Kaamatan (Harvest Festival) is done to thank their God for sacrificing his daughter to produce useful plants and fertile soil. [2]

2. Momuga, the hair-cutting ceremony takes place when a newborn child reaches one month of age. To announce a new member of the community. [2]

3. Bobohizan or Bobolian are the priestess in charge of religious ceremony. Other roles such as: [2]

medium to communicate with spirits

healer to exorcise evil spirits that may bring sickness.

leader to guide the deceased spirit at funerals (to Mount Kinabalu, its final journey).

# data[].attributes.body
They believe in two deities that are called 'Kinohoringan' (male/husband) and 'Umunsumunda' (female/wife) (KDCA Sabah, 2021). [3]

Evil spirits reside in every nature's existence (forest, rivers, mountains)- all of which need to be respected and pacified. [2]

Mount Kinabalu, also a World Heritage Site, was believed to be the resting place for the spirits of the dead. [2]

# data[].attributes.body
(Kadazan | Encyclopedia.com, 2021) [2][1]

1. Major: Christian

2. Minor: Islam

3. Prior: Animism (Momolianism)

# data[].attributes.body
The largest ethnic group in Sabah (Project, 2016). [1]

Found mostly in Penampang.

'Kadazan' means 'People of the Land'.