THE CULTURE
MELAKA is
one of the most culturally and historically rich city in Malaysia which has
been the centre of the powerful Melaka Sultanate since the medieval ages. It
had been colonized by The Portuguese , Dutch and British respectively , forming
an intriguing mix of cultures of Portuguese, Baba& Nyonya , Chitty and the
Aborigines.These are the cultures that are still practiced by a few descendant
communities that attract the visitors and tourist. The state , rightly dubbed “
Bandar Bersejarah” or known as Historical State in Malaysia , has an attractive
variety of sights , food, inhabitants and architecture from various cultures
that would definitely appeal impress to all visitors who visit the state.
MALAY
COMMUNITY
When
Parameswara embraced Islam, this has constituted Islam as the state‘s official
religion with Malay as the national language. Malay culture was formed as a
core culture in this multicultural country. Under the Malaysia Constitution,
the Malays together with the Son of the Soil were classified as Bumiputra which
comprises of 60% of the population in Melaka.
CLOTHING
Malay women
often wear the long sleeved tunic called the Baju Kurung or the slightly tight
fitting Kebaya . Malay men wear the Cekak Musang , a collarless shirt worn over
a loose trouser with colourful cloth known as Kain Sampin tied around their
waist . However for special cultural occasion Kain Songket, cloth woven with
gold thread is replaced with Kain Sampin.
WEDDING
It extend
to several custom ceremonies that include the Adat Meminang , the bride asking
for the woman’s hand in marriage, Adat Nikah, solemnization by the Khadi of the
wedding and Bersanding. During bersanding, the newlywed couple is seated on the
marriage dais which is well decorated with Palm Blossom where family, relatives
and friend’s go up one by one to congratulate the couple and offer their
blessing by sprinkling rose water and yellow rice wine in tradition. Guests in
return will receive a gift town as Bunga Telur as a symbol of fertility.
CULTURAL
CELEBRATION
Maulud
Nabi, Awal Muharam , Nifsu Syaaban , Hari Raya Aidilfitri and Hari Raya Quarban
are the Muslims celebrated worldwide festivals . Hari Raya Aidilfitri which is
celebrated by the Muslims signifies the end of the fasting season of Ramadan
for a month. The celebration is determined by sighting of the new moon. This is
the most significant celebration for the Muslims .Muslims start the day by
congregating in the mosques early in the morning of Raya to perform prayers
followed by visits to graves of the departed. Open house or invitation for
relatives and friends to come to their houses is practiced. Plenty of
traditional Malay delicacies are served during this festive season during this
festive season. During the festival, their houses are thoroughly cleaned and
decorated with the colorful lights.
CUISINE
Each Malay
region is well known for its own unique and signature dishes. Melaka is however
are much well known for its own unique and signature dishes. Melaka is however
are much well known for their Asam Pedas. Main Ingredients are usually
freshwater fishes cooked in tamarind fruit juice with chilies and other Malay
spices. It sometimes compliments with vegetables such as brinjals o eggplants.
ART AND
HANDICRAFT
A
traditional Malay House is made of wood without nails but with carvings on its
facade as well as the interior. The house is built with a unique staircase made
by wood which leads to Sengkuap , a large open sided veranda.
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