The workings of Kaul as practised by the Melanaus. [Newspaper] (2019)
Abstract
Kaul is essentially a presentation of offerings in the form of food and other items put in “serahang”, a woven receptacle on stilt, and placed at a certain spot on a beach. The ceremony is held in the belief that it can appease the spirits of the sea, rivers and forests. In turn, the appeased spirits are expected to provide the people with security, prosperity and well-being in the months ahead until the next ceremony. Kaul is believed to have been practised for more than 300 years. It was a practice of the Melanaus before the advent of Islam and Christianity. It signifies the identity and culture of the Melanaus. Nowadays, it is not only celebrated by those who hold on to traditional beliefs, but also by Muslim and Christian Melanaus. The Kaul ceremony is believed to have been first practised when measles and diarrhoea epidemics hit several villages and many people, regardless of age, died. The epidemic caused panic among the Melanaus. All efforts to stop the disease from claiming more lives failed until one day a man from a “berimopo” village was given a sign in a dream.
| Item Type: | Newspaper |
|---|---|
| Keywords: | Kaul ceremony, Malanau culture, Traditional beliefs |
| Taxonomy: | By Niche > Ethnology > Melanau (Malaysian People) > Rites and Ceremonies By Niche > Ethnology > Melanau (Malaysian People) > Social Life and Customs |
| Local Content Hub: | Niche > Melanau |
| Depositing User: | Jamil Jawi |
| Date Deposited: | 26 Jan 2024 08:38 |
| Last Modified: | 26 Jan 2024 08:38 |
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