Spotlight on Seduan Melanau traditions. [Newspaper] (2017)
Abstract
“JANAI menyabie nyiwah jemaan,
Daau badak janai,
Tunai abai ga nyiwah japan makat taganan,
Madau makat tunai,
Su-wai menyabie nyiwah buna dusan,
Idu buna su-wai,
Ladai badak alah dipan lenyan,
Batau alah udip ladai.”
The haunting rendition of the Seduan Melanau chant known as Muah by Silvester Lai Janai resonated along the ruai of the Iban longhouse at the Sarawak Cultural Village in Santubong, Kuching. Goose bumps were felt as he blessed a ‘newly-married couple’ with an ancient melody, passed down orally from generation to generation, calling for good health and the gift of children. Lai was part of a 30-strong team from Persatuan Kebajikan Melanau Kampung Nangka Sibu that performed at the 20th Rainforest World Music Festival (RWMF) last weekend. This was the first time the minority Seduan Melanau community was invited by the Sarawak Tourism Board (STB) to share its traditional wedding ceremony, known as Surung Berian, at an international event. Association secretary Mondari Manjat said members were both thrilled and nervous to be given such a major platform.
| Item Type: | Newspaper |
|---|---|
| Keywords: | Seduan Melanau, Melanau traditions, Rites and ceremonies |
| Taxonomy: | By Niche > Ethnology > Melanau (Malaysian People) > Social Life and Customs |
| Local Content Hub: | Niche > Melanau |
| Depositing User: | Normah Sadaiee |
| Date Deposited: | 26 Apr 2024 09:33 |
| Last Modified: | 26 Apr 2024 09:33 |
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