Malaysian society consisting of Malay, Chinese, Indian, Iban, Dayak, Kadazandusun, Eurasians and other groupsMalay: bajukurung/kebayaandbajumelayuChinese: Cheongsam & Indian: Sari & Shervani
We have different varieties of food...combination of different cultures.
In general, music of Malaysia may be categorized as classical, folk, syncretic (or acculturated music), popular and contemporary art music. Classical and folk music emerged during the pre-colonial period and exists in the form of vocal, dance and theatrical music such as Nobat, Mak Yong, MakInang, Dikirbarat, Ulekmayang and Menora. The syncretic music developed during the post-Portuguese period (16th century) and contains elements from both local music and foreign elements of Arabian, Persian, Indian, Chinese and Western musical and theatrical sources. Among genres of this music are Zapin, Ghazal, Dondangsayang, Joget, Jikey, Boria, Keroncong and Bangsawan
Dance is a popular cultural form in Malaysia.The influence of various cultures is inherent in the culture of Malaysia and it is also visible in its dance. Dances act as an added attraction in celebrations, be it wedding parties, reception, religious ceremonies or any other event.Mak YongAmong the many different traditional theatre of the Malays, no other dance drama has a more captivating appeal than Mak Yong. This ancient classic court entertainment combine romantic stories, operatic singing and humour.JogetThe Joget is the most popular traditional dance of Malaysia. It is a lively rendition with fast upbeat tempo and performed by couples who combine fast hand and leg movements. The Joget has its origins traced back to the Portuguese folk dance which was introduced to Malacca during the era of the spice trade.SumazauThe Sumazau is the national dance of Sabah. Dancers comprising two rows of men and women, dance facing each other in a slow rhythmic movement, with hand gestures imitating the flight of birds. Candle Dance Dancers hold a small saucer to which a lighted candle is firmly stuck. With graceful body movements, dancers turn saucers upside down without allowing candles to be extinguished.KudaKepangThe KudaKepang dance is performed by nine dancers who are seated astride a two dimensional 'horse' made of hide. The dancers re-enact the early Islamic battles in enthusiastic gestures and vigorous action. This dance-drama is performed in accompaniment to a rich and exotic rendition of traditional music played with indigenous instruments such as gongs, tambourines and angklungs.DatunJuludThe DatunJulud is a populardance of Sarawak. It symbolizes the happiness of a prince for being blessed with a grandson. It was from this divine blessing that the dance became widespread among the Kenyah tribe of Sarawak. The Sape, a musical instrument renders the dance beats which are often accompanied by singing and clapping of hands.
Chinese OperaSeen on special Chinese festivals such as the Festival of Hungry Ghosts, actors in heavy make-up and elaborate costumes perform period dramas laced with songs backed by traditional music.Classical Indian DancesClassical Indian dances are traditionally performed in temples by devadasi (servants of God) because these dances are regarded as an offering to God, higher than offerings of donations, flowers or mantras (prayers).One such temple dance is the BharataNatyam which originated in South India in the 3rd century. BharataNatyam has great religious significance. The traditional obeisance to God is always observed by the dancer before performing the dance.BharataNatyam involves six stages in the performance which combine the elements of Nritta (pure dance) and Nritya (expressive dance). Nritta comprises basic dance units called Adavus. Each Adavus contains three elements-the standing position, the movement of legs and feet and the hand gestures. Music is based on ragas (tunes).BhangraThe Bhangra Dance, is very much a feature of the Sikh community and has its roots in Punjab, India. A harvest dance, it incorporates dexterity of the dancers and a host of stunts. The Bhangra is a vibrant and colourful dance accompanied by a medley of folk songs and a musical instrument such as the drum tambourine and a musical clapper.
