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A Glimpse into the Rich Culture of a Sarawakian Native
Wedding |
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Sarawak, located in the eastern part of Malaysia, is home to several native
communities, each with a rich culture and unique traditions. One of these
traditions is the wedding ceremony, which is an important event in the lives of
the Sarawakian people. A Sarawakian native wedding ceremony is a colorful and
joyous occasion, where the entire village comes together to celebrate the union
of two individuals.
The wedding ceremony starts with the bridegroom and his party traveling to the
bride's village. The journey is accompanied by the beating of the gong and drum
to ward off bad omens. Upon reaching the bride's village, the groom's party is
welcomed by gunshots fired by the people in the longhouse. The ceremony
commences with an initiation session, where speakers from both sides give
speeches, introducing the bride and groom to each other's families.
The wedding ceremony takes place in the evening at the groom's longhouse. The
bride and groom, dressed in traditional costumes, sit side by side on brass
gongs, while the village headman performs the ceremony. He holds a cockerel over
their heads and recites a prayer of blessing, wishing the couple a happy married
life. The ceremony is followed by the sprinkling of beads over the couple, with
the headman invoking a prayer asking the spirits to bless and guide them in
their daily lives.
After the ceremony, food and rice wine are served, and a long list of speakers
give words of advice to the newlyweds. The entertainment follows, with
traditional dances and music that lasts until dawn.
The following morning, the bridegroom takes the bride back to his village,
accompanied by her parents and members of her longhouse. This procession marks
the end of the wedding ceremony, and the start of the couple's new life
together.
In conclusion, a Sarawakian native wedding ceremony is a vibrant and significant
event that showcases the rich culture of the Sarawakian people. It is a time
where family, friends, and the entire village come together to celebrate love
and union, and to wish the newlyweds a happy and prosperous life. |
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