9/25/12 Party with East Malaysians!

Party with East Malaysians!

Thinking of visiting for a four-day holiday? Make it and , the East Malaysian

file:///C:/Users/dieselfire/Desktop/Sample_flywithme.sg.htm 3/5 9/25/12 Party with East Malaysians! states, on 30 May – 2 and find out if you have what it takes to celebrate their harvest festivals.

The East Malaysian states of Sabah and Sarawak are typically depicted as picturesque sleepy towns with minimal activity. But every year from 30 May – 2 June, these states come alive with revered camaraderie and cheer (among others). Traditionally an agriculture society, the harvest festivals are important as it marks the end of a season and the beginning of another.

Originating from the days of the Kadazandusuns, the Tadau has been revered and celebrated as public holidays in Sabah since 1960. Predominantly farmers, the Kadazandusuns are the largest ethnic people in Sabah who verily believed that a spirit lies within all natural things, be it trees, rocks, rivers and plants, and that these souls are to be appeased through specific rituals to maintain a harmonious co-existance.

The Tadau Kaamatan, or Harvest Festival is an interesting and unique celebration to honour the Rice Spirit that the Kadazandusun people recognize as Bambaazon, whom they believed is embodied in all forms of rice. The celebration was also to give thanks for yet a bountiful harvest year. To kickstart the celebration, a beauty pageant will be held in search of the Unduk Ngadau. This pageant is held in honour of Humidonun, the daughter of the Almighty God or Creator of the Kadazandusun. Ancient folklore tells of how Humidonun was sacrificed by her father to feed his people. It was believed that various parts of Humidonun were planted from which plants grew and harvested. The winner of this pageant will thus represent all that is virtuous of Humidonun. Traditionally, the Unduk Ngadau was only held state-wide but in recent years has also included representatives from other states of , as long as they fulfil the minimal requirement: contestants must of Sabahian heritage. To date, there has only been one Unduk Ngadau winner who went on to become a national personality – television personality Daphne Iking.

Like every other celebrations around the world, a banquet will accompany this festival. Be prepared to feast on local cuisine such as the hinava (fermented fish), usually made with mackerel, and local kuihs such as the pinjaram, and more. The Tadau Kaamatan is also the best time to try out local brewed rice wines like and . Be aware that you may be required to participate in the Sumazau dance during this time.

On the evening of 31 May, travel over to Sarawak (by air or boat, depending where in Sabah you will be from) and get ready for Gawai Dayak, the Sarawak version of the Tadau Kaamatan. As with Sabah, the mode of celebration varies from one place to another but each will present local delicacies such as the penganan and ngelulun pulut. The Sarawak rice wine tuak will also make an appearance during this time. Gawai Dayak was first celebrated on 1 June in 1965 and it quickly became a symbol of hope, unity and aspiration for the Dayak community.

If you are planning to visit a during this time, you will be given the ai tiki as a welcome . There are myriad of activities planned for the festival, such as cockfighting matches, blowpipe competitions, and a showcase of the Ibans’ Ngajat dance. As many of the Dayaks return to their ancestral longhouse to celebrate this festival, many would also take this opportunity to hold weddings to celebrate with friends and family thusiIf you are lucky, you may be able to visit one or two traditional Dayak weddings during your stay.

Although some of this ancient beliefs and traditions have ceased to appeal to the modern community, it is still regarded as an integral part of the heritage and culture of the peoples of Sabah and Sarawak. Hence to retain this phenomenal cultural heritage, the peoples of Sabah and Sarawak take especial care to celebrate these festivals and market them to visitors and citizens alike to take part in the special customs and celebrations. Thus put on your dancing shoes and note the dates in your calendar as the harvest festivals begin! file:///C:/Users/dieselfire/Desktop/Sample_flywithme.sg.htm 4/5