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Thursday, March 13, 2008

Gateway to Malay Culture


Hi guys Peaco (Melvin) here. Well as you can see from the title, you know what i mean. Although its a bit off from BI, but hey its Regional studies...Anyway i don't want to pick a chapter whereby people will sleep reading it, so i chose some interesting stuff.
One of it talks bout Animism. No its not turning into an animal, its where Malays believe in the existence of spirits in everything(and they mean everything). which (spirits) was known as semangat.Sometimes, to secure a good ctch, the fisherman would worship the semangat laut by giving offerings such as a miniature boat filled with food. In the Articles of Islam Faith, their god is known as Allah. In the book, there are some Supernatural Entities of Islam Hantu Raya-It has the ability to disguise itself as someone's husband or lover and lure its victims with an astonishing sexual prowess(er..). Pontianak -This is the spirit of a woman who died while giving birth. It lures victims by disguising itself as a beautiful woman or by imitating the cry of an infant. In Islam women who died in childbirth is known as a matyr. (woah i don't want to meet her-Touch wood.Toyol -It was originally thought to be the spirit of a baby that had been exhumed and bound to serve a sorcerer who would be sent to harm people. In Islam, they are regarded as a welcome inhabitant of heaven. For social etiquette, i won't go much into it,but i would share some facts i find interesting. 1.A woman does not shake a man's hand unless there is a direct relationship between them such as father,son,brother,husband or religious teacher of extremely high standing. 2.At mealtimes it is polite to start with dishes close to you before reaching for those further away. 3.As they are Muslims, they eat with their right hand. 4.If you want to point at something,make a soft fist and point with your thumb. There is a superstition that pointing at a rainbow or celestial body will cause your finger to drop off. 5. Seating-for men they should seat with their legs crossed. Women should seat with their legs tucked beneath their body,preferably on the right and hidden under the hem if their dress.(wow if it was me,my fratured leg wouldn't stand it!)

Well guys that's all i have for you.

See ya next week!

Signing Off, Peaco
Se



[3:22 PM]


Posted at 3:22 PM, 0 Comment(s)


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