 Malaysia
Culture & Heritage - Traditional Games & Pastimes
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TRADITIONAL GAMES & PASTIMES
Experience the Expressions of Community
Malaysians strong sense of community is reflected in many
of their traditional games and pastimes. These activities
are usually held during festivities such as before or after
the rice harvest season and to usher in the new spring.
Silat
This fascinating Malay martial art is also an international
sport and traditional dance form. Existing in the Malay Archipelago
for centuries, it has mesmerising fluid movements that are
used to confuse opponents. It is believed that practising
silat will increase one's spiritual strength in accordance
with Islamic tenets. Accompanied by drums and gongs, this
ancient art is popularly performed at Malay weddings and cultural
festivals.
Sepak Takraw
Sepak takraw, also known as sepak raga, is a traditional ball
game in which a ball made by weaving strips of buluh bamboo
or rattan together is passed about using any part of the body
except the lower arms and hands. There are two main types
of sepak takraw: bulatan and jaring. Sepak raga bulatan is
the original form in which players form a circle and try to
keep the ball in the air as long as possible. Sepak takraw
jaring is the modern version in which the ball is passed across
a court over a high net.
Wau
A wau is a traditional kite that is especially popular in
the state of Kelantan on the East Coast of Malaysia. Traditionally
flown after the rice harvest season, these giant kites are
often as big as a man - measuring about 3.5 metres from head
to tail. It is called wau because its shape is similar to
the Arabic letter that is pronounced as 'wow'. With vibrant
colours and patterns based on local floral and fauna, these
kites are truly splendid sights.
Gasing
A gasing is a giant spinning top that weigh approximately
5kg or 10lbs and may be as large as a dinner plate. Traditionally
played before the rice harvest season, this game requires
strength, co-ordination and skill. The top is set spinning
by unfurling a rope that has been wound around it. Then it
is scooped off the ground, whilst still spinning, using a
wooden bat with a centre slit and transferred onto a low post
with a metal receptacle. If expertly hurled, it can spin for
up to 2 hours.
Wayang kulit
Wayang kulit is a traditional theatre form that brings together
the playfulness of a puppet show, and the elusive quality
and charming simplicity of a shadow play. The flat two-dimensional
puppets are intricately carved, then painted, by hand out
of cow or buffalo hide. Each puppet, a stylised exaggeration
of the human shape, is given a distinctive appearance and
not unlike its string puppet cousins, has jointed "arms".
Conducted by a singular master storyteller called Tok Dalang,
wayang kulit usually dramatises ancient Indian epics.
Congkak
Congkak is a game of wit played by womenfolk in ancient times
that required no more than holes in the earth and tamarind
seeds. Today, it has been refined to a board game. It consists
of a wooden board with two rows of five, seven, or nine holes
and two large holes at both ends called "home".
Congkak, played with shells, pebbles or tamarind seeds, requires
two players
Chingay
Famously from the state of Penang,
Chingay or The Giant Flags Procession is a spectacular procession
that celebrates the arrival of spring during the New Year
season. Its trademark elements are giant triangular flags
and lanterns. These flags equally huge poles are balanced
on performers foreheads, chins, lower jaws and shoulders.
Other entertainers include dancers, jugglers and magicians.
Sepak manggis
Sepak manggis is a unique outdoor game played by the Bajau
and Iranun men of Sabah. Forming a circle and facing each
other, players aim to strike the bunga manggis floral carrier
that dangles from a 10-metre high pole. The winner will be
rewarded with money, gift or edibles, which are in the carrier.
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