As regards the dances of Malaysia, there are many traditional dance forms which are still very much liked and performed in the country. Joget is a conventional dance form which is performed usually by couples, combining fast, graceful movements with good humor. Malaysia's most superb dance form is known to be the Candle Dance in which the candles are fixed on small plates and the dancer performs, holding plates in each hand. It becomes all the more fascinating to the onlooker with elegant body movements and curves.
Many of the dance forms have been originated from martial arts or theatrical forms, like Silat. Silat was actually a deadly martial art accompanied by drums and gongs, but now it has become a full-fledged performing art and is often performed at occasions. In this, the dancers carry out sparring and other graceful movements as per the beats of drums and other musical instruments. For entertaining the royal guests, Malaysians have their own folk dance - Inang.
Sunday, February 27, 2011
Sunday, February 20, 2011
Saturday, February 19, 2011
Statistics about Malaysia's Population
Population distribution by states and territories
| State | Population (2000) | Population (2010, est.) | Area (km2) | Pop. density (2010, est.) | Urban pop. % (2010, est.) | Bumiputera (%) | Chinese (%) | Indian (%) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Johor | 2,740,625 | 3,305,900 | 18987 | 174 | 66.2 | 57.1 | 35.4 | 6.9 |
| Kedah | 1,649,756 | 1,966,900 | 9425 | 209 | 40.8 | 76.6 | 14.9 | 7.1 |
| Kelantan | 1,313,014 | 1,670,500 | 15024 | 111 | 36.1 | 95.0 | 3.8 | 0.3 |
| Malacca | 635,791 | 771,500 | 1652 | 467 | 69.2 | 63.8 | 29.1 | 6.5 |
| Negeri Sembilan | 859,924 | 1,011,700 | 6644 | 152 | 56.6 | 57.9 | 25.6 | 16.0 |
| Pahang | 1,288,376 | 1,534,800 | 35965 | 43 | 42.9 | 76.8 | 17.7 | 5.0 |
| Penang | 1,313,449 | 1,596,900 | 1031 | 1549 | 80.9 | 27.5 | 61.5 | 10.6 |
| Perak | 2,051,236 | 2,460,800 | 21005 | 117 | 60.5 | 44.7 | 37.0 | 20 |
| Perlis | 204,450 | 240,100 | 795 | 302 | 35.7 | 85.5 | 10.3 | 1.3 |
| Sabah | 2,603,485 | 3,214,200 | 73619 | 44 | 49.3 | 80.5 | 13.2 | 0.5 |
| Sarawak | 2,071,506 | 2,506,500 | 124450 | 20 | 49.9 | 72.9 | 26.7 | 0.2 |
| Selangor | 4,188,876 | 5,037,600 | 7960 | 633 | 88.3 | 43.5 | 35.7 | 19.6 |
| Terengganu | 898,825 | 1,050,000 | 12955 | 81 | 51.2 | 96.8 | 2.8 | 0.2 |
| FT Kuala Lumpur | 1,379,310 | 1,722,500 | 243 | 7088 | 100.0 | 38.6 | 46.5 | 13.4 |
| FT Labuan | 76,067 | 95,500 | 92 | 1038 | 78.1 | 79.6 | 15.8 | 1.3 |
| FT Putrajaya | 45,000 | 65,000 | 148 | 439 | 100.0 | 94.8 | 1.8 | 2.7 |
Source: National Census 2000, Department of Statistics Malaysia
Sorce: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Demographics_of_Malaysia
Dance in Malaysia
Inang dance is a modernized version of the traditional mak inang folk dance. It is performed at social functions.
This dance moves at fast tempo set by the rebana, biola and gendang.
The Mak Inang song and dance originated during the period of the Malacca Sultanate. The song is said to have been composed by the order of Sultan Mahmud Shah possibly as a lullaby to help him go to sleep.
The dance is very graceful and has all the qualities of a palace performance. This dance is also called Tarian Si Kembang Cina as it has a strong Chinese flavour in the music. Sometimes the dancers hold long scarves during the performance.
Datun Julud is another popular dance form which is often recognized with Sarawak. This is a longstanding practice of storytelling, while performing dance movements. A dynamic dance form, Lion Dance is a renowned dance from Malaysia which is carried out during Chinese festivals like Chinese New Year. This dance is considered to bring good fortune and improve resistance to evil spirits. It requires perfect co-ordination and elegance on the part of dancers.
 |
| Datun Julud in Sarawak |
 |
| Lion Dance |
In Indian Culture, dance is a form of worship and an expression of the human emotion.
It is difficult to trace the origins of Indian dance but the tradition is extremely old. Initially dance was very much an integral part of the worship and prayer in temples and practiced by devotees who spent their entire lives in the temple – the devadasees.
This has now changed with the times and dance has moved out to the people and the tradition of Indian Dance is very much alive in Malaysia. Among the more popular forms are the Odissi and Bharathanatyam.
 |
| Odissi |
Malaysia's Landmark, cant miss it!
Malaysia is a country blessed with natural, out-of-the-world beauty combined with a myriad of culture influences that inspires the birth of a true tourist attraction. The landmarks in Malaysia signify the aesthetic expression of culture and everything about Malaysia. One of the most famous landmarks is Batu Caves, containing brillliant rocks formations, recreating the scenes of Indian mythology.
The infamous Thaipusam Festival held annually here is a massive tourist attraction, drawing tourists to mythicism of Indian culture. Besides that, the pride of Malaysia currently rest with the Petronas Twin Tower, and the KL tower, erected in the heart of KL's commercial hub. The wonderful glimpse of the city can be witnessed and cherished from the peaks of these towers.
From the national planetarium to the Selangor House, the landmarks in Malaysia have always something to offer from education to excitement of the whole family.
A) Menara Kuala Lumpur ( KL tower)
The Kuala Lumpur Tower which looms majestically at the height of 421m above sea level, is more than just a prominent and arresting landmark. It's the world's fifth tallest communication and multimedia broadcasting tower to date, as well as novel composition of retali, leisure and entertainment hub-including the world's highest McDonalds.
B) Petronas Twin Tower
The 88-storey Petronas Twin Tower is currently the second tallest buliding in the world after Taipei 101 in Taiwan. The Twin Tower symbolises the strength and graces using geometric principles typified in Islam architecture. It is located at the former of Selangor Tuff Club, a 100-arce site in the heart Kuala Lumpur's Golden Triangle.
Completed in 1997, the Twin Towers are a striking glass-and-steel combination with floor plans based on an eight-pointed star.
The towers are joined at the 41st and 42nd floors- linking the two sky lobbies and facilitating the movement between the two towers.
C) Penang Bridge
The Penang Bridge is a 13.5km long bridge stretching from Seberang Prai on the mainland to Gelugor on the island, this is one of many architectural wonder in Malaysia.
It was officially opened by our visionary Prime Minister, Dato' Dr. Mahathir in 1985. It ranks as the longest bridge in Asia and 5th largest in the world.
The Penang Bridge costs RM 800 million and took five years to build. Before the bridge was built, people depended upon ferry services to cross the Penang Straits
Source: http://www.virtualmalaysia.com/destination/destination_list.cfm?CurrentPage=1&Type=landmark
The infamous Thaipusam Festival held annually here is a massive tourist attraction, drawing tourists to mythicism of Indian culture. Besides that, the pride of Malaysia currently rest with the Petronas Twin Tower, and the KL tower, erected in the heart of KL's commercial hub. The wonderful glimpse of the city can be witnessed and cherished from the peaks of these towers.
From the national planetarium to the Selangor House, the landmarks in Malaysia have always something to offer from education to excitement of the whole family.
The Kuala Lumpur Tower which looms majestically at the height of 421m above sea level, is more than just a prominent and arresting landmark. It's the world's fifth tallest communication and multimedia broadcasting tower to date, as well as novel composition of retali, leisure and entertainment hub-including the world's highest McDonalds.
The 88-storey Petronas Twin Tower is currently the second tallest buliding in the world after Taipei 101 in Taiwan. The Twin Tower symbolises the strength and graces using geometric principles typified in Islam architecture. It is located at the former of Selangor Tuff Club, a 100-arce site in the heart Kuala Lumpur's Golden Triangle.
Completed in 1997, the Twin Towers are a striking glass-and-steel combination with floor plans based on an eight-pointed star.
The towers are joined at the 41st and 42nd floors- linking the two sky lobbies and facilitating the movement between the two towers.
The Penang Bridge is a 13.5km long bridge stretching from Seberang Prai on the mainland to Gelugor on the island, this is one of many architectural wonder in Malaysia.
It was officially opened by our visionary Prime Minister, Dato' Dr. Mahathir in 1985. It ranks as the longest bridge in Asia and 5th largest in the world.
The Penang Bridge costs RM 800 million and took five years to build. Before the bridge was built, people depended upon ferry services to cross the Penang Straits
Source: http://www.virtualmalaysia.com/destination/destination_list.cfm?CurrentPage=1&Type=landmark
Malaysian Festival and Fiesta! Wohoo~
One of the significant characteristics of Malaysian culture is its celebration of various festivals and events. The year is filled with colourful, exhilarating and exciting activities. Some are religious and solemn but others are vibrant, joyous events. One interesting feature of the main festivals here is the ‘open house’ custom. This is when Malaysians celebrating the festival invite friends to come by their homes for some traditional delicacies and fellowship.
Festivals such as Hari Raya Aidilfitri are celebrated mostly in the villages or home towns of the urbanites. Every year, just before the festival, Muslims nationwidebalik kampung or return to their home towns to meet their family and friends. These family reunions are also celebrated during other main festivals in the country. With people decked out in their traditional finery, these festivals are an integral feature of Malaysian society. Here are some of the festivals inMalaysia
Festivals such as Hari Raya Aidilfitri are celebrated mostly in the villages or home towns of the urbanites. Every year, just before the festival, Muslims nationwidebalik kampung or return to their home towns to meet their family and friends. These family reunions are also celebrated during other main festivals in the country. With people decked out in their traditional finery, these festivals are an integral feature of Malaysian society. Here are some of the festivals in
o Thaipusam
The sights and sounds of thousands of devotees carrying kavadis, or ornate frames as penance makes this an extraordinary festival to witness at theBatu Caves Penang .
The sights and sounds of thousands of devotees carrying kavadis, or ornate frames as penance makes this an extraordinary festival to witness at the
o Chinese New Year
The Lunar New Year is celebrated by the Chinese throughout the world and here inMalaysia
The Lunar New Year is celebrated by the Chinese throughout the world and here in
o Malaysia
All overMalaysia
All over
o Tadau Ka’amatan
Thanksgiving is offered to the spirit of the padi, Bambaazon, by the KadazanDusun inSabah . Abundant rice wine or tuak, delicious food, dancing and other festivities take place as part of the celebrations.
Thanksgiving is offered to the spirit of the padi, Bambaazon, by the KadazanDusun in
o Vesak
Religious offerings and rituals such as the ‘bathing of the Buddha’, chanting of sutras, lighting of joss sticks and ordination of monks take place in Buddhist temples around the country.
Religious offerings and rituals such as the ‘bathing of the Buddha’, chanting of sutras, lighting of joss sticks and ordination of monks take place in Buddhist temples around the country.
o Colours of Malaysia
This event kicks off with a colourful parade displaying the diversity of Malaysian culture through music and dance.
This event kicks off with a colourful parade displaying the diversity of Malaysian culture through music and dance.
o Gawai
The Ibans, Orang Ulu and Bidayuh in Sarawak celebrate this harvest festival where traditional ceremonies and dances are held in various ‘long houses’ or communal homes around the state.
The Ibans, Orang Ulu and Bidayuh in Sarawak celebrate this harvest festival where traditional ceremonies and dances are held in various ‘long houses’ or communal homes around the state.
o Food and Fruits Fiesta
This is your chance to sample the best ofMalaysia
This is your chance to sample the best of
o National Day
Malaysians everywhere celebrate Merdeka Day or the nation’s independence on this day.
Malaysians everywhere celebrate Merdeka Day or the nation’s independence on this day.
o Lantern & Mooncake Festival (Mid-Autumn)
This festival has come to symbolise a quiet celebration of peace and shared prosperity. Take delight in the colourful lanterns displayed during this time while enjoying the variety of mooncakes available.
This festival has come to symbolise a quiet celebration of peace and shared prosperity. Take delight in the colourful lanterns displayed during this time while enjoying the variety of mooncakes available.
o Deepavali
Hindus celebrate this festival of lights by adorning their homes with oil lamps, taking a ritual morning bath and offering ceremonial prayers in temples.
Hindus celebrate this festival of lights by adorning their homes with oil lamps, taking a ritual morning bath and offering ceremonial prayers in temples.
o Hari Raya Aidilfitri
The holy month of Ramadan culminates in the celebration of Han Raya Aidilfitni for Muslims around the world. Special morning prayers are held in mosques and visits are made to homes of friends and relatives.
The holy month of Ramadan culminates in the celebration of Han Raya Aidilfitni for Muslims around the world. Special morning prayers are held in mosques and visits are made to homes of friends and relatives.
o Christmas
Like their brethren around the world, Malaysian Christians attend church services, hold family dinners and exchange gifts on this festive day.
Like their brethren around the world, Malaysian Christians attend church services, hold family dinners and exchange gifts on this festive day.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)