The Bidayuh people of Sarawak Borneo: Ritual and ceremonies

• Main Authors: Pawi, Awang Azman Awang, Ungang, Chali
• Format: Article
• Published: Aesthetics Media Services-Aesthetixms 2021
• Subjects: HM Sociology; HN Social history and conditions. Social problems. Social reform; HT Communities. Classes. Races
• Online Access: http://eprints.um.edu.my/35966/; https://www.scopus.com/inward/record.uri?eid=2-s2.0-85109039190&doi=10.21659%2fRUPKATHA.V13N2.26&partnerID=40&md5=7605b85e69c0eb3d31cc9428e63eb708

This study aims to analyse the role of rituals and ceremonies of the Bidayuh tribes in Sarawak Borneo as a way of life of the Bidayuh people. Therefore, the cultural history of the Bidayuh people as well as the function and influence to the entire community which becomes the pride and identity is analysed. The data were taken from the Bajo asal (traditional songs), girite Bidayuh damba (stories and legendary), and the exploration and preview of the authenticity of the role in the manifestation of the Bidayuh culture and tradition in the numerous villagers through dynamic modernization. The content analysis was used to identify the rituals and ceremonies of the ethnic group. With this regard, emic perspective approach was applied to the study of the description of Bidayuh ritual, focussing on the internal elements and their functions in the Bidayuh society area in Bau, Padawan, and Serian division of Sarawak. Among the findings of this community is how important it is to preserve their beliefs to make sure the management of paddy fields are always cared for and preserve abundant harvests, apart from the 'guardians' to safe keep the peace of the village. The function and preservation through the ritual and ceremonies as their weltanschauung, influences the peasant society in that area. The study is highlighted to ensure people that the existence of the ritual and ceremonies is still implemented in the modern era as a part of the ancient heritage in Borneo Island- Sarawak. © AesthetixMS 2021.