Getting a Taste of Negeri Sembilan’s Perpatih Customs

Seremban, Malaysia - Negeri Sembilan is a state well known for its Perpatih customs, a matrilineal system of customary laws that gives natives of this state a distinct identity.

The customs, which originated in Minangkabau in Indonesia and date back to the 14th century, continue to be practiced even today. In addition, most buildings have distinctive Minangkabau roofs in the region, which also boasts a host of clans and customary districts, tantalizing food, as well as a royalty known for its splendour and pageantry.

A cultural extravaganza entitled "Citra Budaya Perpatih Negeri Sembilan 2011", showcasing Perpatih customs and heritage and promoting the state and its people, was held in the state recently.

The event, which was held in conjunction with the Ministry of Information Communication and Culture, the Ministry of Tourism and the Negeri Sembilan State Government, not only helped showcase traditions unique to the state but also rekindled interest in Perpatih customs among the younger generation and from people outside the state.

A Continuous Effort

Mohamed Adnan Hamzah, Director of Culture and Arts for Negeri Sembilan, said that the event itself played an important role in preserving Perpatih customs amid the rapid pace of modernization.

For people who are not familiar with the traditions of Negeri Sembilan, the event was the best platform to become acquainted with the customs and traditions that are proudly followed by the natives of the state.

Throughout the three-day event, there were cultural shows, exhibition/dioramas on the customs, costumes, food and even seminars for invited guests at several locations in Seremban and Kuala Klawang in Jelebu.

The Minister of Information Communication and Culture, Datuk Seri Rais Yatim, a native of Negeri Sembilan and a Member of Parliament for Jelebu, said that even though Perpatih customs were unique to the people of the state, other people could learn from them to improve their understanding of the spirit of 1Malaysia.

He noted that programmes like this could help preserve the Minangkabau society's heritage.

"First, this provides an avenue to bring together the heads of the customary districts on a common cultural platform to showcase our traditions. Secondly, it is meant to instill love for these customs among our children. The third objective is to contribute towards the 1Malaysia concept through cultural extravaganzas," he explained.

Among the Itenararies

From the several performances, the one that captured the attention of most people at Citra Budaya Adat Perpatih Negeri Sembilan 2011 was the 'tarian piring' dance performed by 1,000 Malay, Chinese, Indian, Sikh and Orang Asli students at the Seremban Municipal Council field.

The dance even entered the Malaysia Book of Records (MBR) for the maximum number of dancers in a single dance performance.

The graceful dance, which had participants holding saucers in their hands, mesmerised the 3,000-strong audience and VIPs that night. Several people even moved closer to the giant stage on the field to get a closer look.

At the event, Negeri's Menteri Besar presented an MBR plaque for the dance, which created a new record, to Information Communication and Culture Secretary General Datuk Seri Kamaruddin Siaraf.

Other artists who participated in the event came from the Kumpulan Kesenian Aswara, the Culture and Arts Department of Negeri Sembilan, Melaka and Perak and the Kumpulan Permanis Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia (UKM).

A cultural group from West Sumatera and Bukit Tinggi, both of which are located in Indonesia, also performed at the event.

Source: http://www.bernama.com
Photo Source: http://www.jkkn.gov.my

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