CULTURE/TRADITION

This is something that's been on my mind on-off since long time ago. Being part of the ethnic race that is IBAN, one cannot but face the culture/tradition that has been ingrained into every aspect of life. Miring, Gawai, and many other rituals that has been passed down from generations by our anscestors. Even the ritual of 'nganjong anak mandi' used to be one of the important milestones that marks a person's passage through life. From childhood to adulthood and to the day that person dies, these rituals and traditions shapes and marks each and every important part of life. One particularly good book to read is "The Iban Way of Life" by Benedict Sandin.

With the introduction of religion by the early days missionaries, some of the Ibans embraced Christianity. The concept of demi-Gods (Keling, etc)/Gods(Simpulang Gana, Singalang Burung) was in contrast with the message of Christianity (One God). Thus, the rituals was viewed as paganistic rituals and the practice was gradually discarded.

In the eagerness to leave the 'old practices' and to be modern, many of the traditions and culture was discarded in favour of the more modern way of life. Assimilation of culture with other culture is inevitable as we are living in a multi-racial environment.Which is why, it was unsurprising for me to see many of today's generation have no knowledge of the rich cultural heritage. When asked of the many types of Gawai, a lady only few years older than me, answered that there's Gawai Dayak and Gawai Antu (in fact there's also Gawai Kenyalang, Gawai Batu). Some children also didn't know the traditional games and rhymes. How sad...

For me, there is no harm in preserving our rich cultural heritage. My family celebrates Gawai Antu, not for the so-called 'paganistic' notions but as a sign of respect to our ancestors (in my understanding, Gawai Antu is to celebrate the FINAL separation of the dead from the living, as a mark of the end of grieving and of moving on). My point is, preserve the tradition and where it may clash with our beliefs, try to find the best way to handle the situation. For me, it is okay for having rituals and traditions for I want my children to know their heritage and to be proud that they are Iban.

Agi enseput, agi bepanggal ka adat sereta pengingat bansa diri.