The Festivals In Malaysia

Proud to be Malaysian...

Citrawarna

Citrawarna 1Malaysia, also known as the Colours of 1Malaysia returns for another year of showcasing the best of what Malaysia has to offer. Founded in 1999 to reflect the rich cultures that Malaysia represents, the event has since spread awareness of Malaysia’s artistic, geological and cultural gems to many parts of the world.

Held every year at Dataran Merdeka, Kuala Lumpur, the 2011 occurred on 21 May and is estimated to have attracted over 100,000 people, both local and foreign, as well as reaching over 25 million viewers through television, broadcasted internationally to a great number of countries such as China, Vietnam and Macau, to name a few.

Malaysia where is a bubbling, bustling melting pot of races and religions that Malays, Indians, Chinese and many other ethnic groups live together in peace and harmony. Multiculturalism didn’t only made Malaysia a gastronomically paradise, it has also made Malaysia home to hundreds of colourful festivals. No wonder we, Malaysians love celebrating and socialising. Malaysians are very warm and friendly.

I think that Malaysians are the one who make the country colourful and these people are so called colour of Malaysia. Those God’s works which colouring and beautified our country are unable to finish here. I would like to brief about traditional clothes of different races in Malaysia because I think it was the colours where can find on “Colour of Malaysia”.

Malay

Before the 20th century, Malay women wore Kemban, just sarongs tied above the chest in public. As Islam became more widely embraced, they started wearing the more modest yet elegant – ‘Baju Kurung’. The ‘Baju Kurung’ is a knee-length loose-fitting blouse that is usually worn over a long skirt with pleats at the side. Typically, these traditional outfits are completed with a ‘Tudung’ (headscarf).The traditional attire for Malay men is ‘Baju Melayu’. The ‘Baju Melayu’ is a loose tunic worn over trousers. It is usually complemented with a ‘Sampin’ - a short sarong wrapped around the hips. These traditional outfits carry through with a ‘Songkok’ (Skull cap).

Chinese

Comfortable and elegant, the traditional cheongsam or 'long dress' is also a popular contemporary fashion choice for ladies. Usually, it has a high collar, buttons or frog closures near the shoulder, a snug fit at the waist and slits on either one or both sides. It is often made of shimmering silk, embroidered satin or other sensual fabrics.

Indian

The saree is the world-renowned traditional Indian garment. A length of cloth usually 5-6 yards in width, the saree is worn with a petticoat of similar shade and a matching or contrasting ‘choli’ or blouse. Typically, it is wrapped around the body such that the ‘pallau’ (its extensively embroidered or printed end) is draped over the left shoulder. The petticoat is worn just above or below the bellybutton and functions as a support garment to hold the saree. Popular with northern Indian ladies is Salwar kameez or Punjabi suit; a long tunic worn over trousers with a matching shawl. The Kurta is the traditional attire for men on formal occasions. It is a long knee-length shirt that is typically made from cotton or linen cloth.

Baba Nyonya

Chinese immigrants who married Malay partners wore the elegant ‘Kebaya’ that can be described as traditional haute couture. Hand-made with great skill using sheer material, its intricate embroidery is equivalent to the best Venetian lacework. The piece de resistance is a delicate needlework technique called Tebuk Lubang (literally to punch holes). This involves sewing the outlines of a floral motif on the fabric and cutting away the insides. When done correctly, the end result is fine lace-like embroidery on the collar, lapels, cuffs, hem and the two triangular front panels, which drape over the hips, known as the Lapik.