The Malay Culture Part Satu

Instead of a lengthy essay,let me just present you an essential guide to understanding the Malay culture.........

Part 1:Clothing

Yes,we've all seen them being sold at the Geylang area. And with the Hari Raya season dawning upon us in 2 months time,you'll see them even more... But do we know their proper names?Heck,do we even know how to pronounce it properly?? Let's get down to business..

Baju Kurung
(bah-ju ku-rong)

Loose-fitting full dress
Comes with a skirt and blouse
Extends till between hips and knees,Collarless
Made of silk imported from Japan,South Korea,Turkey(globalisation!) or as the traditionalists prefer,Kelantan,Malaysia
Popularised in the late 19th century
Complete with a ....

Tudung
(tu-dohng)

Also noticeable is the fact that most baju kurung have a flowery and geometric pattern to them (like the above)


Baju Melayu
(bah-ju meh-la-yu)

For MEN
Consists of the baju (top) and the trousers
The collar is a raised stiff one i.e almost non-existent
Made of cotton,silk,polyester
Fastened by kancing (nice little dress studs)
Complete with

Songkok
(sohng-coke)
And

Kain Samping
(kai-yain-some-peng)
(Minus the pink ribbons)

Well that's it for now.
Now,you know what to get,the next time you go shopping at Geylang.
And I guess primary school kids taking Social Studies can use this for their tests.
Stay tuned for
Part 2:Food

ilovemyculture