What is Islam?
Human Rights Report 2007
Water Village
Brunei Wins Gold
Cultural Information
The official language is Malay. Other languages include English
and Chinese (various dialects).
Brunei's culture mainly derived from the Old Malay World,
which encompassed the Malay Archipelago and from this
stemmed what is known as the Malay Civilisation. Based on
historical facts, various cultural elements and foreign
civilisations had a hand in influencing the culture of this
country. Thus, the influence of culture can be traced to four
dominating periods of animism, Hinduism, Islam and the
West. However, it was Islam that managed to wound its roots
deeply into the culture of Brunei hence it became a way of life
and adopted as the state's ideology and philosophy.
Brunei Darussalam is richly endowed with cultural heritage
steadfastly maintained until today. The setting up of the Arts
and Handicraft Centre in 1975 is a living testimony as to the
preservation and the proliferation of the arts and crafts of the
bygone days which Brunei was renown for such as boat
making, silver-smithing, bronze tooling, cloth weaving as well
as mat and basket weaving. Relics and other various artistic
heritage of Brunei Darussalam besides the ones mentioned
above include Malay weaponry, wood carvings, traditional
games, traditional musical instruments, 'silat' (the traditional
art of self defence) and decorative items for women. Some of
these are kept in the Brunei Museum and the Malay
Technology Museum; not only for the world to see but most
importantly for today's generation to admire and be proud of,
for future generation to emulate, perhaps and something to
remind us of our forefather's natural skill, creativity and
innovativeness which over generations has been ingrained as
one of the richest traditional culture in the Malay world.
The life of the average Bruneian revolves around his religion, Islam, with certain things being
forbidden (haram), certain things tolerated but not encouraged (makruh) and certain things which
fall under the embrace of Islam (halal). Pork, the consumption of alcohol, eating meat not
slaughtered under Islamic guidance, casual touching, adultery, and coming into contact with the
wet nose or hair of a dog are baram. Smoking and eating shellfish are considered makruh.
Bruneians shake hands by only lightly touching hands and then bringing the hand back to the
chest; it is not customary to shake hands with members of the opposite sex. You should not point
your finger, instead use the thumb of your right hand with the four fingers folded beneath it. To
call a taxi or attract someone's attention, wave the whole hand with the palm facing down wards.
Do not smack the fist of your right hand into your left palm, because it has a different meaning in
Brunei to that of Western countries. When visiting a mosque, you should always remove your
shoes first and you should not pass in front of a person at prayer or touch the Koran. Women
should cover their heads and not have their knees or arms exposed. Gifts and particularly food
should only be passed with the right hand, although it is acceptable to use the left hand under the
right wrist for support.
Festivals
In Brunei festivals are always celebrated with colour, enthusiasm and happiness. Young and
old from different races come together in a spirit of unity that we are justifiably proud of. We
invite you to join us, and enjoy the unique traditions that have been passed down to us by
preceeding generations.
National Day Celebrations
National Day is celebrated on the 23rd of February, and the nation begins to gear up for this
momentous occasion about two months beforehand. Schoolchildren, civil servants and private
sector representatives rehearse for their part in colourful crowd formations and flash card
displays. Invariably a sell-out, the event takes place in the Hassanal Bolkiah National Stadium
before about 35,000 spectators. Thousands of others watch the live nationwide telecast. His
Majesty the Sultan and other members of the Royal Family will be present. In recent years the
Ramadan fasting period has coincided with the National Day celebration resulting in a more low
key affair.
Awal Ramadhan
The month of Ramadhan is a holy month for Muslims. It is a period of fasting, and Muslims abstain
from eating and drinking between dawn and dusk for the whole month. Foodstalls, which sell a
wide variety of local delicacies such as cakes, pastry and fruit, spring up in many areas - notably
around the National Stadium This is a good time to try some special local dishes and cakes-at low
cost. During fasting hours it is considered ill-mannered, (even offensive) to publicly eat, drink,
smoke etc. Do not offer even coffee to a muslim person during these times to avoid embarrassment
.
Hari Raya Aidilfitri
Hari Raya is a time for celebration after the fasting month of Ramadhan. Prayers are held in the
early morning of the first day at every mosque in the country. This day is usually an occasion for.
The second day normally means open house; an invitation for all to visit. Special festive dishes
are made, including ketupat (rice cakes), satay (beef and chicken kebabs), rendang (spicy
marinated beef) and many others.
His Majesty the Sultan also throws his doors open to the people at the Istana Nurul Iman. This
gives the people and visitors a chance to meet His Majesty and other members of the Royal Family,
in order to wish them Selamat Hari Raya Aidilfitri. This is defintely an offer which should not be
missed. When visiting you should dress conservatively.
Royal Brunei Armed Forces Day
The formation of the Royal Brunei Armed Forces is commemorated every year on the 31st of May,
and the event usually takes place at the Taman Haji Sir Omar Ali Saifuddien in the heart of the
city. It consists of a military parade and displays, such as a parachuting show or battle
demonstration. In other districts, units of the armed forces organise local parades and displays for
the public.
Hari Raya Aidiladha
This is also known as Hari Raya Koran. It marks the time when Muslims embark on the Haj, or
holy pilgrimage to Mecca. The usual practice - for those who can afford it - is to sacrifice goats and
cows. The meat is then distributed to relatives, friends and those who are less fortunate.
His Majesty the Sultan's Birthday 15th of July
This joyous occasion is one of the most important events in the national calendar, with events and
festivities taking place across the whole country. It usually starts when the people gather at the
Taman Haj i Sir Muda OmarAli Saifuddien, in the centre of Bandar Seri Begawan. His Majesty
meets his subjects there and delivers a titah, or speech, to mark the occasion. Afterwards there is
an investiture at the Istana Nurul Iman and, for the next two weeks or so, a series of processions,
parades and celebrations. Fireworks displays take place and night markets - pasar malam - open
up to sell food and drinks to the crowds.
Birthday of the Prophet Muhammad
This occasion is better known in Brunei as Mauludun Nabi SAW. Muslims gather at the Taman
Haji Sir Oman Ali Saifuddien to honour the occasion. There are readings from the Holy Koran and
an address on Islam from the Ministry of reliroys Affairs to open the function. His Majesty the
Sultan also gives a speech and then, along with other members of the Royal Family, leads a
procession on foot through the main streets of Bandar Seri Begawan. The Prophet's birthday is also
celebrated at the same time in other parts of the country, with lectures, religous functions and
other activities.
Chinese New Year
This festival is celebrated by the Chinese community and lasts two full weeks. It begins with a
reunion dinner on the eve of the celebration which, traditionally, all members of the family
attend. Open house is declared and everyone is invited to feast on sumptuous spreads of food and
drink. Unmarried youngsters are given 'ang pow' - gifts of money in little red packets.
Christmas Day
Although not celebrated on a wide scale, Christmas Day is nevertheless a joyous and colourful
occasion, well received by the nation. It is centred on Bandar Seri Begawan and the Belait
District, where the greatest concentrations of Christmas expatriates live. They also hold "open
house" to entertain their friends and colleagues.
Special
Interests |
