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Temuan Festivals: Ancestor Day and New Year
- CHIN XIN MIN
- Mar 1
- 5 min read
Updated: Mar 2
Ancestor Day (Malay: Hari Moyang; Temuan: Haik Muyang) is an important traditional festival for the Temuan people, honoring the ancestral spirits who protect the community. Temuan communities in different regions celebrate the festival on various dates and in different ways.
Guidance in Dreams: The Origins and Rituals of Ancestor Day at Kampung Orang Asli Pulau Kempas
The leader of a village (Tok Batin) of Kampung Orang Asli Pulau Kempas, a Temuan village in Selangor, stated that the festival holds profound spiritual significance and serves as an expression of respect and gratitude toward their ancestors. For their village, Ancestor Day is observed from December 28 to 30, with fixed activities and rituals that require the participation of all villagers.
Before World War II, Kampung Orang Asli Pulau Kempas did not celebrate Haik Muyang. It was after the war that a villager reportedly had a dream in which their ancestors designated December 28 as the date for the festival. The celebration begins on December 28 and lasts for a month, officially ending on January 29. The first three days are marked by mandatory rituals and activities in which all villagers must participate.
In preparation for the festival, villagers start two to three weeks in advance, practicing two ancestral dances called Tarian Sewang and Tarian Kong Kong, crafting headpieces known as Tanjak and ornaments called Sipang worn diagonally across the body, and preparing offerings, including a kind of tuber traditional dish called Ubik Kacau, also known as Ubik Kiki.
On the first day of the festival (December 28th), villagers will visit the cemetery between 8 AM and 12 PM to clean the graves of their ancestors and perform a worship ceremony. Before the ceremony, they will sprinkle flower water or petals on the grave, light the white candles, and invite the ancestors to enjoy the offerings. The offerings include white rice, betel nut, glutinous rice cakes (Pulut), and cookies, and all offerings must be prepared in seven portions.
On the second day of the festival (December 29th) in the morning, villagers will make flower water with seven different flowers and lime, and pour it over their bodies seven times (Mandi Bedak), symbolizing the removal of bad things and welcoming the new year. Afterward, they will use the leaves to pick up the powder mixture from a bowl and brush on their body seven times. This powder is made by grinding rice and adding some water, lime, and flowers.
Next, the villagers must touch the woven object (Topat Lepas) to their foreheads seven times before untying it. This ritual symbolizes casting away misfortune and welcoming good fortune. The weaving technique of the Topat Lepas differs based on gender. Afterward, the villagers must enter their homes without turning back, change into new clothes, and put on bark clothing before they can leave the house. In the evening, the villagers perform a traditional ancestor worship dance called Tarian Sewang, during which a lead singer guides everyone in singing together to create a joyful ambiance.
Taboos in Festivities: The Traditions and Rules of Haik Muyang
During the Haik Muyang, the Temuan people observe a series of unique traditions and taboos to show respect for their ancestors and preserve their culture.
Offering Taboos
During ancestral worship, the Temuan people strictly prohibit offering the meat of terrestrial animals and the food offered to ancestors must not be consumed or taken home. They believe that the skin and tissues of land animals, such as chicken and pork, are similar to those of humans. They believe, while offering these foods will invite malevolent spirits or even lead to death.
Dining Customs During the Festival
During the festival, villagers usually gather to cook and share meals together. If someone cannot partake in the food prepared for the day due to personal reasons (such as dietary preferences) or needs to leave early, they must first smear a small amount of the food on the back of their hand and recite the spell "Punang" to dispel ominous before departing.
Female-Related Taboos
According to Temuan customs, women are prohibited from visiting graves during their menstrual period, pregnancy, after childbirth, or postpartum confinement. This taboo is intended to maintain the purity of the rituals and avoid unnecessary disturbances.
Sweeping Taboos
The Temuan people believe that sweeping the floor at night could harm their ancestors, causing their eyes to be injured or experience pain. Therefore, sweeping at night is strictly forbidden, whether during ordinary days or festivals. However, sweeping during the day is allowed and does not violate any taboos.
These taboos and traditions not only reflect the Temuan people's deep respect for their ancestors, but also highlight their emphasis on collective harmony and cultural preservation during the festive period.
The Festivities of Kampung Orang Asli Broga: New Year's Blessings and Respect for Ancestors
In Kampung Orang Asli Broga, the villagers refer to Hari Moyang as the New Year "Tahun Baru", symbolizing a new start for the new year. The ritual for the holiday is similar to other villages with grave cleaning, but what sets them apart is the organization of sports competitions within the village.
The New Year in Kampung Orang Asli Broga is held annually from December 30 to 31. It is not only a time to welcome the new year but also an important day for the villagers to show respect to their ancestors. During the festival, villagers visit their ancestors' graves to offer prayers and invite their spirits to enjoy the offerings.
On the first day of the festival (December 30), at 2 PM, the village will kick off the celebrations with sports competitions. Traditional activities like the blowpipe (Sumpit) challenge and coconut bowling will let the villagers participate together. In the evening, the villagers gather for a karaoke session, filling the village with singing and joy.
On the second day of the festival (December 31), the villagers will gather to cook traditional dishes and share a meal together. After lunch, the festival enters the countdown phase to welcome the new year. Around 4 PM, friends from outside will drive in to join the villagers for the countdown celebration. This lively party will feature activities such as karaoke and dancing, tailored to the villagers' preferences, and the joyful atmosphere will continue until the early morning of the following day.
Unbreakable Taboos: The Rules During Festival
During the festival, villagers must adhere to certain taboos and traditions. While cooking festival food together, the villagers are not allowed to leave the communal kitchen area. If someone must leave, they are required to smear a small amount of the food on the back of their hand and recite the spell "Punang" to dispel ominous. Villagers believe that violating these taboos could lead to misfortune, such as being attacked by a tiger in the mountains or encountering accidents on the road.
Building the Ritual Hut with Natural Materials
Before the festival, the villagers will build a small hut called "Jari Lipan" to honor their ancestors. The materials for constructing this hut are sourced from local natural resources, such as coconut leaves and tree branches. The Jari Lipan is similar to the Sangga of Pulau Kempas, both serving as shrines for ancestor worship.
