AsianPersuasion
Friday, June 13, 2003
Snip snip!
Today I attended a VERY cultural event called, "Cukur Rambut" which means to shave or cut hair in the Malay language. It's a Malay tradition which has been passed down for many generations. This event was held in honor of a little Tunku (title given to Royal family members), he is only 42 days old today and it was in celebration of his arrival into the world...about 100 Royals were there just for him! Of course there was the usual reading from the Quran (2 hours of it) which was beautiful because they sing rather than read it...so it sounds lovely. A group of professional "ceremony chanters" were hired and sat in the middle of the main room and read from the Quran, they were so cute....all over 40 years old wearing matching baju kurong (traditional Malay dress). These ladies of religion were hugely serious about their job...which created a wonderful energy in the house!
What a show it was! I was invited by Tunku Rafida from the Royal family of N. Sembillan (a state in Malaysia) and it was extremely lavish. There were 10 carat diamond rings everywhere! Practically everyone I met was a Tunku (Royal title) or a Datin/Datuk....even the little baby was a Tunku! Instead of putting the baby inside a normal cradle, an enormous teak wood housing with 10 foot pillars was used....the wood was carved intricately with floral designs with golden paint highlights. The "cradle" was also decorated with light blue and yellow chiffon (N. Sembilan Royal colours) and adorned with large antique 24-carat gold fish mobiles and other designs. Apparently, it was all considered opulent by average Malay standards.
After reading from the Quran the baby is carried around the room by his mother to be “blessed.” This involves placing a pinch of salt and honey in his mouth, sprinkling pandan leaves and flower petals on his little body, sprinkling rice flour water on his head and then finally cutting a lock of his hair which is then placed inside a coconut. I have yet to learn about the significance of these proceedings…will fill y’all in later.
When all the oohs and ahs and fuss were over….it was time for FOOD and the inevitable mingling with family guests…AND introductions (of ME) to the SINGLE young male Royals..*wink wink* I was on display…Being the only half white person there…I HAD to be shown off…I mean…it was only natural! *ha ha!*
It was an unforgettably meaningful experience I will remember for the rest of my life.
