TRADITIONS. BELIEFS.

CULTURES:

Diversity in the Malaysian Treasures

I n the rapidly changing world, culture, belief, and tradition are things to protect and preserve for it to
remain unchanged. Malaysia, as a multiracial nation, has marks of influence from other neighboring
countries in Asia. In fact, Malaysian people are made up of Chinese, native Malay, and Indian races. This
speaks of diversity among all.

A Peek at Malaysia’s Tradition

Just like other countries, Malaysia is rich when it comes to customs and traditions which are rooted
in their ancestors. Malaysia’s customs and traditions are very diverse which makes it more interesting to
the point that it helps in promoting the country as a tourist spot. As someone who is new to the culture, it is
important to know and search about the different traditions in one place so that we can adapt accordingly.

One of the best highlights of one’s tradition is the festivals celebrated in one place. Festival shows
the different values of a country. In Malaysia, considering the fact that it is a melting pot of different
religions including Christians, Muslims, Hindus, and other groups, the list of events being celebrated is
really a long one. Festivals in Malaysia are divided into two categories: religious festivals and cultural
festivals.

Thaipusam Festiva: Good Over Bad (palagay pics haha)

Strange as it may look, there is a festival in Malaysia called Thaipusam festival where people pierce
different parts of their body annually at a place in Kuala Lumpur called Batu caves. It is a Hindu religious
festival that depicts how Lord Murugan defeated his rival, demon Hordes. Piercing may be gruesome for
others, but for them, the act of piercing is more than hurting oneself, they believe that it is an act of
washing away sins. In fact, they even use a steel-made item called Kavadi for them to self-inflict. Kadavi
as an item is use to define “sacrifice at every step,” well, who will disagree when you are literally walking
with piercings on your body?

Wesak Day is a Special Day ( palagay ulit pics)

Another religious festival celebrated in Malaysia is what we call “Wesak Day.” If Jesus Christ has
Christmas day, Buddha has also its own. Wesak Day happens annually just like Thaipusam festival, Wesak
day is celebrated every month of May. Unlike Christmas Day, the Wesak day is a celebration not only of
birth but also of Buddha’s enlightenment and death. The festival happens in a temple while monks are
dressed with sacred Saffron robes while praying surrounded by incense.

Deepavali: The Celebration of Light

If you want to experience a celebration of light far from the usual New Year’s Eve, Deepavali of Malaysia
is the best for you. Deepavali also called Diwali is celebrated by Hinduism followers in Malaysia.
Considered one of the most important festivals of the year, Deepavali rallies families and other groups of
people to join together and light small clay lamps. This festival is being done to show the victory of good
over evil. In addition, people also do a ritual oil bath that believes to cleanse their body and soul. Deepavali
is indeed a reflection of the tradition, companionship, and faith of the Malaysian folks.

A Peek at Malaysia’s Beliefs

All around the world, countries have their own different beliefs on different things. One of the side of the
facets of beliefs is their religion that one country believes in.

In the heart of Southeast Asia, Malaysia, a country despite of being a small nation has a diverse set
of beliefs in religion. Islam, Buddhism, Christianity or other traditional Chinese religions, altogether, in
one nation. Malaysia is known for being a multi-religious country, learning these will help us understand
their beliefs and religion system.

Studies shows that Malaysia’s predominant religion is Islam, followed by Buddhism and
Christianity. There are other religions on the list but these religions tops the list. Indeed, such a small
nation but full of multi-religious beliefs.

Islam Religion

A monotheistic religion that’s surely growing fast all around the world, in which, dominates the country’s
religion with 60% of the population occupying the country. The Arabic term “Islam” which equates to the
meaning “surrender” emphasize the religious belief idea of the Islam that the believer accepts surrender to
the will of Allah. Islamic religion solely believes in one God, which is, Allah. The believers or followers of
Islam Religion are called a Muslim. Muslims also believes in the prophet Muhammad as the last prophet of
God. Muslims also has a sacred book called “Quran”. It is believed to be the word of God dictated to
Muhammad. The main concept of their belief is the total submission to God. Truly, a committed and
submissive religion there is!

Buddhism Religion

Another one of the world’s largest religion, Buddhism. Second to the top dominant religious beliefs in
Malaysia. Covering up to 22% of the population in Malaysia. The believers or followers of Buddhism are
called “Buddhists”. Buddhists believes that the human life is one of suffering, meditation, spiritual and
physical labor, and good behavior are the ways needed to achieve enlightenment or “nirvana”. In fact,
meditation is one of the important roles in the religion of Buddhism. One interesting fact in Buddhism is
that they do not believe in any deity or God. It’s a fascinating fact, actually! Instead, they have a founder
called Siddharta Gautama or known as “Buddha” who also taught about how being Enlighten sought a path
to freedom from ignorance.

Christianity Religion

Also a monotheistic religion that has the 10% of population in Malaysia. The followers or believers of the
said religion are called “Christians”. Christians believes in one God, in which, the one that created heaven,
earth and the universe. In terms of their prayers, Christians usually just have a conversation their God. It
can be verbally, or just thinking of your prayer and also it can be on your own words. Christians also
believes in the Holy Trinity which includes the Father, Son and the Holy Spirit. Truly, a world’s largest
religion!