Cultural Taboos In Malaysia

Malaysia : Celebrating Unity in Diversity

Malaysia is a very diverse in culture. There are the Malay's, Chinese, Indians , Bidayuh, Iban, and many more. Eventhough there are many different culture here in Malaysia but we manage to live harmoniously and peacefully. We, Malaysian can live harmoniously because we understand and respect other cultures. That is why I am here to explain more on the cultural taboo between the three main races in Malaysia that is the Chinese, Malays and Indians.

Let’s begin with the Malaysian Chinese culture. The Chinese can be considered to many as the very hard working group and very perseverance in what they do. There are many taboos in the Malaysian Chinese community here are some of the taboos, the Chinese would a void the number four, for example if they may they would change the licensed plate of they car if it has the number four in it, or they would not keep anything that have the number four in there house. This is because the number brings bad luck and in the Mandarin language it has the same pronunciation as death. However, this could be said differently for the number eight, the Chinese favoured this number because it bring good fortune or luck. Another example of cultural taboos is that you must not whistle at night, according to old folks this could bring bad spirits. In addition, the Chinese also believe that you must not hang your laundry at night because this will attached them self to wandering spirits.

 

No whistling, please !

            The Malay is the majority of race in Malaysia consisting of 60% . There are also many taboos in the Malay community for example, when entering anyone's house you must take off your shoes, if not it may seem  rude and disrespectfully. Furthermore, in it also consider rude to point with your fore finger instead you must point with your thumb. Another taboo in the Malay culture is that you always eat with your right hand because the left hand is considered dirty when eating.

Take off your shoes, please!

The Malaysian Indian can be considered the most festive out of the many race in Malaysia. With the many Indian festivals there are bound to be many rules that needs to follow and taboos that is need to be avoided. Winking is considered a taboo in the Indian culture this is because they believe winking can bring many unhealthy problems. Moreover, you cannot cut your nails in the evening this will attract unwanted spirits. When a boiling milk or hot milk is spilt, this can be a sign of a bad omen.

Spilt Milk

            In conclusion, there are many taboos or does and don't in every culture, we should respect these cultural taboos in order to live harmoniously with one another.

Socializer Widget By Blogger Yard

SOCIALIZE IT →

Tweet

FOLLOW US →

SHARE IT →