Abstract
The arrival of Christianity in the 19th century has greatly affected the traditional beliefs and customs of the Bidayuh in Sarawak, Malaysia. One of the rituals affected is that relating to funeral customs. This paper focuses on the influence of Christianity and modern lifestyle on the traditional Bidayuh funeral rites in this 21st century. The data were gathered from two funerals of traditional Bidayuh in Kampong Duyoh and Suba Baru of the Jagoi area; in Bau district. Traditional Bidayuh funeral customs are heavily influenced by their animistic beliefs and pagan/traditional rituals. Typical to any of the traditional funeral amongst the indigenous tribes of Borneo, a Bidayuh funeral is advised by a traditional priest. It is also a common trait to see it as a communal event where the whole village is involved during the wake and the funeral procession. With the conversion of most Bidayuh into Christianity, the traditional Bidayuh funeral and rites have been a rarity and exclusive only to those pagan Bidayuh. Younger generations are not exposed to the rites and tradition as funerals are in accordance to the Christian rituals. Even with the last remaining pagan Bidayuh, Christian influence could be seen in the traditional Bidayuh funeral rites and rituals.
Highlights
Sarawak, the largest out of the 13 states in Malaysia consists of various ethnic groups, with a mixture of cultural heritage and customs
Before Christianity, there was stigma towards death as the traditional Bidayuh believed in evil spirits lurking around the deceased, it was forbidden for young children and pregnant women to enter the house or within the house compound of the deceased
Since the arrival of the Catholic Missionaries, the majority of Bidayuh have converted into Catholics, leaving a small minority still practicing their traditional customs, adat oma which was passed down from their ancestors
Summary
The largest out of the 13 states in Malaysia consists of various ethnic groups, with a mixture of cultural heritage and customs These ethnic groups include the Iban, Sarawak Malay, Bidayuh, Melanau, Kelabit, Kayan, Kedayan, Kejaman, Kajang and more than 26 other indigenous communities. Out of these indigenous communities, the Bidayuh is the third largest ethnic group after the Iban and Sarawak Malay They make up 8% (198,473) of the 2.4 million total population of Sarawak (The Official Portal of Sarawak Government, 2012) and is one of the most diversified group besides the Melanau. Singai, Serembu, Bratak, Gumbang Bukar, Sadung, Tebakang, Sadung Bunan, Sangking, Mentu Tapuh These groups differ in terms of their language but in some aspects of their cultural practices as well.
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