Malay Folk Beliefs


Book Description

"In the present work the author discusses the characteristics of the contents of Malay folk beliefs. Besides Islam, which is the professed religion of the Malays, the folks in the kampung (village) still subscribe to the belief elements which they have inherited from their distant past. The author argues that these different elements which are derived from the animistic and Hindu-Buddhisitc period of the Malay history may seem to be disparate, but they are well-integrated in the world-view of the Malay folk beleifs".--BOOKJACKET.







Chinese Religion in Malaysia


Book Description

Based on long-term ethnographic study, this is the first comprehensive work on the Chinese popular religion in Malaysia. It analyses temples and communities in historical and contemporary perspective, the diversity of deities and Chinese speech groups, religious specialists and temple services, the communal significance of the Hungry Ghosts Festival, the relationship between religion and philanthropy as seen through the lens of such Chinese religious organization as shantang (benevolent halls) and Dejiao (Moral Uplifting Societies), as well as the development and transformation of Taoist Religion. Highly informative, this concise book contributes to an understanding of Chinese migration and settlement, political economy and religion, religion and identity politics as well the significance of religion to both individuals and communities.







Baba Folk Beliefs and Superstitions


Book Description

How does a nonya use a yam stalk to control the sexual powers of her wayward baba? Why are Baba children never given sugarcane to chew at twilight? What does it mean if a baba has five hairs growing from a mole on his face? The answer to these and other fascinating details of Baba folk beliefs and superstitions are told here. Wake with a Baba family and observe their daily rituals and taboos. Gain insight into their world of symbols. Witness the ancient Wangkang ceremonies. Stand on the fringes of their spiritual realms. Enjoy the humour of their cheeky folk wisdom. Well flavoured with memorable anecdotes, this book reveals the pantang (superstition) and pertua (folk wisdom) ensconced in the traditional Baba mind.




Young People and the Diversity of (Non)Religious Identities in International Perspective


Book Description

This volume brings together current research on young people, (non)religion, and diversity, documenting the forms young people’s stances may take and the social or spatial contexts in which these may be formed. The social contexts studied include the family, school, and faith communities. The spatial contexts include (sub)urban and rural geographies and places of worship and pilgrimage.Youth and (non)religion are an area of academic interest that has been gaining increasing attention, especially as it pertains to youthful expressions of (non)religion and identities. As research on religion and young people spans and expands across academic disciplines and across geographic areas, comparative approaches and perspectives, such as presented in this volume, offer important spaces for reflecting about the experience of religiosity among young people and the ways they are learning about, and developing, (non)religious identities. Building bridges geographically and methodologically, this volume provides an international perspective on religion and nonreligion among young people, offering a diversity of religious and nonreligious perspectives.




Encyclopedia of Demons in World Religions and Cultures


Book Description

This exhaustive volume catalogs nearly three thousand demons in the mythologies and lore of virtually every ancient society and most religions. From Aamon, the demon of life and reproduction with the head of a serpent and the body of a wolf in Christian demonology, to Zu, the half-man, half-bird personification of the southern wind and thunder clouds in Sumero-Akkadian mythology, entries offer descriptions of each demon's origins, appearance and cultural significance. Also included are descriptions of the demonic and diabolical members making up the hierarchy of Hell and the numerous species of demons that, according to various folklores, mythologies, and religions, populate the earth and plague mankind. Very thoroughly indexed.




Gateway to Malay Culture (2010 Edition - EPUB)


Book Description

Have you ever wondered what life was like in a Malay kampong in the old days? Or why practically all your Malay friends are Muslims? Well, the Malay culture is just one of the many cultures that have developed through the centuries. Although it originated in Peninsula Malaya, it has spread throughout Southeast Asia and beyond. Most Malays are Muslims and live their lives guided by teachings found in the Quran, the holy book of Islam. As part of the Asiapac Culture series, this book offers an overall look at the various aspects of this colourful culture. It covers topics such as the history of the people, their lifestyle, religious and cultural activities, culinary practices, etc. Such knowledge is essential in promoting mutual understanding and respect. So, if you want to learn more about this fascinating culture, this is the book to read!




Magic and Divination in Malay Illustrated Manuscripts


Book Description

This book offers an integrated study of the texts and images of illustrated Malay manuscripts on magic and divination from private and public collections in Malaysia, the UK and Indonesia. Containing some of the rare examples of Malay painting, these manuscripts provide direct evidence for the intercultural connections between the Malay region, other parts of Southeast Asia and the rest of the world. In this richly illustrated volume many images and texts are gathered for the first time, making this book essential reading for all those interested in the practice of magic and divination, and the history of Malay, Southeast Asian and Islamic manuscript art.




The Malay World of Southeast Asia


Book Description

Over 5,000 entries arranged in four parts. Part I comprises reference and general works to provide a guide to information on Southeast Asia. Part II provides the setting of space and time. Part III features the people and Part IV the many facets of culture and society — language; ideas, beliefs, values; institutions; creative expression; and social and cultural change. Within each section, the arrangement is geographical, beginning with Southeast Asia as a whole followed by the various countries in alphabetical order.