Malaysia is a multinational country with many languages and religions. Mostly Malaysians, Chinese and Indians live here, which contributes to the diversity and diversity of the state's culture. This country is often called Asia in miniature.
Art
In Malaysia, many areas of art are developed:
- Indigenous Malays have long been famous for their skills in carving wood, weaving baskets of reeds, making silver and ceramic products.
- Malay women perfectly know the weaving, as well as painting the fabric - batik. Men are great specialists in the manufacture of a traditional dagger - Kris.
- Today, as well as many centuries ago, in Malaysia, the vayang kulit - the shadow theater is popular. Dolls for him were made of buffalo leather and painted by hand.
- Indigenous peoples have their traditional dances. So, the Malays are fond of zapin and joget melayu, the Chinese masterfully perform the dragon and lion dance, and the Indians introduced such dance forms as Bhangra and Bharatanatyam to the culture of Malaysia.
- Traditional musical instruments in Malaysia are percussion instruments, and the most important of them is gendang. There are more than 10 kinds of drums. Popular are the stringed bow instrument rebab, wind suling, hanging pipes, gongs, etc.
Literature
Since ancient times, oral folklore has been spread in Malaysia. With the advent of writing and printing, literature began to develop and spread. One of the most ancient and famous works is the Malayan genealogy. Poetry is widespread in the country. The founder of contemporary literature in the country is the Malaysian playwright and poet Usman Avang.
Architecture
This art of Malaysia includes both local styles and European ones. Exteriors of houses in the northern part of the country are similar to neighboring Thai, and southern houses are more similar to Javanese. The traditional material for building houses of both rich and poor has always been wood. Used in the construction of bamboo and its leaves.
Europeans brought to Malaysia such materials as nails and glass. Since that time, the architecture of buildings has changed dramatically, large windows and high roofs appeared in the houses, which is especially important in a humid tropical climate.
Religion
The official religion in the country is considered to be Sunni Islam, which 53% of the total population of the country profess. In addition, in Malaysia, widespread Buddhism, Confucianism, Judaism, Christianity. Due to the fact that the constitution of Malaysia allows for free worship, it is possible to see nearby mosques, temples and churches.
Traditions and customs of Malaysia
For foreigners, Malaysia is an exotic country with original and unusual traditions:
- When visiting this Asian state, certain standards of conduct should be followed, for example, women should wear modest clothes, especially when traveling outside the tourist zones.
- Tourists should not shock the locals with their discussions on religion: Malaysians believe that their faith exceeds any other.
- No need to be surprised to see a man on the street dressing a shirt inside out: he did this in order not to soil it on the way, going to an important meeting.
- The romantic atmosphere of Malaysia contributes to the fact that many couples come here who want to marry. Here, this procedure can be completed in one day.
- Most of the Chinese hotels in Malaysia are brothels, and women in such places should not appear unaccompanied by men.
- Malaysian cuisine in each of the states has some features. The main component of all dishes is rice boiled for a couple (nasi). It is used as a side dish for seafood, chicken, meat. Coconut milk is very popular here, which is added to many dishes and drinks.