Colors of Kalimantan Island - traditions, festivals, mentality and lifestyle

The main landmark of Kalimantan is not the jungles or rare animals and plants. Here, as they did thousands of years ago, local inhabitants of the island – the Dayaks, live in practically primordial conditions. The aborigines themselves don’t like this word, as in Malaysian it means “savage”. However, until quite recently, the Dayaks tribes were bloodthirsty, and that name was justified. The influence of the western culture and, mostly, the influence of the missionaries took the edge of their mood. Now nobody demands from a young man a head of his enemy to prove his maturity, but the old men still remember those times.

You can’t say, the Dayak people weren’t swayed by civilization. Many of them got an education, easily work with a computer and sit in the Government. But the majority still chooses life in the “long houses”. This is not just an expression – the houses of the Dayak people are elongated. Basically, it is one big house, where each family has a small room with the entrance to the shared terrace. Such a construction may look like barracks and there is a reason for that: at the alarm signal the warriors in total battle attire lined up in front of the house. Now the warriors are in the past, but the locals still go hunting in armor, with a spear and a kris.

Now everyone can learn about the life and manners of the Dayak people. The locals gladly meet guests and tell them about their daily life. During the organized trip you will not only see the daily routines of the aborigines but also spend a night at a long house and participate in a captivating performance. However, if you are peace-minded, you may try to communicate with the locals on your own. Just remember: not many people here speak English, so mostly you will have to express yourself with gestures. Copyright www.orangesmile.com

The Dayak people have some interesting rituals, which a lucky traveler may become a witness to. Ngamean, for instance. This ceremony is held before going on a journey. They make a fire with the help of flint and steel, and see if they will have luck on the road by the way the flame is burning. The arguments in a family are solved with a special dance Ngelaem Ponam Penega. Though, it is hard to say, whether it’s been brought by the modern times or had originated long time ago. The thing is, earlier the youngest member of a family might have been killed during a conflict.

The ancient religion of the Dayak people tells to have a Tatau Lale ceremony during a funeral. It is believed, that without the help of the living, the soul of the dead is doomed to a bleak afterlife. That’s why the locals cut a mahogany Sapundu figure, which represents the one, who passed away. There are no rules in creating this symbol, it just should look good. Before the Sapundu they sacrifice animals and then conduct ceremonies.

If you’ve been all around the villages of the Dayak people, try to find the floating settlements of the “sea gypsies”. Those numerous nomadic people are glad to meet the travelers. It is perfect to get to Kalimantan on the 17th of August. In this day they celebrate Hari Proklamasi, an Independence Day of Indonesia. The feasts, fireworks, and races along the river in Banjarmasin city – there is a lot to see. While walking through the streets of this city during the time of Ramadan, you can visit Pasar Vadai – a pastry fair. Erau festival, where different local tribes wear their traditional clothes and perform their ritual dances, will be interesting for any explorer. There is a big celebration of Chinese New Year in Singkawang. Naik Dango festival, when the Dayak people thank the Earth for a big harvest, is held at the end of spring-the beginning of summer.