A simple life in a peaceful environment. A far cry from city life. There will come a time when we will yearn to be in the wilderness, away from the concrete jungle - just to breathe in fresh air. I have been to one of these Dayak longhouses as a child, and tasted their tuak. Just a sip though, since the rice wine can intoxicate you really fast.
The Dayak family we visited were friendly and very courteous. They wore broad smiles and served us as if we were the important ones. But their race and culture is deeply rooted in the annals of Malaysian history, as they are the indigenous people of Sarawak, the ones who have unquestionable sovereignty over the land.
A soldier, a Hindu by religion, and a Indian by race, saw a pretty dayak bathing in the river. He was on a peacekeeping mission to safeguard the state from terrorists hiding in the jungle.
She was young and loved the river that flowed under the stilted longhouse. She played in its water, sang to the winds that spoke to her through the rustled leaves, while the trees bowed down as she sang, and the mountains echoed her voice to far-off places. She was studying to be a nurse. She lived within a mystical community, and spoke to kindred spirits.
Her eyes sought his and she saw that he was swayed by her carefree life. He used to visit her often from then on, and one day asked for her hand in marriage from the tribal chief. He allowed their union, and they were married in a dayak ceremony. Then he returned to his hometown in Kuala Lumpur, and married her in a Hindu ceremony. Together they built their life steeped in diversity and have three children today who are all grown up and graduated in their field of study. In that way, they have uplifted their community.
"Gayu Guru Gerai Nyamai!" (Long life, Health and prosperity / May you be healthy and well)
-shobana-
The Gawai Dayak festival, celebrated annually on June 1st and 2nd in Sarawak, Malaysia, is a significant harvest festival for the Dayak indigenous communities (including Iban, Bidayuh, Kayan, Kenyah, and others). It marks the end of the rice harvesting season and is a time for thanksgiving to the gods for a bountiful yield, seeking blessings for the new farming season, and fostering unity. Festivities include traditional rituals, open houses (Ngabang) where guests are welcomed with tuak (rice wine) and traditional delicacies, cultural performances like the Ngajat dance, and beauty pageants. It's a vibrant celebration of Dayak culture, heritage, and community spirit.
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