Kadazan community returning to their roots
KOTA KINABALU: There has been a change in the Kadazan community in recent times to return to its origins and practise its traditions, especially in its traditional wedding ceremonies.
Datuk Philip Benedict Lasimbang, the organizing committee chairman and also chairman of the of Kadazandusun Language Foundation (KLF) trustees said this during the launch of a Kadazan traditional wedding ceremony video held at the Native Court Training Institute (ILMAN) Hall, yesterday.
The nine-minute documentary video has Rosina Sogondu sharing her knowledge in the wedding ceremony and every seven types of plants used in the “momokis” (sprinkling of water) ceremony meant to drive away the bad experiences that the couple had in the past. The video can also be a reference material for the public or for those who would want to get married traditionally, in the future.
State assemblywoman for Kapayan, Jannie Lasimbang, who is also the Assistant Minister of Laws and Native Affairs, and who was the guest of honour at the launching ceremony, congratulated the Kadazandusun Language Foundation for its efforts to publish the video documentary.
She said Kadazan customs and taboo of the Kadazan community were a marker of the cultural identity of the Kadazan people – its “right of passage”, namely birth, marriage and death.
The wedding ceremony is the second most important part of the “right of passage”. The wedding ceremony it in three parts, the “monohuku” (investigate or inquire ), “momuaboi” (engagement) and “matod” (wedding day).
On wedding day (tadau ka’atadan), the “mivaza” ceremony is conducted where the bridegroom will visit the bride’s house on the first day, and the next day the bride will go to the bridegroom’s house.
On this day also, there will be the sprinkling of water (momokis), whetstone stepping (mimpau do pangasaan), standing under two conical hats made of rattan or bamboo (momuhu do siung), the couple exchanging rice balls ( miohon pinisi) and the sumazau dance (sazau momingkuung) ceremony.
In the olden days, this was conducted by a high priestess (bobohizan) but is now conducted by Kadazan who is an expert in Kadazan customs.
In the sprinkling of water ceremony (momokis), the leaves of seven species of plants are used.