Taboo (Kadazan)

TABOOS OF KADAZANDUSUN

It is unnecessary to explain the meaning of the term taboo as used in the West. We all know what the word signifies when a thing is said to be taboo, the idea is that it must be avoided. Some taboos are said to be ridiculous nowadays because not much people or culture still practicing this taboos. But in Sabah, taboo is still compulsory and still being practice in this modern era. Here we have done some research regarding taboos of Kadazandusun culture in Sabah.

Kadazandusun (Sabah)

Kadazan is one of the famous cultures in Sabah.  38% of people in Sabah are Kadazandusun. The Kadazandusun of Sabah, Malaysia are traditionally paddy cultivators. While those living in the hills and further inland cultivate dry paddy, the inhabitants of the coastal plains and valleys grow the wet variety. This  is an example of their taboos:

·         It is a bad omen if a sack of paddy which is being transported on the back of a buffalo from the paddy field to the storage barn happens to fall to the ground.

·         Riddling is a must for the Kadazandusun culture during harvesting their paddy field, riddle is connected with the paddy-spirit. If the riddle was done before the harvest festival, it will give them a bad omen.

·         A newlywed bride must not bathe for they would become vulnerable to evil-intended attacks, and wash away all the good luck the visitors brought. A newlywed also not allowed wander outside, not even to set foot on soil for that first night or the children born to the couple would be ill with skin diseases or walk away from home.

Another Taboos Related to FUNERAL:

~no one must do any kind of work on the day of the funeral, above all, the work of planting rice. It is

  believed that any work done on such an occasion can only bring misfortune, engendered by the fate

  of the deceased. However, this taboo does not apply should the deceased die far from his own

  village.

~While the body is still in the house, all occupants must stay awake. Whoever fall asleep will be

   doused with water. The purpose of keeping awake is to watch out for the devil or genie which in

   the guise of a large bird will try to fly away with the body.

~The greatest care is taken to prevent a cat from jumping over the outstretched corpse, for the

  Kadazans believe that if this happens the dead man will be transformed into a dangerous and

  terrifying giant.

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Video shows about how is taboo in marriage. What to do and what don't.