Introduction
of ‘Adat Perpatih’
In this entry, I would like to introduce
to all of the readers about the culture that only Negeri Sembilan practiced in
Malaysia which is Adat Perpatih. The history of Adat Perpatih in Negeri
Sembilan started and grew with the transmigration of people from West Sumatra
to Rembau during the 14th century. Adat Perpatih is said to have been practiced
in Negeri Sembilan since more than 600 years ago and during its process of
maturity has influenced the structure, concept and socio-cultural philosophy of
its people. It is commonly known that the uniqueness of Negeri Sembilan lies in
this exclusive customs - the Adat Perpatih. This customs had a significant
impact on the way of life of the locals from the small level aspects like its
political, economic and social systems, to small level issue like customs and
ceremonies carried out during the King's inauguration, ways of dividing ones
inherited properties and wedding procedures that are rather detailed.
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| Traditional Marriage in Adat Perpatih |
Characteristics
of ‘Adat Parpatih’
Though being influenced and modified by
other cultural elements and the changing of time bacause of its flexibility,
the customs survive and is still relevant nowadays, as the saying goes:
The old to be renewed,
the withered to be replaced,
once a flood flaches,
so the soil formation goes.
Some of the principle of this customs are still evident in the Negeri Sembilan
people's practices like their constitutional monarchy, cultural activities,
dialects, dressing, norms and ethical codes. Moreover, the most significant
concepts and philosophy of Adat Perpatih is its democratic ways that recognized
the opinion of every individual ranging from the Ruler to the citizens
according to the individual's position and responsibilities in the society, as
illustrated by the maxim below:
The Undang's word is generous,
The word of clan chief is resolves,
The word of spiritual leader is the truth,
The word of the court clerk connects ( investigate)
The word of worrior is vigorous,
The word of the woman is gentle,
The word of people consensus.
All this things will be more interesting to learn if the readers
experience it on their own by visiting Negeri Sembilan.
Hierarchy of ‘Adat Parpatih’
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Hierarchy of the Ruler in Negeri
Sembilan
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In Adat Perpatih, we practiced democracy which lower position will
appoint the higher position. Undang Yang Empat will appoint Yang di-Pertuan Besar.
Undang Luak that represents the four districts which are Sungai Ujong, Jelebu,
Johol and Rembau. However, Undang Luak Sungai Ujong is the most senior that
also known as chieftain. Meanwhile, Undang Luak are appointed by the Dato’
Lembaga which had elected by Buapak. Instead, Perut are the member of the
sub-clan which have total of 12 – Paya Kumbuh, Batu Hampar, Biduanda, Somo
Lenggar, Solomak, Anak Mukal, Anak Acheh, Tigo Nenek, Tanah Datar, Anak Melaka,
Tigo Batu and Mungkar. I’m as a Negerian, I has my own sub-clan which is Tigo
Batu. This is quite confusing about the election but I do agree with this democracy
system since it make others opinion into consideration
