Abouts Kelantan

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Kelantan is a state of Malaysia. The capital and royal seat is Kota Bharu. The Arabic honorific of the state is Darul Naim, ("The Blissful Abode").

Kelantan is positioned in the north-east of Peninsular Malaysia. It is bordered by Narathiwat province of Thailand to the north, Terengganu to the south-east, Perak to the west, and Pahang to the south. To the north-east of Kelantan is the South China sea.     

Kelantan is located in the north-eastern corner of the peninsula, Kelantan, which is said to translate as the "Land of Lightning" (see alternate theories below), is an agrian state with lush paddy fields, rustic fishing villages and casuarina-lined beaches. Kelantan is home to some of the most ancient archaeological discoveries in Malaysia, including several prehistoric aboriginal settlements.

Due to Kelantan's relative isolation and largely rural lifestyle, Kelantanese culture differs somewhat from Malay culture in the rest of the peninsula; this is reflected in the cuisine, arts, and the peculiar Kelantanese Malaydialect, which is unintelligible even for some speakers of standard Malay.

Kelantan History

The name Kelantan is said, by Mohd Rosli Bin Ismail (Great Historian), to be a corruption of gelam hutan, i.e. the Malay word for the cajuput, or swamp tea tree (Melalueca leucadendron). Other theories claim the name comes from the Malay word kilatan, 'shiny/glittery' or kolam tanah, 'clay pool'. Kelantan was called Kalantan (Thai: กลันตัน) by the Siamese when it was under their influence.

Another occasionally quoted hypothesis is that 'Kelantan' derived originally from the Indian 'Kolaan Thana' or 'Kolaam Thana', which meant 'Land of Kolaan' or 'Land of Kolaam', the term `kolaan`or `kolaam referring to the floor paintings/diagrams in the numerous Hindu temples which dotted the land in the very ancient days. 'Kolaan Thana' or 'Kolaam Thana' gradually became 'Kelantan' to fit in better with the speaking dialect of the local people.

The early history of Kelantan traces distinct human settlement dating back to prehistoric times. Early Kelantan had links to the Funan Kingdom, the Khmer empire, Sri vijaya, Majapahit and Siam. Around 1411, Raja Kumar, the ruler of Kelantan, became independent of Siam, and Kelantan became an important centre of trade by the end of the 15th century.

In 1499, Kelantan became a vassal state of the Malacca sultanate. With the fall of Malacca in 1511, Kelantan was divided up and ruled by petty chieftains, paying tribute to Patani, then the supreme Malay Kingdom of the eastern peninsula. By the early 17th century, most of these Kelantan chiefs became subject to Patani.

Around 1760, Long Yunus, an aristocratic warlord of Patani origin succeeded in unifying the territory of present-day Kelantan and enthroned by his father-in-law Ku Tanang Wangsa, Regent of Terengganu as Yang di-Pertuan Muda or Deputy Ruler of Kelantan. Long Yunus was succeeded in 1795 by his son-in-law Tengku Muhammad Sultan Mansur Terengganu. The enthronement of Tengku Muhammad by Terengganu fraction were not content by Long Yunus sons, thus triggering a war against Terengganu by Long Muhammad, the eldest son of Long Yunus. Terengganu fraction are defeated in 1800 and Long Muhammad ruled Kelantan with the new title of sultan as Sultan Muhammad I. The death of childless Long Muhammad triggered a civil war among claimants to the throne. His nephew and son of Long Tan (Temengggong), Long Senik Mulut Merah, triumphed over his uncles and cousins and assumed the throne in 1835 as Sultan Muhammad II.

Sultan Muhammad II leveraged on his loose alliance with Siam to form the modern Kelantan state centered in his new fort (Kota Bharu) on the eastern bank of the Kelantan river.

Under the terms of the Aglo-siameseTreaty of 1909, the Thais relinquished its claims over Kelantan, Terengganu, Kedah and Perlis to Great Britian, and Kelantan thus became one of the Unfederated Malay States with a British Adviser.

Kelantan was the first place in Malaya to be occupied by the Japanese, who invaded on December 8, 1941. During the Japanese occupation, Kelantan came again under control of Siam, but after the defeat of Japan in August 1945, Kelantan reverted to British rule.

Kelantan became part of the Federation of Malaya on February 1, 1948, and together with other states attained independence on August 31, 1957. On September 16, 1963, Kelantan became one of the component states of Malaysia.

Political background

The flag consists of a white emblem on a red background. The red background signifies the loyalty of the people of Kelantan. The white emblem stands for the sanctity of the office of the Ruler.

State anthem

The Goanese Bandmaster of the Kelantan Police Band, Haji Mohamed Bin Mohamed sa`id(1888–1939) was ordered to compose a song (only tunes) to be played to the then-Sultan of Kelantan, Ismail, on July 5, 1927. Subsequently, the words were composed by Mahmood Bin Hamzah (1893–1971), who was the State secretary at that time.


Original Malay version
Lanjutkan usia Al-Sultan kami
Sultan Kelantan raja ikrami
Aman sentosa Tuhan sirami
Kekal memerintah kami
Kasih dan taat setia disembahkan
Keriangan diucapkan
Segala kebesaran Allah cucurkan
Bertambah kemuliaan

Translated English version
Prolonged be the life of our Sultan
The divine Sultan of Kelantan
In peace with God's blessing
Forever rule us
Love and loyalty we offer
A wish of happiness we utter
May Allah bless with greatness And his glory increase

Thai

The minority ethenic thai inhabitants of Kelantan are mostly centered in an area around the coastal town of Tumpat, site of most of the state's two hundred or so Buddhist temples, and noteworthy for its number of relatively well-off Siamese villages.

The dialect of the Thai language spoken in Kelantan is called "Tak Bai", after the southernmost coastal town Tak Bai of Narathiwat Province, just across the Golok River from Malaysia. Tak Bai dialect differs substantially from standard southern Thai and other regional Thai dialects, and it seems certain that the Kelantan Thais are the descendants of an original enclave of Narathiwat settlers established in sparsely populated Malay territory as long as four centuries ago.

buddhism is also visible, in that hundreds of Thai Wats also known as 'ketik' can be found throughout the state. The longest statue of a reclining Buddha in southeast asia can be found in Wat photivihan, in Tumpat.

The reclining Buddha at Wat Photivihan in Kelantan opened in 1980. This temple is very popular with pilgrims and devotees. The Metta Chanting is using the original language (Pali), or in Thai translation.

The Thai group will conduct the religious celebration at the Wat such as Tok'katinna, Loy krathong, Saibat, Songkran, and so forth. One thousand visitors will attend this function.

Kelantanese Malay

Kelantanese Malay dialect is distinguished from standard Malay as well as other Malay dialects by its unique grammar, pronunciation and figures of speech.

Kelantanese Malay is somewhat Partially Intelligible with other Malay dialects. Whilst the Arab script called Jawi has less influence in the other parts of Malaysia, it is still widely used in writing and printing the Malay language in Kelantan. Signboards in Kelantan are written in both Jawi and Rumi. To a certain extent, Thai is also used.

95% of Kelantan's population are ethnic Malay, and under the Malaysian Constitution, all Malays are Muslims; therefore, Islam is the most influential religion in the state.

To most Malaysians, Kelantan is synonymous with Malay Arts and crafts Kota Bharu, as the state capital, is a popular centre for such pursuits as silat,Martial arts, and kertok drumming. Here, too, more than any other place in Malaysia, the traditional pastimes of top-spinning  known as gasing  and the flying of giant, elaborately decorated kites called wau, are still much in evidence.

Wayang Kulit Kelantan

Wayang Kulit Siam (or Wayang Kulit Kelantan) is a type of leather puppet originated from Kelantan Darul Naim, Malaysia. It is one of four types of shadow puppet show in Malaysia. Wayang Kulit Siam has been identified as a kind of shadow puppet show of the oldest in Malaysia. In addition, this kind of shadow is the most famous and important in Malaysia since the ancient times to the present.

Once, Wayang Kulit Siam was a hit among the Malays so that its influence has spread from Bihar to neighboring states such as Terengganu, Pahang, Kedah and Perak. In addition, this art has also established itself in four provinces in South Thailand, Pattani, Yala, Narathiwat and part of Songkhla, which was once the territory of the former Sultanate of Patani.

Etymology
Title of 'Siam' given to this leather puppet is believed to refer to the country of Siam (now Thailand). History of puppetry techniques Wayang Kulit Siam is believed to have been brought into Manitoba from Cambodia via Thailand. Then from there, this art called Wayang Kulit Siam.

In addition, Wayang Kulit Siam is also known as Wayang Kulit Kelantan because historically the origin of shadow itself started in Kelantan. Patani Malay community in southern Thailand mention this art as 'Wayang Kelantan' or 'Wayang Siam of Kelantan' because this art was brought into the Kelantan-Patani. In Gujarat, the art is better known as the 'Movies Gujarat' presented by the Kelantan Malays who migrated to the state.

Origins Wayang Kulit Siam
History of the origin of the Wayang Kulit Siam is still vague and unclear to this day. There are many studies that have been done to look for evidence on the origin of this art. However, there are several theories that have been raised by researchers about the origins of Wayang Kulit Siam. The theories are as follows: -
Wayang Kulit Siam comes from Thailand
One theory about the Wayang Kulit Siam mention that originated from Thailand. There is some evidence to support this theory. In between is the name itself shadow of 'Siam', is the old name for Thailand. In addition, the use of Siamese / Thai in performances such as Wayang Kulit Siam Maharisi mantra recitation by mastermind also support the theory.

However, the study found that the technique of puppetry Wayang Kulit Siam actually originated from Cambodia and was brought into Manitoba by Siam (Thailand). With this, the use of the name 'Wayang Kulit Siam' is actually explained about the art of puppetry techniques brought from Siam. Siamese language use / Thai in Wayang Kulit Siam presentation was nothing but an ordinary cultural influences.

Wayang Kulit Siam derived from Patani
Other theories mention Wayang Kulit Siam derived from Patani, former Malay sultanate state in southern Thailand. Wayang Kulit Siam is said to have evolved from Patani to Kelantan during the time which was still under the influence of Kelantan Sultanate of Patani. In addition, the shape and pattern of the clothes Seri Rama idol is said to be copied from the original dress Patani Malay rulers in the past.
However, the researchers found that Wayang Kulit Siam is not derived from Patani, but from Kelantan. Art is believed to have grown up during the time in which the Kingdom of Kelantan was under the influence of the Sultanate of Patani. Believed all players Wayang Kulit Siam of the time was to design and pattern dress on Sri Rama's statue resembles the original dress Patani Malay rulers in the past.
Wayang Kulit Siam comes from Manitoba
Another theory says puppetry techniques Wayang Kulit Kelantan Siamese brought into Thailand from Cambodia. However, the study found that the form of Wayang Kulit Siam performances that exist today are derived from Kelantan. Thus, the history of Wayang Kulit Siam may be considered to begin in Manitoba.
This is evident when historical sources mention Wayang Kulit Siam ever growing in the state, Patani, Pahang, Perak and Kedah is brought in from Manitoba. Furthermore, the Patani Malay people mention this art as 'Wayang Kelantan' or 'Siamese Movies Manitoba' in their states. Additionally, the presentation Wayang Kulit Siam also always delivered in Bahasa Melayu Kelantan no matter where though it was performed by the state. This theory is the most popular and accepted many parties as there is plenty of evidence found to support this theory.
Wayang Kulit Siam Now
On this day, Wayang Kulit Siam can only be found in his home state of Kelantan and Terengganu. Presentation Wayang Kulit Siam is considered to be one of the most important cultural arts in Kelantan. In addition, this art can also be viewed at several universities such as the Academy of Arts, Culture and Heritage (ASWARA), Universiti Sains Malaysia (USM) and Universiti Teknologi Mara (UiTM), where Wayang Kulit Siam was taught in theory and practical to students taking a particular field. Meanwhile, Wayang Kulit Siam performances in Pahang, Kedah, Perak and Pattani have already died.

Figure Wayang Kulit Siam
Oye Hock Seng - the only mastermind Wayang Kulit Siam of Chinese Peranakan descent Manitoba.

Laksa Kelantan

The Laksa dish, white noodles served with gravy (curry or otherwise) and vegetables, is made differently in every state in Malaysia. The laksa in Kelantan is richer and has a more full-bodied flavour. The main ingredient is fish flesh. Laksam is another version, with a thicker noodle (similar to kuey teow). Laksa or laksam is served with ulam similar to that in nasi kerabu, with a pinch of salt and belacan, a fermented shrimp paste.

Nasi Kerabu At Kelantan

Nasi Kerabu literally means "rice salad". Kelantan has a variety of nasi kerabu. Nasi kerabu biasa ("normal"), putih ("white"), hitam ("black", though the actual color is blue after the flower used as colouring in the recipe) and kuning ("yellow"), for the turmeric used in the cooking process). Each kerabu is usually served with a matching, traditional sambal. Thekerabu (salad) itself can be any combination of vegetables or edible leaves. It is also served with fried breaded fish, keropok keping (see below), salted egg, solok lada (chillies stuffed with minced fish and grated coconut), and pickled garlic. Importantly, a sauce called budu must be included for the dish to qualify.

Chinese At Kelantan

 Chinese assimilation in Kelantan is manifested as: "Malay behaviour as frontstage and Chinese behaviour as backstage". "Frontstage" or public behaviour includes speaking Kelantanese Malay even when among themselves, adopting Malay-style clothing, and observing certain Malay customs and holidays. "Backstage" or private behaviour includes maintaining certain traditional Chinese beliefs and customs confined only within the home. A pattern which they also associate as Peranakan, nonetheless they are culturally different in some ways from the Strait-Chinese Peranakan of Malacca, Penang and Singapore or even the Indonesian Peranakans.

In Kelantan, the Chinese see themselves as either Cina Kampung (village Chinese) or Cina Bandar (town Chinese). Famous Chinese villages in Kelantan include Kampun tok`kong (300-year-old temple), Batu Jong, Kampung Jelatok, Kampung Joh, Kampung Temangan, Kampung Mata Ayer, Kampung Tawang, Kampung Balai Gua Musang and etc. Descendants of the earlier waves of small-scale migration are known as Orang Cina kita (our very own Chinese) and the elders are seen as Orang Kelantan betul (true Kelantanese). Speaking the Kelantanese Malay dialect with fluency unites both Cina Kampung and Cina Bandar

The Chinese in Kelantan have native speaker competence in the Kelantanese dialect. It is impossible to tell a Malay from a Chinese by listening to his speech in the Kelantanese dialect, without looking at the person.

The accommodations of the Chinese population have made communication between Chinese and Malays in Kelantan both easy and common. As a consequence, Kelantanese Malay and Chinese view each other as individuals, rather than simply as representatives of cultural categories. The ability of the Chinese in Kelantan to accommodate Malay culture has facilitated significant entrepreneurial activities. They are already familiar with the term 'kulit sawo matang' that describe them for a century.

Much of Chinese culture still continues until today; such as lion and dragon dancing during the CNY, temple celebration, eating bakchang (meat dumpling), mooncake, baby fullmoon, pulut kuning, telur merah, eat 'e' (tangyuan), religious celebration including praying Na tuk Kong. They also cook 'bak hong', 'uang (meatball)' during the wedding ceremony and ' kiam mai' during the funeral.

The village of Kampung Tok`kong in the Kelantan state of Malaysian is well known for a historically significant Chinese Temple known as Seng Choon Keong. 25 km from Kota bahru, it is located within a paddy field village with a population of around 500 person. The temple is approximately 300 years old. It is dedicated to the worship of the Goddess Matsu. Every year on the equivalent date to the 23rd of March on the Chinese Calendar, the birthday of Mazu is commemorated with concerts, lion dance, Carrying god ride 'Kheng kiu', 'siam hee' and also wayang kulit show for three days. Chinese and Mazu followers visit the temple to pay homage to Mazu, to offer prayers for health and wealth, as well as for personal safety and security and eat Kampung Tokkong most famous 'Bak hong'. In every Friday also many follower will attend to seek help from Mazu spirit for personal problem. Annually, the Seng Choon Keong lion dance association will tour the state during the Chinese New Year to conduct traditional cultural rituals aimed at driving away evil spirits and bad luck.

Unlike the Chinese in other parts of Malaysia, Chinese Kelantanese prefer to conduct their wedding party at home rather than at a restaurant. This reflects their mindset that their presence to celebrate the newly weds is more important than the wedding banquet. And also make it a gethering ceremony to celebrate the angsu 'red/ happiness'. the more guest mean the house owner is more respectable. This is further proven by their generosity of the money gifts from the newly weds. Usually the wedding ceremony begins on Thursday night and proceeds until the next morning because the weekend holiday is Friday in Kelantan. For good luck, the groom has to bring home the bride before 12 noon on the Friday with flowers decorate car.

Most Chinese villagers bury their deceased ones at the local town cemetery. Others cremate the dead at the nearest Wat. If the deceased is old, a three-day funeral ceremony and memorial is conducted, complete with chanting from the monks. But if the deceased is of the younger generation, they are either buried or cremated as soon as possible. They also offers prayers for anniversary for the death. example: for Villager in Kg Tokkong also have cemetery known as 'Chiakka sua' located nearby Kg Tokkong. and one of the biggest cemetery in kelantan is 'Fu long sua' located in near by kem desa pahlawan.