Each time a festival approaches, the joyful countdown fills the air with excitement. As the season draws near, cherished memories from the past resurface, accompanied by the hope of reliving those special moments in the days to come. To one’s delight, new memories are created, weaving both the old and new to create a joyful feeling in anticipation for the celebrations of the coming year.
It’s the best time of the year!
As Christmas 2024 arrives, reflections on old memories blend with newer ones, and warmth fills the heart as people step into the familiar routines of the festival. Jingle bells ring through speakers or are sung by carollers. Christians visit church to commemorate the birth of Jesus, while others prepare for an open house. On this special day, children wake up to presents under the Christmas tree, and to their delight, items on their wish lists are ticked off.
The smiles on many faces signify the festivity; it’s like the song says — ‘Have a holly, jolly Christmas; it’s the best time of the year.’ In Sarawak, the Dayaks treat Christmas as a reason to begawai (celebrate), with festivities either in the village head’s home or in the longhouse.
As with the balik kampung traditions in Malaysia, those from the cities or towns return to their respective villages, and those in the villages would often prepare for the arrivals. Tuak and other alcoholic beverages are brought out, while Dayak delicacies are lovingly prepared by family members. For the Dayaks, aside from Gawai, Christmas is a significant celebration, as it brings busy family members together to bond and reconnect.
Sharing more about the Christmas edition of begawai, the Sarawak Tribune speaks to several individuals about how they spend this holly, jolly time of the year.
Gwendalyn, 37
“Though I was born in Kuching, I always balik kampung to my dad’s family home in Kampung Tebekang, Serian. Christmas is celebrated similarly to Gawai, except that on Christmas we exchange gifts. On Christmas Eve, we have dinner together. Dad does the barbecuing, while Mum, my sister, and I prepare home-cooked dishes and drinks. It’s similar to Gawai, but the menu includes Western dishes like roasted chicken or turkey with potatoes, lasagna, apple pies and a cheese board.
Entertainment includes karaoke — singing Iban, Bidayuh, and Christmas songs. My fondest Christmas memory is celebrating with family and surprising each other with gifts. I also love seeing the children’s happy faces as they open their presents. I always enjoy returning to the kampung because it gives me the chance to visit relatives who live nearby — my grandmother’s house is within walking distance. My cousins and I would go together, and this is the time we spend quality time together.”
Suzana, 33
“Each year, I would return to my longhouse in Rumah Rajau, Sungai Metah, Kapit. On Christmas, the whole kampung usually celebrates at the ruai of the village head. Although we don’t play Christmas songs, we traditionally play cultural music using the sape. There are also carolling sessions. I love celebrating festivals at the kampung because it’s a time to gather with family members and have endless fun together!”
Damien Mikeng, 43
“During any celebration, I would return to my kampung at Kampung Suba, Bau. Christmas usually involves Christmas carols, mass, dinner with family and open houses. Dishes like pansuh, lemang, and rendang are spread across the dining table.
At the kampung, Christmas carols have been a tradition for decades. There’s also a children’s Christmas party with gift exchanges and games. Every home is decorated with Christmas trees, gifts, and the warmth of family. For me, it’s a laid-back but meaningful celebration.”
Eugean Sherine Henry, 28
“There’s never a quiet moment celebrating Christmas at the kampung, especially in my kampung — Kampung Payau Achau, Serian. I remember five years ago when my late husband was still around; we would have a long shopping list and change the theme of our Christmas tree decorations each year.
Before Christmas, the village would have a gotong-royong session to clean and decorate the church and town hall. On Christmas Eve, every household cooks and brings their dishes to the town hall after mass. During mass, there’s always a play about Jesus’ birth, and we laugh and cry along with the scenes.
When it’s time for the Christmas night gathering at the town hall, we start with a traditional dance — Langgi Pingadap or Bilanggi. Traditional dishes like sungkoi issam (chicken rice cooked in large bamboo stalks) are served. To make Christmas Day even merrier, the village committee organises events and sports for all ages.
Thanks to our village head, Christopher Bunar, our kampung now has a new place to barbecue, relax, and swim — Sungai Bingerat Jetty. We gather there, jump into the river and chill together. Another popular activity among the males in the village is hiking up Darud Sengking, our village mountain. At night, we shine torches at the hikers once they reach the summit.
We also have the ‘Simayang Mamba’ — which means household blessings — where the head of the family would request a pastor to lead prayers at their house and bless the family members. The women are busy in the kitchen preparing traditional and exotic dishes to serve afterwards. Finally, what I look forward to every year is the Christmas carolling from house to house. I especially enjoy the door gifts during these sessions.”
