MIRI: Traditions in the Iban community serve as a vital link between past and present.
One such tradition is the ‘Meri Anak Mit Mandi’ or the bathing ceremony, an initiation rite for young children.
This year, on June 1, this age-old ceremony was observed at Rumah Bunda Lubuk Kelambu, Ulu Teru.
Traditionally, grandparents bathe their grandchildren in the river, symbolically cleansing and blessing the children as they are given their name.
This ritual is believed to bring good fortune and protection to the young ones as they embark on life’s journey.
This year’s ceremony was particularly special as it marked the first time since 2013 that the rite was performed at the longhouse.
Pemancha Enggah Muga, a respected leader in the Iban community of Beluru district, oversaw the ceremony.
The event honoured three of his grandchildren and great-grandchildren (Ivan Ian Franklyn ; Aditya Lee Thinesh and Kavishashini Pavithran)- aged one, two, and three years old.
The ceremony took place at Sungai Teru, a river that holds historical and cultural significance for the Iban people.
The ritual began in the early morning, with the participants gathering at the riverbank dressed in full traditional attire.
The vibrant costumes, adorned with intricate beadwork and woven patterns, added a sense of grandeur and reverence to the occasion.
As the sun rose, Pemancha Enggah Muga led the ritual, guiding his grandchildren through the sacred process.
The river’s waters, cool and clear, were used to bathe the children, symbolising the washing away of impurities and the bestowing of blessings.
This moment was a poignant reminder of the continuity of life and the enduring significance of cultural practices.
Many members of the longhouse community gathered to witness and participate in the ceremony.
The involvement of elders and the broader community highlighted the importance of inter-generational connections and the transmission of cultural knowledge.
According to Pemancha Enggah, the revival of this tradition not only honoured the young children but also reinforced the community’s commitment to preserving their cultural heritage.
The ceremony’s rarity in recent years can be attributed to the challenges of modernisation and the gradual erosion of traditional practices.
However, events like this demonstrate the resilience of cultural identity and the efforts of community leaders to ensure that such traditions are not forgotten.
As the ceremony concluded, there was a palpable sense of unity and pride among the participants.
The blessings bestowed upon the children were seen as a gift of good fortune, ensuring their protection and prosperity in the years to come.
The ‘Meri Anak Mit Mandi’ ceremony is more than a ritual; it is a reaffirmation of cultural identity, community bonds, and the timeless connection between generations.
