Baabu Kurung As An Invented Tradition In Malaysia

This paper will discuss about Invented tradition and also this paper will analysis about “Baju Kurung” as an Invented tradition in Malaysia. According to the Eric Hobsbawn (1983), the state is the one which make sure about invented tradition in their state and its can create sense of belonging among with the citizens. So, the government has the authority to choose some new invented tradition for the best of the states and the citizens. The main characteristic of the new invented tradition is inculcate patriotism, responbility and loyalty to the state that eventually create a unique identity of the nation (Dr.Rie Nakamura’s Slide). According to the Oxford Dictionary the definition of “tradition” is the transmissions of customs or beliefs from

In Malay language Baju defines clothes and Kurung defines confinement or imprison. Baju is a kind of frock coat whose sleeve length is to the wrist and the kurung is a kind of skirt, which is of the ankle length. The “Baju Kurung” was inverted in 1866 by Sultan Abu Bakar, who is the Father of Modern Johor. When he was intended creating the “Baju Kurung” he just considered about two main factors which is conforming to the rules of their religion norms and values and being aesthetically pleasing. As the time goes by, the “Baju Kurung” has developed into three main kinds of styles. The original style is the “Traditional Baju Kurung”. The hemline comes below the knees. The second style is the “Baju Kurung Kedah”. It is similar to the traditional “Baju Kurung”, but its kurung is cut shorter in the hem so that it is below the waistline. The last style is the “Baju Kurung Moden” and it is the modern pattern for women. There several differences between the modern cut and traditional cut. Since Malaysia is an Islam Country and Islam requires that a women’s clothes should cover the whole body except the hands and face. Thus “Baju Kurung” may looks conservative and many Malay women still prefer the “Baju