Malaysia is
one of great example to the world to show a life of multi-racial society. Malaysia
has succeeded in proving to the world that a multiracial society can tolerate
and developing countries live together. According to the Kamus Dewan (2007),
culture can be defined as, civilization, mind progress, common sense, strange
behavior and many more. Culture can also be classified as a way of life
practiced by a particular group and it covers the social, organizational
arrangements, economics, politics, religion, beliefs, customs, attitudes and
values. According to the Kamus Dewan (2005) fourth edition page 102, diversity
is a description of the various types. Diversity include many things whether
abstract or concrete, which can be found in a place or territory. Culture is
the way of life that are designed to be able to interact and adapt to society
and the environment. Malaysia is a multiracial country that can live in a harmony.
Among the three main races in Malaysia, Chinese, Malays and Indians have lived
in this land for five centuries. In addition, there are approximately 80 ethnic
groups, especially in East Malaysia. These include Baba and Nyonya, Kadazan and
Iban.
Malaysian
Chinese community made up of several tribes. There are six major dialect
groups of Hakka, Cantonese, Teochew, Hainanese, and Fuzhou (Hokchiu). Chinese people practicing different
forms of customs and taboos in their daily lives. From the aspect of the
wedding, the Chinese will plan and arrange a marriage with glorious. According
to their belief, married couples without the customary are not legal. Besides
that, there are various forms of customs and taboos are practiced by the Chinese
women during pregnancy and after birth to ensure the babies are healthy. For
example, pregnant women are prohibited to do the nailing works because they
believe that the babies will have a disability. They also had to abstain for 40
days after giving birth to maintain their health and beauty.
Chinese
society adheres to the customs related to the issues of death. Upon death, the
body will be cleaned and washed as a mark of their last respects to the
deceased. The body will be placed in the coffin that is made of carved wood
exciting. They will hire more people to mourn the deceased. During the escort
the body, different types of songs will be played. After the funerals, black
clothing will be worn for several days until the day of mourning is over.
In the area
of nutrition, the Chinese community has a variety of foods. One of it is the
moon cake. Moon cakes are Chinese pastry
that is often eaten during mid-autumn festival. The cake is made from sweet
dough and lotus seeds. In addition, Pan Gan Mian is also the Chinese food.
Other names are Kompua. It is a kind of noodles eaten by Foochow community.
Ding Bian Hu is the Foochow food that is usually eaten at breakfast and supper.