EARLY DAYS OF BRUNEI
How it began..
The existence of Ancient Brunei could be traced before the days of the first Sultan, Awang Alak Betatar, who was the first Bisaya leader of Brunei.
Pateh Berbai and Awang Semaun are the siblings of Awang Alak Betatar. Along with his 14 followers consisting of his brothers and first cousins, they were in a journey to find land to build their own settlement.
According to Awang Semaun's Poem (Syair Awang Semaun), the name Brunei originated from the words 'Baru nah' after a group of Sakai tribes led by Pateh Berbai went to the Brunei River to find a place to build new territory. They found out that the area was located in a strategic geographical location, being surrounded by hill as well as water, where plenty of fishes were in the river. Hence, they all shouted with joy the words 'Baru nah' which means 'very good', as they were satisfied in finding suitable land for them to live. In time, the word 'Baru nah' finally changed to Brunei.
According to history, Brunei had several names from different kingdoms. In Chinese history, Brunei was known as Po-li, Po-ni, Puni and Bunlai. From Arabic records, Brunei was known as Kamrun, Dzabaj or Randj whilst Indians called Brunei as 'Kapuradvipa'. Meanwhile, the Hindus referred Brunei as 'Kunlun' or 'Funan' and the people of Srivijaya knew Brunei as 'Vijaya'.
Brunei was and still is currently located in the Northwest of Borneo. In its early days, the country's main resources were Camphor, Sandalwood, Candles, Tortoise skin, Sago, Ivory, Dried fish, Black pepper and Chili. As a result, Brunei became a popular stopover for trading.
Prior to the introduction of Brunei's monarchy, Brunei was under the control of the Majapahit Empire, also known as 'Singhasari'. As stated in the Syair Awang Semaun, a king from the Majapahit Empire came to visit during the reign of Awang Alak Betatar. Thus, every year, Brunei pays tribute by sending 40 ships laden with Camphor.
However, after the Majapahit Empire fell, Brunei was freed and afterwards being fully ruled by Awang Alak Betatar, then known as Sultan Muhammad Shah.

SULTANS OF BRUNEI

1st Sultan of Brunei: Sultan Muhammad Shah (1363-1402)

2nd Sultan of Brunei: Sultan Ahmad (1408-1425)

3rd Sultan of Brunei: Sultan Sharif Ali (1425-1432)

4th Sultan of Brunei: Sultan Sulaiman (1432-1485)

5th Sultan of Brunei: Sultan Bolkiah (1485-1524)

6th Sultan of Brunei: Sultan Abdul Kahar (1524-1530)

7th Sultan of Brunei: Sultan Saiful Rijal (1533-1581)

8th Sultan of Brunei: Sultan Shah Brunei (1581-1582)

9th Sultan of Brunei: Sultan Muhammad Hassan (1582-1598)

10th Sultan of Brunei: Sultan Abdul Jalilul Akhbar (1598-1659)

11th Sultan of Brunei: Sultan Abdul Jalilul Jabbar  (1659-1660)

12th Sultan of Brunei: Sultan Muhammad Ali (1660 - 1661)

13th Sultan of Brunei: Sultan Abdul Hakkul Mubin  (1661 - 1673)

14th Sultan of Brunei: Sultan Muhyiddin  (1673 - 1690)

15th Sultan of Brunei: Sultan Nasruddin  (1690 - 1710)

16th Sultan of Brunei: Sultan Hussin Kamaluddin (1710 - 1730) (1737 - 1740)

17th Sultan of Brunei: Sultan Muhammad Alauddin  (1730-1737)

18th Sultan of Brunei: Sultan Omar Ali Saifuddien I  (1740-1795)

19th Sultan: Sultan Muhammad Tajuddin (1795-1804) (1804-1807)

20th Sultan of Brunei: Sultan Muhammad Jamalul Alam I (1804)

21st Sultan of Brunei: Sultan Muhammad Kanzul `Alam (1807-1826)

22nd Sultan of Brunei: Sultan Muhammad Alam (1826-1828)

23rd Sultan of Brunei: Sultan Omar Ali Saifuddin II (1828-1852)

24th Sultan of Brunei: Sultan Abdul Momin (1852-1885)

25th Sultan of Brunei: Sultan Hashim Jalilul Alam Aqamaddin (1885-1906)

26th Sultan of Brunei: Sultan Muhammad Jamalul Alam II (1906-1924)

27th Sultan of Brunei: Sultan Ahmad Tajuddin (1924-1950)

28th Sultan of Brunei: Sultan Haji Omar Ali Saifuddien III (1950-1968)

29th Sultan of Brunei: Sultan Haji Hassanal Bolkiah (1967 - present)

BRUNEI DARUSSALAM MALAY WEDDINGS Here in Brunei, Malay weddings are full of culture and tradition. The typical Malay wedding usually have several : Adat Merisik-'Adat Merisik' is a Malay tradition where both the groom and bride's parents meet up to discuss the details of the marriage such as the date of the marriage and the venue Adat Bertunang-'Adat Bertunang' is commonly known as the Engagement Ceremony. When the Merisik ceremony is a success, an engagement date will be set for the family to set the wedding plans. Malam Berjaga-jaga-To mark the start of the wedding period, the 'Malam berjaga-jaga' ceremony will be held. During this period, at night, family members and relatives gather together and have some entertainments. Akad Nikah-The 'Akad Nikah', or known as marriage contract whereby the verification of the documents was signed between the husband and wife as a proof of their marriage.  Malam Berbedak-The bride usually wore a traditional Berbedak attire and covered by a Kain Jong Sarat, which is a Malay traditional woven fabric and given by the groom during the Hantar Berian ceremony. Malam Berpacar-Close family members will come and apply a pinch of Pacar (Henna) on the bride's palm. Usually, there are 8 different kinds of coloured Pacar. Bersanding-Bersandinng ceremony is a must do ceremony where the newly-weds sits on a Dias for guests to see.  Malam Berambil-ambilan-This is usually where people finish their wedding ceremony. However there are two more ceremonies if they want to perform it or not and it depends on the both side of the groom and bride's family.  Adat Mulih 3/7 Hari-It literally means going back home after three or seven days. When a groom weds a bride, he will live at the bride's home for three or seven straight days. After that, he will bring his bride to his home.   FOR TUTONG WEDDING CEREMONY In Tutong wedding ceremony, the newly-wed couple was taken outside for the "basuh kaki" (literally known as washing feet) ceremony or in Tutong language known as "Burih Pu'o" ceremony. Most Bruneians would know that if attending a wedding ceremony in Tutong district or when one of the couple is from Tutong district, there would be a ceremony where close relatives and friends would be asked to participate in the washing the feet of the groom and bride ceremony.

 

List of Brunei Yearly Festival's & Holidays

 

1.CHINESE NEW YEAR

2.BIRTHDAY OF PROPHET MUHAMMAD

3.NATIONAL DAY CELEBRATIONROYAL

4. BRUNEI ARMED FORCES DAY

5.HIS MAJESTY THE SULTAN'S BIRTHDAY

6.AWAL RAMADHAN

7.HARI RAYA AIDILFITRI

8.HARI RAYA AIDIL ADHA

 

 

BRUNAIAN'S NATIVE FESTIVAL

 

Adau Gayoh

The Adau Gayoh Festivals represents the Dusun's way of expressing gratitude to good harvest and brings together people from all walks of life to celebrate the espirit of unity.

 

(May) The Adau Gayoh Festival is celebration that not marks the end of padi harvesting season, but also a moment of uniting the culture and community together among the tribes of the Dusun people. The highlight of the festtival where the traditional dance performances, including the traditional Mengalai and Tamaruk dances. The attendance of the Dusuns and members of other ethnic groups for this events is evident enough to show the commitment towards this village's unity, nobility, respect and encouragement to work together as a better community.