Echoes of the gong: Kaamatan and the soul of Sabah
Kaamatan, traditionally held at the end of the padi harvesting season, was once a village-scale celebration to give thanks to Bambarayon, the rice spirit.
Today, while festivities are larger and more modern, the soul of the festival remains intact, especially for Christians like Mariati Bakait, an ethnic Kadazandusun who hails from Ranau.
'Kaamatan isn't just about merrymaking. It's about honouring the sacrifice that gave us life, like Huminodun's,' said the school teacher, referring to the mythic maiden who gave her body to restore life to the land during a great famine.
'Her story still teaches us what love and courage really mean,' Mariati tells Malaysiakini.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Borneo Post
a day ago
- Borneo Post
Eight-year milestone: Bishop of the Anglican Diocese of Kuching gives thanks for God's faithfulness
Danald exchanges warm handshakes with members of the congregation during the service. KUCHING (Aug 14): The Right Reverend Datuk Danald Jute marked his eighth years of service as Bishop of the Anglican Diocese of Kuching – covering Sarawak and the Kingdom of Brunei – with a thanksgiving service, describing the milestone as a testament to God's faithfulness and loving kindness. Speaking at St Thomas' Cathedral here on Tuesday, Bishop Danald expressed deep gratitude to God and the Anglican faithful for the privilege of serving since his consecration and enthronement in 2017. The service, which began at 5.30pm, was attended by clergy, church members, and guests, including government representatives. 'I still can't quite believe it has been eight years, so as we worship God, it is never about any one of us – it must always be about God,' he said. 'I thank you for the privilege of being your bishop and fellow servant,' he added. Recalling his journey into the priesthood, Bishop Danald who became the 14th Bishop of Kuching in 2017, shared that it was shaped by small encounters with God in his youth – from teaching Sunday school children to quiet prayers in a wooden chapel and seeing the needs of his community. He described the priesthood as 'an unearned gift from God, a daily miracle', and emphasised that no clergy could bring reconciliation by their own strength, but only through Christ. Under his leadership, the diocese has strengthened both spiritual life and infrastructure. Many churches, chapels, and schools in both rural and urban areas have been repaired or rebuilt with government support, making them more conducive for worship and education. 'Without government support, many of our chapels and schools would remain dilapidated,' he said, while reminding the Church to be 'a people of blessing' to the wider community. Bishop Danald also highlighted the Diocese's 'Decade of Discipleship' initiative (2021 – 2030), aimed at deepening faith and commitment among members. He encouraged Christians to serve with humility, avoid extremism, and uphold justice in society. 'If serving is below us, leadership is beyond us. I hope young people will be caring and supportive, and that believers will act with integrity in every aspect of life,' he said. He reaffirmed the Church's prophetic role in speaking out against exploitation, marginalisation, and injustice, adding that his ministry remained dedicated to supporting clergy so they could serve their congregations more effectively. 'In all we do, may the Lord's name be glorified, His people edified, and His kingdom extended,' he concluded. The service ended with a fellowship gathering at St Thomas' Cathedral Parish Hall, where well-wishers congratulated Danald and shared in the celebration. Anglican Bishop Danald Diocese of Kuching lead St Thomas
Borneo Post
5 days ago
- Borneo Post
Sago worm photo wins Heritage Food Digital Photography Contest
Angela (center), Rusni (left), and Mazlan hold their prize money.-Information Department photo TUARAN (Aug 10): A photo themed on sago worm, captured by Rungus girl Angela Jene Jasni, won the top prize at the Digital Photography Competition for Heritage Food. The competition, organized by the National Heritage Department, was held in conjunction with the 2025 Bajausama Ethnic Cultural Festival at the Sabah Bajausama Ethnic Cultural Center on Saturday. Second place was won by Rusni Talok with a photo of Ambuyat meal set, while Mazlan Madurin secured third place with a photo themed on Ikan Singgang (poached fish). The prize presentation was officiated by Deputy Secretary-General (Culture) of the Ministry of Tourism, Arts, and Culture, Datuk Mohd Yusri Mohd Yusoff, on Sunday. Also held was the presentation of appreciation certificates to participants of the Heritage Taste Exhibition@Sabah Food Demonstration and Sampling, presented by the Secretary-General of the Sabah Bajausama Ethnic Association, Datuk Kassim Razali.
The Sun
6 days ago
- The Sun
Fire extinguished, historic mosque-cathedral in southern Spain ‘saved'
MADRID: A fire broke out in the historic mosque-turned-cathedral in Cordoba on Friday but the monument was saved as firefighters quickly contained and then extinguished it, the Spanish city's mayor said. Widely shared videos had shown flames and smoke billowing from inside the major tourist attraction, visited by two million people per year. 'The monument is saved. There will be no spread, it will not be a catastrophe, let's put it that way,' Mayor Jose Mara Bellido said on Cadena television. Later, he said the fire, which the fire brigade had earlier described as under control, was now extinguished. 'Luckily, the rapid and magnificent intervention of the Cordoba firefighters averted a catastrophe. The fire is now out, and tonight firefighters and local police teams will remain on site to avoid any risk,' the mayor posted on X. The spectacular blaze had broken out around 9:00 PM (1900 GMT), raising fears for the early medieval architectural gem and evoking memories of the 2019 fire that ravaged Notre Dame cathedral in Paris. ABC and other newspapers reported that a mechanical sweeping machine had caught fire in the site. Considered a jewel of Islamic architecture, the site was built as a mosque -- on the site of an earlier church -- between the 8th and 10th centuries by the southern city's then Muslim ruler, Abd ar-Rahman, an emir of the Umayyad dynasty. After Christians reconquered Spain in the 13th century under King Ferdinand III of Castile, it was converted into a cathedral and architectural alterations were made over following centuries. - AFP
