KUCHING: Christmas this year is not the same as in past years because the spirit of ngabang (Iban for visiting one another during festive seasons) is missing due to the coronavirus pandemic.
Ngabang has been the hallmark of Sarawak tradition and without it, no festive occasion is complete.
Universiti Malaysia Sarawak lecturer Claudia Jiton said it has been a tradition for her family to hold an open house on Christmas.
“This is because we will invite friends to ngabang our home and celebrate Christmas together.
“However this year, we are only gathering with the family,” she said when contacted today.
Nevertheless, Claudia said the feeling of happiness and merriment remains even without the excitement of an open house and visits from her friends.
“What is important for me is to be able to return to my hometown to celebrate Christmas with my family,” she said.
