In reminiscing about our youth in the interior, on the edge of the jungles, we always looked forward to the ’empayang’ event by two Chinese shopkeepers whose retail stores were just about 60 metres from our old Kedap longhouse in Saratok.
The ’empayang’ involved lighting firecrackers during the Chinese New Year season, a tradition that we, the ignorant Iban children of the interior, knew nothing about.
Nevertheless, we truly enjoyed the moments when the shopkeepers, Towkays Sing Kee (whom I later discovered to be a Foochow from Binatang, later Bintangor) and Ah Chik, a local Saratok Chinese, performed the ’empayang’.
Sing Kee and Ah Chik’s spouses were Iban – Sing Kee was married to my father’s cousin but was childless, while Ah Chik and his wife, Dungkung, had at least three children after many years.
For the record, a firecracker is a small explosive device primarily designed to produce a loud noise, with any visual effects being secondary. The fuses are wrapped in heavy paper to contain the explosive compound.
Firecrackers and fireworks originated in China. So says a dictionary. For us Iban, we refer to them as ‘bedil keretas’ (paper cannon).
Now that we are no longer ignorant longhouse children, we understand that ‘bedil keretas’ are not just for ’empayang’ or prayers but are essential for the Chinese during the Chinese New Year.
Moreover, in our plural Malaysian society, the tradition of lighting firecrackers is enjoyed during various festive seasons such as Gawai Dayak, Hari Raya Aidilfitri, Diwali, Thaipusam, Hari Raya Korban (or Aidiladha), Christmas, and others.
I was quite surprised to witness Iban people celebrating a Gawai Antu in a Julau longhouse around 1989, during which firecrackers were set off as part of their ‘nyelai ranyai’ to officially conclude what is considered the grandest festival of the Iban.
Even during the recent All Souls Day on Saturday, November 2, there were sounds of firecrackers being set off in Metrocity.
This cultural assimilation is a positive development strongly encouraged in our multicultural society.
Earlier this year, in welcoming the Chinese New Year 2024, besides the Chinese, other Malaysians also took part in lighting firecrackers and fireworks, which could cost thousands of ringgit.
During the Chinese New Year celebrations in Kota Samarahan at my niece’s bungalow, her dogs and cats appeared scared, hiding underneath tables and chairs upon hearing the loud noises of the firecrackers. It was a rare moment of unity among them when faced with a common threat.
Therefore, the act of ’empayang’, as we knew it more than half a century ago, is no longer exclusive to the Chinese community but has evolved into a Malaysian cultural practice.
During our last Gawai Dayak in a longhouse near Simunjan – I didn’t return to Saratok for the 2024 Gawai – I noticed how the cats and dogs, for once, shared a common fear concerning the firecrackers that our hosts enjoyed lighting on the common verandah ‘ruai’ on Gawai Eve.
We observed these domesticated animals seeking refuge in unusual places when the firecrackers were ignited at midnight on May 31.
Some elderly ladies were seen wrapping themselves in blankets, covering their faces for a few minutes starting from midnight.
In a Bidayuh village in Serian, my friend informed me that the villagers welcomed their minister for a Christmas visit last year by lighting firecrackers.
This was followed by a traditional Bidayuh welcome, complete with music and dance performances.
During my time in Brunei Darussalam, I had the opportunity to visit an Iban longhouse in Temburong, the fourth district in the Sultanate.
This visit coincided with a special traditional festival called ‘Gawai Kenyalang’ (Hornbill Festival), held at the Pehin Empading longhouse. Empading was the only Iban with the title ‘Pehin’ at that time.
It was not surprising to see everyone’s attention drawn to the lighting of firecrackers, marking the beginning of the festival. This reminded me of the shared fondness for firecrackers during Iban traditional festivals between the Julau Iban and their counterparts in Temburong.
It wouldn’t be surprising if celebrants of other Iban longhouse festivals elsewhere also shared a similar trait. After all, firecrackers are easily accessible, and anyone is permitted to purchase and use them.
However, smuggling firecrackers is a criminal offence, and individuals caught doing so may face prosecution, as per information provided by a police source.
In the sultanate, especially on the evening of Sultan Bolkiah’s birthday, a special fireworks display is held at Istana Nurul Iman in BSB, attracting thousands of spectators who line up along Beribi Road near the Sultan’s main palace, which he shares with his consort, Raja Isteri Pengiran Anak Saleha.
I had the privilege of witnessing this unique and grand spectacle for several years.
Additionally, my Brunei Malay friend, who held a Pengiran title, inaugurated his ‘Purih Baik Food Centre’ by lighting firecrackers.
He sought advice from his Chinese friends who were present to support him during the event, which was held near my rented apartment in Kianggeh, Bandar Seri Begawan in 1999.
This practice of lighting firecrackers was common among Malay, Iban, and non-Chinese businessmen in the sultanate, from Kuala Belait to Tutong, BSB, and Temburong.
I had an interesting yet frightening experience while driving my old Ford Laser around Serian in 1987.
During a festive season before sunset, a type of ‘flying’ firework entered through my open left window, crossed to the right window (driver’s side), and landed on the opposite side of the road, right in front of the Serian District Office.
Fortunately, the timing was perfect, and the fireworks did not hit me as I drove the humble vehicle, which lacked air conditioning.
This incident taught me a valuable lesson about firecrackers and fireworks – observe the displays from a safe distance and be cautious of unexpected ‘bedil keretas’, especially during festive seasons.
Furthermore, it’s advisable not to drive around with your windows open, unless your vehicle is equipped with air conditioning, unlike my Ford Laser from the late 80s.
The views expressed here are those of the writer and do not necessarily represent the views of the New Sarawak Tribune.
