√ History of the Minangkabau Tribe, Origins and Characteristics

History of the Minangkabau Tribe, Its Origins and Characteristics - On this occasion About Knowledge will discuss about the Minangkabau Tribe. Which in this discussion explains the history of the Minangkabau tribe, the origins related to the Minangkabau tribe briefly and clearly. For more details, see the following explanation.

History of the Minangkabau Tribe, Its Origins and Characteristics

Indonesia has a variety of cultures, there are various tribes with their own uniqueness and characteristics that give their own color to the cultural diversity of the archipelago itself. So that time often transforms into the identity of the archipelago which is priceless and becomes the pride of all of us.

Minangkabau tribe

The Minangkabau tribe is one of the largest and most famous tribes in Indonesia. Located in West Sumatra, the Minangkabau tribe is known as the parangau who do not only live in Sumatra, but have spread throughout the Indonesian archipelago.

The uniqueness of this is well known to various parts of the world. Whenever you hear the name of the Minangkabau tribe, you will immediately think of the two best-selling types of culinary delights, namely Nasi Padang and Rendang.

The Minangkabau tribe also has various unique traditions and customs, and they still exist today. Traditions and customs are very closely related to religious elements.

The Origin of the Minangkabau

The Minangkabau tribe is descended from Iskandar Zulkarnain who lived around the 4th century BC. The ancestors of the Minang tribe were Maharaja Diraja (Brother Maharaja Alif) from the Roman country and Maharaja Dipang from China.

The Minang people are also known as migrants, just like the Jews. The difference is they wander to study at the same time, and make a living. And not to colonize or master a new place.

The Minang people live in West Sumatra Province and are scattered in the Bukit Barisan area, namely the mountains that run along the island of Sumatra. Based on 2015 census data, the number of ethnic groups in Minang is around 4.2 million people, half of whom are overseas.

Characteristics of the Minangkabau Tribe

The Minangkabau tribe is the same as other tribes in Indonesia. The Minang tribe has several characteristics that only this tribe has. following explanation:

1. Has a variety of arts

Minang people have a lot of arts such as martial arts, dance, and the art of speech. Uniquely, the art of speaking is taught to maintain honor and self-esteem. So there is no need to use sharp weapons or make physical contact.

1. A devout adherent of Islam

The Minang community is also known as a very religious society. No wonder there is a saying that, in every inch of Minang land, there will always be the sound of the call to prayer reverberating. This means that wherever you look, it is almost certain that you will find the dome of the mosque.

At least a surau with typical Minangkabau architecture. If someone leaves the Islamic religion, that person will be ostracized, and will no longer be considered a Minangkabau citizen. Traditional ceremonies are also loaded with Islamic values, such as at weddings, Eid al-Fitr and so on.

1. Have a nomadic soul

Minangkabau people are also known as emigrants who are accomplished and independent. Whether traveling for the sake of studying, or for work. But on average they will go to try their luck in several big cities such as Bandung, Jakarta, Palembang, Aceh, Batam and so on. Not a few people also go abroad to neighboring countries such as Malaysia and Singapore.

The culture of migrating is also the impact of the matrilineal system adopted. So that most of the men who have grown up, will go abroad to make money. Even Minang men who go abroad are prohibited from returning home before they have succeeded.

It is not surprising that many Minang people migrate to big cities, and then become entrepreneurs. For example, many of the nomads opened Padang restaurants or restaurants.

1. Have strong kinship ties

Not only are they famous as migrants, but the Minangkabau people also have a strong brotherhood system. So that when they wander and meet somewhere, they will think of meeting their own family.

Because the bonds of brotherhood in the Minang community are indeed very strong. So that even though they are not blood relatives, they will still be blood relatives.

1. Very egalitarian and democratic

Minang society is also an egalitarian and democratic society. So that any issues related to society as a whole, it is obligatory to be deliberated to reach a consensus.

The Minang community is also known for its egalitarian attitude so that they will not become awkward when dealing with other tribes or nations. So they are very confident in any condition.

1. Adhering to the matrilineal system

Another uniqueness of the Minangkabau tribe is that they adhere to a matrilineal system, in which the mother's line becomes more dominant with a descent system that adheres to the mother's line. Uniquely, the only ethnic group in Indonesia that adheres to a matrilineal system is the Minangkabau tribe.

So that in the division of the inheritance system, women will receive more shares than men. More positively, if one day a man leaves his woman, then the woman is not vulnerable or dependent on the man.

1. Using Minangkabau language

The Minangkabau tribe also has a special language used in everyday life, namely the Minangkabau language. Its logic and dialect are similar to Malay. Even so, there are also those who say that the Minang language is its own language and is not an absorption of the Malay language. The language is also quite complicated but not difficult to learn by people from outside Minang.

1. The wedding customs are unique

Basically, the marriage customs of the Minang people are laden with Islamic law. The main requirement before marriage both bride and groom must be Muslim. The second bride and groom do not come from the same tribe. The third, the prospective bride and groom must respect each other's extended family from both sides. And finally, the prospective husband must have income.

The wedding tradition also has stages that must be fulfilled, including mamisek, malam bainai, maminang, the procession of the marriage ceremony, and so on.

1. Special ceremony of death

Not only the wedding tradition, but the Minang people also have a special ceremony held at the time of death. The ceremony of his death was not separated from Islamic law and the customs adopted. For example, Sakik Basilau, Kacang Pali, Cabiek Kapan, recite the Koran at the funeral home for three days, commemorate the seventh day, and so on.

Typical Minangkabau Food

The following are typical foods from the Minangkabau tribe, including;

Old tapai

Lamang tapai is a food that is usually served when there is a special event. For example when breaking the fast, holidays, or at weddings. Thus, the food that is usually used as a dessert is highly anticipated by the Minang people.

Lamang tapai consists of two main components, namely lamang and tapai. Lamang is made from glutinous rice cooked with coconut milk in bamboo. Meanwhile Tapai is made from fermented black glutinous rice. Eating this lamang will taste less if it's not the same as tapai. The combination of sour and sweet flavors from these two foods makes this one dish even more delicious.

Dadiah

You know yogurt? fermented cow's milk to make it thicker. Well, this dadiah is made from buffalo milk. Both are fermented too, but when the dadiah is fermented in the bamboo. Dadiah, usually served by mixing it with glutinous rice chips and smothered in coconut milk and brown sugar. The combination of flavors from the mixed ingredients will melt on the tongue.

Sala Lauak

Sala lauak is a kind of fried food. Made from rice flour, salted fish, and spices such as onions, turmeric, chilies, and salt. Then, the ingredients that have been prepared are mixed and made into a dough. The dough is then formed into rounds the size of a ping pong ball. Sala lauak is best eaten when it is still warm. Especially if you are near the frying place. The aroma of freshly cooked sala lauak will tempt your faith to taste it immediately.

The Minang people usually make sala lauak as a complement when eating lontong or vegetable rhombus. If you want to taste this culinary, just go to culinary centers in the cities of Padang and Pariaman. You will easily find this tasty round snack.

pension

Pensi is a type of clam that is small in size and only lives in Lake Maninjau. Pensi are usually processed by the Minang people into delicious snacks. Pensi will be cooked together with ginger, galangal, green onions, celery, and salt.

The taste is really delicious and tempting, there are savory and sweet that blend into one. To get this one snack, you can look for it in traditional markets in Agam Regency. You can go to Maninjau Market, Tiku Market, Lubuk Basung Market, and Matur Market.

Fried Rinuak

Rinuak is a small fish, only about 2 cm in size. You can only find this fish in Lake Maninjau, Agam Regency, West Sumatra. If seen, this fish looks like anchovy, only the difference is, this fish lives in fresh water. You will find Rinuak easily around Lake Maninjau.

Thus the discussion about History of the Minangkabau Tribe, Its Origins and Characteristics. Hopefully it can add to your insight and be useful. Thank You.