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Hari Muyang with the Mah Meri

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60 kilometres from Kuala Lumpur or about an hour's drive is Pulau Carey. The island, separated from the mainland by the Langat River was once thriving with mangrove forests and virgin jungle. In the early 1900s, rubber and coconut plantations took over the forest and now, the entire island is covered by oil palm plantations.

And within the massive plantation are Orang Asli villages of the Mah Meri tribe. About four villagers in all. Mah Meri means 'forest people' and although they call themselves something else they have accepted this term. They are a Senoi subgroup.

According to a census they number only 2,200 and are distributed in 4 villagers on Pulau Carey and one village in Tanjung Sepat.

This year, March 1st is Hari Muyang or Ancestor Day for the Mah Meri of Sungai Bunbun on Pulau Carey. Different Mah Meri communities observe this annual festival on different days.

The day is marked by early morning prayers and offerings and blessings. Most villages keep their observance of Hari Muyang private but one group has made this a tourist event.

Another village we went to was very different. There are no cultural performances and the day is marked by people coming to seek guidance and help from a spirit that has taken over the body of a bomoh. He dispenses cures, remedies and blessings for ailments of the body and soul.

The spirit that took over the shaman this Hari Muyang was Chinese and so the rituals were very Chinese in nature.
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