I have undertaken to write about the state of Kelantan in northern Malaysia, and wow, I am so overwhelmed! There is an incredible Wikipedia article that I encourage you to read, but I will try my best to cover some interesting points here. First off, this card is from imajica, the famous Postcrosser :) and also one of the girls participating in the international blog I share with four ladies. (Private, unfortunately, sorry. ):
Where do I begin? A bulleted list, with interesting points:
- An agrarian state (primarily rice) in Northeast Malaysia, bordered by Thailand, also heavily focused on fishing.
- Contains some of the most ancient archaelogical finds in Malaysia.
- Most socially conservative and Islamic state in Malaysia.
- Each Malaysian state is ruled by a sultan according to Constitutional law.
- 95% of Kelantan's population is ethnic Malay, but enclaves of ethnic Thai and Chinese can also be found.
- The aboriginal people of Malaysia are called Orang Asli, and can be found in small numbers in Kelantan.
- Kelantanese cuisine is heavily influenced by Thai cuisine, and contains quite a bit of rice, fish, coconut milk, and chicken (meat and eggs), among other things native to the region.
Kelantan has a lot of really cool traditional cultural activities.
- Wayang kulit Kelantan is a form of shadow puppetry. (Cool three-minute video)
- Mak yong, declared by UNESCO as a "Masterpiece Of The Oral And Intangible Heritage Of Humanity," and is considered among the most authentic of Malay performing arts.
- Wau bulan, or traditional kite-flying (usually by men) is one of the national symbols of Malaysia.
- Silat is a Malaysian form of martial arts. (50-second video here)
- Gasing is the tradition of top-spinning.
- Handicrafts include batik and songket.
Enjoy all the fun facts. What a fascinating place!
