We used to tell mum, "Stop telling stories! Some people might not like it. They may think you are crazy!"
But she likes telling stories any way. And we of course still enjoy her story telling.
This legend helped her and her team win the first prize in a national legend writing competition in 2006. Pretty cool,eh?
The Egrets and Keling, an Iban Legend
Long ago, the egrets lived in a different land. They did notlive in the land of many rivers. They did not live amonghornbills and wild boars.
According to the Ibans who lived in Ulu Skrang, where hornbills andwild boars lived, theegrets were known to them only in stories. The egrets were big birds,w ith long lges and long pink necks. They were fleshy and their flesh was delicious. The lived ina a land of plenty, where water flowed from beautiful mountain streams. They had plenty of fish to eat.
Then why did the egrets begin to live in the wetlands?
Keling, an Iban hero, chanced upon them in the enchanted forest where they lived. He made friends with them and shared their life of plenty. Soon he forgot his original home in ulu Skrang.
However one day, an evil spirit, Sakau, happened to pass by the enchanted forest and he got hold of one egret. Sakau was hungry for human fleash and demanded the egret to tell him how to find a man. Now the egret was not willing to tell Sakau anything about Keling who ahd been very kind to theegrets and all the birds and animals in the enchanted forest.
Sakau used every method he could think of to get the egret to tell him everything about the enchanted forest. But he failed. Keling then appeared to help the egret. He fought very hard with Sakau, who was badly wounded. Then the egrets descended upon Sakau and tore at his flesh. The skies became dark, the earth moved and the rivers started to9 rise. All the living creatures of the enchanted forest began to flee from the scene of the batter. Usinghis last breath, Sakau cursed the egrets and banished them to the wetlands where they could only obtain a little bit of fish. The enchanted forest disappeared in the storm as Sakau breathed his last.
Keling, although he won the fith, had to suffer the curse of Sakau too. He would have to travel far and wide in search of love and happiness. He would never enjoy a good life with his kin folks.
So to this day, you will find thin egrets standing in a wide wetlan, looking for small bits of food. They are thin and they often anxious. They will be always on the look out for their human friend, the kind Keling, who is perhaps still looking for a home. Perhaps his spirit is still looking for the enchanted forest.
Friday, March 21, 2008
Hick's Bay
We grew up, feeling very much at home, by the sea. We love Hick's Bay, that special curve of a small white beach on the south side of the Tanjong Lobang Cliff.
As we grew older, we watched with alarm the stack falling apart so quickly. Waves hit upon waves and the cliff receded further inland, eating away earth, rocks and even into our happiness.
And then very recently man took over the natural events and plastered the cliffs with concrete, covered the white sand with soil brought by lorries and more lorries.
The cranes, the piling machineries started to replace the gentle bicycles,the solitary fisherman with his rod. The kampong scene was changed almost overnight to an offensive and aggressive grey concrete wall. They said that was to protect the coastline.
And in just a wink of an eye, our natural beauty, our natural history are all gone. A stroke of pen is more mighty than the greatest wave to hit on our shores.
We found a poem written by our mother when she was teaching in Kolej Tuanku Datuk Tuan Haji Bujang, formerly known as Tanjong Lobang School. As a teacher she tried her very best to coax out rhyme and reason in her students. Sometimes to our delight she would come home jumping with joy because her students could read and write!! And best of all, when she discovered a student who could rhyme, she would shout with joy.
And she would wish and wish that we could write well. We did try our best to ace the English subject.
Here's her poem dedicated to Hick's Bay, now all gone and literally concretised. When she wrote the poem in 1990, Hick's Bay was still our playground. How we miss it. We cannot show friends now where we climbed the first cliff, or took the first dip in south China Sea. We cannot tell Laura and Heather , if they should come again to Miri, that was where Laura was stung by a jelly fish and we were all petrified!! And perhaps we cannot tell friends any more that was where a local hero saved a lawyer who became a famous litigator. Hick's Bay has many memories for thousands of people, especially poor native students who came to study in Tanjong Lobang school in the 50's and 60's.
Such Moments as These
Such moments as these
I still miss the long wooden pier
Souls meeting souls at Hick's Bay,
Fleeting images just as near.
The sky's often blue
The sun's warmth spreads around
The sea's wondrous and bright azure
My heart's to them tightly bound.
What will lift my heart?
Tis the beauty of this bay.
And sweet desire n' memories
Forever in my mind will stay.
As we grew older, we watched with alarm the stack falling apart so quickly. Waves hit upon waves and the cliff receded further inland, eating away earth, rocks and even into our happiness.
And then very recently man took over the natural events and plastered the cliffs with concrete, covered the white sand with soil brought by lorries and more lorries.
The cranes, the piling machineries started to replace the gentle bicycles,the solitary fisherman with his rod. The kampong scene was changed almost overnight to an offensive and aggressive grey concrete wall. They said that was to protect the coastline.
And in just a wink of an eye, our natural beauty, our natural history are all gone. A stroke of pen is more mighty than the greatest wave to hit on our shores.
We found a poem written by our mother when she was teaching in Kolej Tuanku Datuk Tuan Haji Bujang, formerly known as Tanjong Lobang School. As a teacher she tried her very best to coax out rhyme and reason in her students. Sometimes to our delight she would come home jumping with joy because her students could read and write!! And best of all, when she discovered a student who could rhyme, she would shout with joy.
And she would wish and wish that we could write well. We did try our best to ace the English subject.
Here's her poem dedicated to Hick's Bay, now all gone and literally concretised. When she wrote the poem in 1990, Hick's Bay was still our playground. How we miss it. We cannot show friends now where we climbed the first cliff, or took the first dip in south China Sea. We cannot tell Laura and Heather , if they should come again to Miri, that was where Laura was stung by a jelly fish and we were all petrified!! And perhaps we cannot tell friends any more that was where a local hero saved a lawyer who became a famous litigator. Hick's Bay has many memories for thousands of people, especially poor native students who came to study in Tanjong Lobang school in the 50's and 60's.
Such Moments as These
Such moments as these
I still miss the long wooden pier
Souls meeting souls at Hick's Bay,
Fleeting images just as near.
The sky's often blue
The sun's warmth spreads around
The sea's wondrous and bright azure
My heart's to them tightly bound.
What will lift my heart?
Tis the beauty of this bay.
And sweet desire n' memories
Forever in my mind will stay.
A Rubber Tapper's Memories
(This article was part of the written memories of our father. Just thought that our readers might like to read about his early life. So many people in Sarawak have this kind of childhood. And they are indeed a courageous lot.)
1959 Medamit. I was just a small boy then but I learnt that with a little bit of hard work, my father could earn a few dollars. It was called tapping rubber. The rubber tree was something new and to a small Iban boy it was quite unusual. My father just had to make a cut in the tree, and milk would flow out. My father would do that every morning and I would tag along.
My father told me that if I grew up and could tap the tree on my own, I would be able to earn a lot of hard cash. So I had to learn the tricks from him. First the knife had to be sharp and the cut must be perfect. And in the early hours of the morning, I had to learn how to cut the tree bark very carefully and lovingly so as not to hurt the inner bark. Milk or latex would ooze out, and that was money.
The latex would drip into a small cup, poised precariously about two or three feet above the root system and about ten in the morning, my father and I would collect the fairly well congealed latex. Each day my father being a very hard working man, would tap more than 40 trees and he would be able to collect enough latex to make 5 sheets of rubber.
I would look forward to the rain. That would mean that I did not have to get up as early as four. I could have a lazy morning, fish a little in the river or collect some fruits just before lunch.
For a small boy, the work was dirty, smelly and even dangerous as my father and I would encounter snakes, scorpions and wild animals. The rubber garden was not well maintained as my father was working alone, and the undergrowth was beyond his control. Later on when I furthered my studies in West Malaysia, I was very impressed by the well-kept rubber estates over there. Everything was well trimmed. There was no undergrowth. One could even cycle between the rubber trees!! How wonderful.
But then in 1959 Medamit in Limbang was really extremely far away from any major town in Sarawak. It would take me three days to reach Limbang, the nearest town. I had to walk, to paddled a small boat and then to board a big boat to reach the town.
The headman one day told my father that I could go to school. I did not know what going to school was all about. My father told me that going to school was to learn how to read, and do sums. A teacher would teach me. The headman was advised to collect a few boys from the area. Thus 6 of us were selected and our ages ranged from 7 to 11.
My father gave me a small rice pot, a sack of rice, a small bit of salt, a small pillow, a mat, a small knife, and some fishing hooks. I remember him telling me to be strong and not to miss home. I was 9 at that time. My weight was not more than 20 kg. He told me not to cry, because that could be the beginning of a better life, and that was what the government wanted. I don't even remember today, if he did give me some sugar. I don't even remember whether he touched me as a loving gesture from a father. He stood so lonely at the end of the jetty and our small boat pulled away. Thus my small band of desperadoes went to school for the first time in Medamit.
Our school was just one room, with a little kitchen for all of us to do our cooking together. Fish was caught in the river and vegetables were collected from the forest nearby. But our little group, made up of uncles and cousins, survived for several years. I remember everything very well. I was quick to learn maths, English spelling and reading. My handwriting was pretty good. All my mates worked hard to learn well and we pleased the teacher. In turn we were all transferred out to the secondary schools in Miri!! Miri seemed to be a million mile away then.
All the while, my father would drop by the school to check on me. He would bring down several sheets of rubber to be sold to the Chinese shopkeeper. From the sale of rubber, I would get some short pants, some sugar, some salt and even some sweets, which were mainly made from gula apong at that time. Until today I have a longing for this old fashion sweet. I never had a blanket during those years. None of us had.
When I was 11, I was handpicked to study in Tajong Lobang School in Miri. Again, my father was delighted by the news and he again sold some more rubber sheets to fund my first trip away from Medamit.
Until today, I still feel very grateful that the dark brown, rancid smelling rubber sheets came handy for my father. With that small amount of cash, which was in fact, all that he had, I managed to buy my first shirt on my back, when I arrived in Miri. All this while I had only worn a singlet, which was already very civilized.
In the years that followed, I picture my father bringing down some rubber sheets to exchange for cash so that I could have a bit of pocket money. What if at that time there was no cash crop? Rubber has indeed played a significant part in my life. It gave me a chance to be someone better.
I am glad I have made it first as a graduate teacher and then as a lawyer. And I have so many people to thank for in my life. But as for rubber, I think it has helped not only me, but also a lot of other people.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
1959 Medamit. I was just a small boy then but I learnt that with a little bit of hard work, my father could earn a few dollars. It was called tapping rubber. The rubber tree was something new and to a small Iban boy it was quite unusual. My father just had to make a cut in the tree, and milk would flow out. My father would do that every morning and I would tag along.
My father told me that if I grew up and could tap the tree on my own, I would be able to earn a lot of hard cash. So I had to learn the tricks from him. First the knife had to be sharp and the cut must be perfect. And in the early hours of the morning, I had to learn how to cut the tree bark very carefully and lovingly so as not to hurt the inner bark. Milk or latex would ooze out, and that was money.
The latex would drip into a small cup, poised precariously about two or three feet above the root system and about ten in the morning, my father and I would collect the fairly well congealed latex. Each day my father being a very hard working man, would tap more than 40 trees and he would be able to collect enough latex to make 5 sheets of rubber.
I would look forward to the rain. That would mean that I did not have to get up as early as four. I could have a lazy morning, fish a little in the river or collect some fruits just before lunch.
For a small boy, the work was dirty, smelly and even dangerous as my father and I would encounter snakes, scorpions and wild animals. The rubber garden was not well maintained as my father was working alone, and the undergrowth was beyond his control. Later on when I furthered my studies in West Malaysia, I was very impressed by the well-kept rubber estates over there. Everything was well trimmed. There was no undergrowth. One could even cycle between the rubber trees!! How wonderful.
But then in 1959 Medamit in Limbang was really extremely far away from any major town in Sarawak. It would take me three days to reach Limbang, the nearest town. I had to walk, to paddled a small boat and then to board a big boat to reach the town.
The headman one day told my father that I could go to school. I did not know what going to school was all about. My father told me that going to school was to learn how to read, and do sums. A teacher would teach me. The headman was advised to collect a few boys from the area. Thus 6 of us were selected and our ages ranged from 7 to 11.
My father gave me a small rice pot, a sack of rice, a small bit of salt, a small pillow, a mat, a small knife, and some fishing hooks. I remember him telling me to be strong and not to miss home. I was 9 at that time. My weight was not more than 20 kg. He told me not to cry, because that could be the beginning of a better life, and that was what the government wanted. I don't even remember today, if he did give me some sugar. I don't even remember whether he touched me as a loving gesture from a father. He stood so lonely at the end of the jetty and our small boat pulled away. Thus my small band of desperadoes went to school for the first time in Medamit.
Our school was just one room, with a little kitchen for all of us to do our cooking together. Fish was caught in the river and vegetables were collected from the forest nearby. But our little group, made up of uncles and cousins, survived for several years. I remember everything very well. I was quick to learn maths, English spelling and reading. My handwriting was pretty good. All my mates worked hard to learn well and we pleased the teacher. In turn we were all transferred out to the secondary schools in Miri!! Miri seemed to be a million mile away then.
All the while, my father would drop by the school to check on me. He would bring down several sheets of rubber to be sold to the Chinese shopkeeper. From the sale of rubber, I would get some short pants, some sugar, some salt and even some sweets, which were mainly made from gula apong at that time. Until today I have a longing for this old fashion sweet. I never had a blanket during those years. None of us had.
When I was 11, I was handpicked to study in Tajong Lobang School in Miri. Again, my father was delighted by the news and he again sold some more rubber sheets to fund my first trip away from Medamit.
Until today, I still feel very grateful that the dark brown, rancid smelling rubber sheets came handy for my father. With that small amount of cash, which was in fact, all that he had, I managed to buy my first shirt on my back, when I arrived in Miri. All this while I had only worn a singlet, which was already very civilized.
In the years that followed, I picture my father bringing down some rubber sheets to exchange for cash so that I could have a bit of pocket money. What if at that time there was no cash crop? Rubber has indeed played a significant part in my life. It gave me a chance to be someone better.
I am glad I have made it first as a graduate teacher and then as a lawyer. And I have so many people to thank for in my life. But as for rubber, I think it has helped not only me, but also a lot of other people.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Saturday, March 15, 2008
Somerset Maugham and the Lupar Tidal Bore
Somerset Maugham came to Sarawak in 1921 and he wrote several short stories based on his few days' sojourn in old time Sarawak. One recent book which includes all his short stories is called, "Borneo Stories". It is available in most bookstores in Malaysia. According to some reports, Maugham himself experienced a near drowning in the Lupar Bore.
He was actually travelling with his friend and companion Gerald Haxton downstream. The sudden rush of the ten-foot wave swamped the small craft and sent Maugham, Haxton, and the native crew into the river where they all barely survived. He wrote notes on his experiences and later in 1926 he wrote "The Yellow Streak" using the details of his notes and his own creativity. (Source : Troy Bassett)
According to another source, at the Rajah's invitation, Maugham was travelling by boat along the Batang Lupar, rowed by prisoners of the Rajah, to the town of Simanggang (now known as Sri Aman).
During his voyage, Maugham unexpectedly encountered the mighty tidal bore, was thrown from the boat, and narrowly avoided drowning.
Sources:Gushing Roar of Sarawak's Tidal Bore, By Martin Yee, New Strait Times Press, 21st February 2000Brunei: Tidal Bore Fest, Borneo Bulletin, 6th June 2001, Copyright 2001 FT Asia Intelligence Wire
There is also popular local legend in Sri Aman which relates the tale of Benak, his wife and their son.
The family were rowing along the Batang Lupar, in the Sri Aman division of Sarawak, when they accidentally hit and capsized a native, spilling him into the Batang Lupar.
Angered by this, the native, a local Iban man, vowed to avenge his misfortue and kill Benak and his family.
The next morning, the Iban man hid himself on the Batang Lupar to await the arrival of Benak and his family. Unaware that he was waiting for them, Benak and his family were unexpectedly attacked by the local, and Benak was slain.
But, his wife and child managed to escape, and every day since they have been paddling along the Batang Lupar with great ferocity in the form a tidal bore, and no compassion for the local boatmen that frequent the waters.
He was actually travelling with his friend and companion Gerald Haxton downstream. The sudden rush of the ten-foot wave swamped the small craft and sent Maugham, Haxton, and the native crew into the river where they all barely survived. He wrote notes on his experiences and later in 1926 he wrote "The Yellow Streak" using the details of his notes and his own creativity. (Source : Troy Bassett)
According to another source, at the Rajah's invitation, Maugham was travelling by boat along the Batang Lupar, rowed by prisoners of the Rajah, to the town of Simanggang (now known as Sri Aman).
During his voyage, Maugham unexpectedly encountered the mighty tidal bore, was thrown from the boat, and narrowly avoided drowning.
Sources:Gushing Roar of Sarawak's Tidal Bore, By Martin Yee, New Strait Times Press, 21st February 2000Brunei: Tidal Bore Fest, Borneo Bulletin, 6th June 2001, Copyright 2001 FT Asia Intelligence Wire
There is also popular local legend in Sri Aman which relates the tale of Benak, his wife and their son.
The family were rowing along the Batang Lupar, in the Sri Aman division of Sarawak, when they accidentally hit and capsized a native, spilling him into the Batang Lupar.
Angered by this, the native, a local Iban man, vowed to avenge his misfortue and kill Benak and his family.
The next morning, the Iban man hid himself on the Batang Lupar to await the arrival of Benak and his family. Unaware that he was waiting for them, Benak and his family were unexpectedly attacked by the local, and Benak was slain.
But, his wife and child managed to escape, and every day since they have been paddling along the Batang Lupar with great ferocity in the form a tidal bore, and no compassion for the local boatmen that frequent the waters.
Tidal Bores of Sarawak - wooing tourists
When we were young , our mother told us the story of how one of our ancestors saved his enemy from drowning in the Sadong Tidal Bore. It could have been a fictional creation of someone. But usually when it comes to the Iban Traditional Oral History, the story may just be true.
It was known that the two little prahu were sailing home to the longhouse. And unknown to the rowers of the prahus, a tidal bore was on the rise. Suddenly the height of the river increased by more then tenfold. And water started to rush into the boats. One slipped through a wall of water and came up the right way. Screams were heard as the darkness spread throughout the land. The bore came and went away as suddenly . And then nothing was heard again.
The boat with the Ibans from Skrang, paddled by our ancestors, were once more floating and moving upwards. In the darkness they thought that the other boatmen were save too.
A few hours later, they heard the call of help from one person. When they rowed nearer to him, they found that he was a man who had been very antagonistic towards them. He was vile, he said bad things about them, and he had even brought a curse upon them. But the head of the boatmen agreed to take him in after deciding to throw some stuff out of the boat . They had gone trading with the Malays in the Kampong.
Thus this boatload of people rowed to a safe haven and lived to tell the story of how one man was saved from a tidal bore by one boat that was very blessed.
In times of adversity, the Ibans in the longhouse, continue to shower help to each other. Beautiful thought indeed. Great value indeed.
As children we grew up with stories like these and we learned about the natural ways of our people and the geography of our beloved land. Our mother, being a geography teacher, was always teaching us about anything we asked. Every moment was a teaching moment for her.
Today, the Sadong Bore is a tourist spot.
Why do we have tidal bores?
Tidal bore is a solitary wave formed when a rising tidal front tries to enter a shallow and narrowing river with high tidal range from abroad estuary. In the process, the tidal front is retarded by the river flow and the bed friction start to build up. When it reaches the critical point, it breaks and moves forward upstream as a rushing wave called tidal bore. As it travels upstream, it will decrease in height and velocity and eventually dies out due to energy dissipation.?
Good examples of tidal bores in Malaysia, can only be seen at, Batang Sadong, Batang Samarahan and Batang Saribas in Sarawak.Sri Aman is situated about 194 kilometres by road from Kuching City.
Batang or River Lupar flows from the Klinkang Range to South China Sea with river length of 275 kilometres. Geographically, Batang Lupar has a big opening at the rivermouth and becomes narrow when it reaches upstream. It is believed that tidal bore starts at Pulau Seduku located about 44.6 kilometres from river mouth and 34.5 kilometres from Sri Aman town. Tidal bore or locally known as benak occurs everyday with different wave lengths and heights. However, during spring tide, normally on the third and eighteenth day of the Chinese Lunar Calendar, tidal bores with high magnitude can be observed clearly. (The Chinese Lunar Calendar is easily obtainable from any Chinese shop in Sarawak. And the Sarawak Almanac faithfully keeps three calendars in one : the Gregorian, the Islamic and the Chinese Lunar Calendars - a great gift to give to any one!!)
No detailed study has been made by scientists but based on local knowledge,the River Lupar Bore has a velocity of about 7 km/hr to 18km/hr with heights at times reaching to more than 3 metres. The formation of tidal bored depends on several factor as listed below:
Tidal range: neap tide & spring tide
Shape and slope of the river
Overall depth of the river channel
Weather condition and flow of river at upstream
the Sarawak State Government has designated a Pesta Benak (Tidal Bore Carnival) in Sri Aman as one of yearly activities in the Sarawak tourism calendar. The objective of Pesta Benak Sri Aman is to introduce Sri Aman town through tourism and encourage tourist from in and outside the country to visit Sri Aman. Apart from it, Pesta Benak is also to encourage harmonial spirit among local community.
Besides the normal food fair, games, local dances, and other competitions, every year, the festival would provide a ride with longboats braving the waves.
We are including a large number of other world bores in this posting.
Amazon Pororoca, Macapa, Brazil '...at the mouth of the Amazon, in the Canal do Norte, the most expansive tidal bore in the world pushes a volume of water 16km wide into the basin...'
Araguari Pororoca, Amapa State, Brazil '...the most feared pororoca produces a bore upto 3m high travelling in excess of 15mph and was recently conquered by local surfers...'
Aramia Bore, Western Province, Papua New Guinea '...only a single written account has been found for this bore...'
Capim Pororoca, Para State, Brazil '...another pororoca under the scrutiny of surfers, which forms a confluence with the Guama at Sao Domingos...'
Cassipore Pororoca, Northern Amapa State, Brazil '...eyewitness account of a 2m tidal bore, but no further records...'
Colorado River Bore, Baja California, Mexico '...a historical bore, diminished of its power by irrigation and damming upriver, which still produces great floods on the salt plains...'
Daly Bore, Northern Territories, Australia '...a bore exceeding a metre has been documented pushing 30km inland, but no additional information available...'
Dee Bore, Clwyd, Wales '...a small bore, upto half a metre, which crosses the border between Wales and England...'
Dordogne Mascaret, Aquitaine, France'...fueled by the Gironde estuary, this wave peaks in early autumn at around a metre, as bore riders of all sorts gather in St Pardon...'
Fly Bore, Western Province, Papua New Guinea '...the tides of the Papua Gulf flood this basin in the rainy season, but a bore of over a metre has been observed...'
Ganges Tidal Bore, Khulna, Bangladesh'...G Darwin documented a five metre tidal bore in the late nineteenth century, now the bore regularly heralds the devastating storm surge...'
Garonne Mascaret, Aquitaine, France '...sister to the Dordogne, this mascaret flows out of the Gironde and through the city of Bordeaux...'
Gironde Mascaret, Aquitaine, France '...source of the largest mascaret in France at the current time, the bore is clearly visible before the river forks...'
Great Ouse, Norfolk, England '...this bore was prominant in the great floods of 1953, when a giant surge sent a two metre bore wayward through the streets of King's Lynn...'
Guama Pororoca, Para State, Brazil '...this large bore, first sighted by the explorer Martius, can exceed four metres in height, and has become a popular challenge for local surfers...'
Guajara Pororoca, Para State, Brazil '...this pororoca forms more than 150km inland on a tributary of the Amazon, deep in the Amazon basin, where accessibility is a problem...'
Hebert Bore, Nova Scotia, Canada '...a small bore can be viewed from the River Hebert highway bridge 30 minutes before the Maccan river bore reaches the viewing park...'
Herbert Bore, Nova Scotia, Canada '...a small bore, sourced from the Avon River, reaches the rickety Herbert River bridge...'
Hugli Tidal Bore, West Bengal, India'...revered for the destruction it has caused to ships, this two metre bore terrorizes the shipping routes to Calcutta...'
Kent Bore, Cumbria, England '...at the northern end of Morecambe Bay, this small bore meanders its way across the Milnthorpe sands...'
Lune Bore, Lancashire, England '...we have been informed of a small bore in this river mouth at the southern end of Morecambe Bay, needs confirmation...'
Lupar Benak, Sarawak, Malaysia '...this tropical tidal bore can reach two metres in height, is popular with tourists, and has been captured in detail on still...'
Maccan Tidal Bore, Nova Scotia, Canada '...a small half metre bore can be observed well in advance as it winds its way towards the town of Maccan...'
Mahi Tidal Bore, Madhya Pradesh, India '...observation only, we have found no accounts of for this west Indian river...'
Mearim Pororoca, Maranhao State, Brazil '...only confirmed by observation this river feeds into the Atlantic 600km south east of the Amazon basin...'
Meghna Tidal Bore, Khulna, Bangladesh '...the eastern branch of the Ganges delta, this river is likely to be affected by the great monsoon surges, and a tidal bore has been observed...'
Mersey Bore, Cheshire, England '...a very small bore, observed and illustrated by Tricker, occuring shortly after the Dee bore just to its south west...'
Moju Pororoca, Para State, Brazil '...a deep inset river where a three metre bore has been observed, but no further corrobaration...'
Mont-Saint-Michel Bay Mascaret, Haute Normandie, France '...small mascarets are regularly observed in the bay's channels, and occasionally these have breached the Cousenon, Selune and See rivers...'
Narmada Tidal Bore, Madhya Pradesh, India '...as with the Mahi to its north, no documentation to corroborate this bore has been found...'
Ord Tidal Bore, Western State, Australia '...this bore appears to have been recognised during a field trip around the Cambridge Gulf into which the river drains, no further accounts...'
Orne Mascaret, Basse Normandie, France '...a couple of accounts have described this mascaret sourced from the large tidal range of the English Channel...'
Parrett Bore, Somerset, England '...a bore reaching about half a metre, that has been observed in several historical accounts, passes through the town of Bridgewater...'
Petitcodiac Mascaret, New Brunswick, Canada '...this bore is only a remnant of its former majesty, although much work is being undertaken to restore the glory and size of this famous bore...'
Prince Regent Tidal Bore, Western State, Australia '...located deep in the heart of a nature reserve north of the Kimberleys this river is not easily accessible for confirmation...'
Pungue Tidal Bore, Sofala, Mozambique '...a colleague heard about this one during travels through the country, but no corroborating records available...'
Qiantang Dragon, Haining Province, China '...it's been said many times, the outstanding monster amongst tidal bores, and strongly worshipped by the Chinese, with myths a plenty...'
Sao Francisco Pororoca, Alagoas/Sergipe Border, Brazil '...a single account of this pororoca has been found in a promotional context for tourism, further corrobaration needed...'
Salmon Tidal Bore, Nova Scotia, Canada '...this Bay of Fundy bore, is located at the eastern end of Cobequid Bay and can produce a metre high bore past the town of Truro...'
Sadong Benak, Sarawak, Malaysia '...one account, but no further documentation has been found...' (see above)
Tidal Bore Phenomenon
Tidal bore is a solitary wave formed when a rising tidal front tries to enter a shallow and narrowing river with high tidal range from abroad estuary. In the process, the tidal front is retarded by the river flow and the bed friction start to build up. When it reaches the critical point, it breaks and moves forward upstream as a rushing wave called tidal bore. As it travels upstream, it will decrease in height and velocity and eventually dies out due to energy dissipation.?In Malaysia, tidal bore phenomenon can only be seen at Batang Sadong, Batang Samarahan and Batang Saribas in the state of Sarawak.Sri Aman is situated about 194 kilometres by road from Kuching City. The unique phenomenon of tidal bore occurrs in Batang Lupar. Batang Lupar flows from the Klinkang Range to South China Sea with river length of 275 kilometres. Geographicaly, Batang Lupar has a big opening at the rivermouth and becomes narrow when it reaches upstream. It is believed that tidal bore starts at Pulau Seduku located about 44.6 kilometres from river mouth and 34.5 kilometres from Sri Aman town. Tidal bore or locally known as benak occurs everyday with different wave lengths and heights. However, during spring tide, normally on the third and eighteen day of? the Chinese Lunar Calendar, tidal bores with high magnitude can be observed clearly.
There is no detailled study on the tidal bore Batang Lupar. However, based on naked eyes observation, the velocity of the tidal bore is about 7 km/hr to 18km/hr with heights at times reaching to more than 3 metres. The formation of tidal bored depends on several factor as listed below:
Tidal range: neap tide & spring tide
Shape and slope of the river
Overall depth of the river channel
Weather condition and flow of river at upstream
Sarawak State Government recognises Pesta Benak (Tidal Bore Carnival) in Sri Aman as one of yearly activity in the Sarawak tourism calendar. The objective of Pesta Benak Sri Aman is to introduce Sri Aman town through tourism and encourage tourist from in and outside the country to visit Sri Aman. Apart from it, Pesta Benak is also to encourage harmonial spirit among local community.
Pesta Benak 2003 was been held in Sri Aman on 17 April to 20 April 2003. In conjuction with this festival, there were many events organized such as development exhibition, food fair, karaoke competition, Pesta Benak Sri Aman Seminar 2003, culture and art performances, development exhibitions and others. In conclusion, tidal wave festival has made the area a popular spot in Sarawak for visitors, you can join in the fun and hitch a ride with the longboats or just watch the boatman braving the waves. You can even immerse yourself with the local culture at the food fair, good music and dance performances that are part and parcel of the festival.
Samarahan Benak, Sarawak, Malaysia '...another of the Island's bores with only one account...'
Saribas Benak, Sarawak, Malaysia '...this bore features in stories of pirates, but no further accounts have been found...'
Schubenacadie Tidal Bore, Nova Scotia, Canada...currently the largest Fundy bore, reaching two metres in height, this is a popular location for zodiac rides in the rollercoater tide...'
Seine Mascaret, Haute Normadie, France '...exceeding six metres with terryfying irregularity, this great bore may at times have rivalled the Dragon, but now has been almost eliminated...'
Severn Bore, Gloucestershire, England'...the home birth place of bore surfing and the most outstanding bore in the UK reaching upto two metres height, with many associated legends...'
Sittang Tidal Bore, Tenaseerim Border, Myanmar '...this monsoon influenced bore wreaked havoc on military ships trying to pass over the river during the second world war...'
Solway Firth Bore, Cumbria Northern Border, England '...reputed to have caused great problems for conquering armies, and still a threat to people being caught unawares fishing on the banks...'
St Croix Tidal Bore, Nova Scotia, Canada '...a tidal bore reaching a metre can be observed on this Windsor basin river from the local Tidal Bore View Farm...'
Stewiacke Tidal Bore, Nova Scotia, Canada '...on the western side of the Minas Basin, rafting trips are offered to observe this small bore...'
Tempisque Tidal Bore, Golfo de Nicoya, Costa Rica '...local fisherman have confirmed the prescence of a bore but no further accounts found to date...'
Trent Aegir, Lincolnshire, England '...the second most famous bore in England, with a head wave reaching a metre...'
Turnagain Arm Tidal Bore, Alaska, USA '...simply the most picturesque, and coldest, environment of any tidal bore, the arm is surrounded by mountains where a three metre bore can form...'
Victoria Tidal Bore, Northern Territory, Australia '...another Australian river for which no corrobarating information has yet been found...'
Wager Bay Tidal Bore, Nunavut, Canada '...single account of 15 foot tidal bore from the Wahington Post (25.06.95), located just south of the Arctic Circle at the highest latitude of any bore...'
Wye Bore, Gloucestershire, England '...very rare, a bore has been observed in this tributary of the Severn Estuary when the tides have reached their maximum range...'
It was known that the two little prahu were sailing home to the longhouse. And unknown to the rowers of the prahus, a tidal bore was on the rise. Suddenly the height of the river increased by more then tenfold. And water started to rush into the boats. One slipped through a wall of water and came up the right way. Screams were heard as the darkness spread throughout the land. The bore came and went away as suddenly . And then nothing was heard again.
The boat with the Ibans from Skrang, paddled by our ancestors, were once more floating and moving upwards. In the darkness they thought that the other boatmen were save too.
A few hours later, they heard the call of help from one person. When they rowed nearer to him, they found that he was a man who had been very antagonistic towards them. He was vile, he said bad things about them, and he had even brought a curse upon them. But the head of the boatmen agreed to take him in after deciding to throw some stuff out of the boat . They had gone trading with the Malays in the Kampong.
Thus this boatload of people rowed to a safe haven and lived to tell the story of how one man was saved from a tidal bore by one boat that was very blessed.
In times of adversity, the Ibans in the longhouse, continue to shower help to each other. Beautiful thought indeed. Great value indeed.
As children we grew up with stories like these and we learned about the natural ways of our people and the geography of our beloved land. Our mother, being a geography teacher, was always teaching us about anything we asked. Every moment was a teaching moment for her.
Today, the Sadong Bore is a tourist spot.
Why do we have tidal bores?
Tidal bore is a solitary wave formed when a rising tidal front tries to enter a shallow and narrowing river with high tidal range from abroad estuary. In the process, the tidal front is retarded by the river flow and the bed friction start to build up. When it reaches the critical point, it breaks and moves forward upstream as a rushing wave called tidal bore. As it travels upstream, it will decrease in height and velocity and eventually dies out due to energy dissipation.?
Good examples of tidal bores in Malaysia, can only be seen at, Batang Sadong, Batang Samarahan and Batang Saribas in Sarawak.Sri Aman is situated about 194 kilometres by road from Kuching City.
Batang or River Lupar flows from the Klinkang Range to South China Sea with river length of 275 kilometres. Geographically, Batang Lupar has a big opening at the rivermouth and becomes narrow when it reaches upstream. It is believed that tidal bore starts at Pulau Seduku located about 44.6 kilometres from river mouth and 34.5 kilometres from Sri Aman town. Tidal bore or locally known as benak occurs everyday with different wave lengths and heights. However, during spring tide, normally on the third and eighteenth day of the Chinese Lunar Calendar, tidal bores with high magnitude can be observed clearly. (The Chinese Lunar Calendar is easily obtainable from any Chinese shop in Sarawak. And the Sarawak Almanac faithfully keeps three calendars in one : the Gregorian, the Islamic and the Chinese Lunar Calendars - a great gift to give to any one!!)
No detailed study has been made by scientists but based on local knowledge,the River Lupar Bore has a velocity of about 7 km/hr to 18km/hr with heights at times reaching to more than 3 metres. The formation of tidal bored depends on several factor as listed below:
Tidal range: neap tide & spring tide
Shape and slope of the river
Overall depth of the river channel
Weather condition and flow of river at upstream
the Sarawak State Government has designated a Pesta Benak (Tidal Bore Carnival) in Sri Aman as one of yearly activities in the Sarawak tourism calendar. The objective of Pesta Benak Sri Aman is to introduce Sri Aman town through tourism and encourage tourist from in and outside the country to visit Sri Aman. Apart from it, Pesta Benak is also to encourage harmonial spirit among local community.
Besides the normal food fair, games, local dances, and other competitions, every year, the festival would provide a ride with longboats braving the waves.
We are including a large number of other world bores in this posting.
Amazon Pororoca, Macapa, Brazil '...at the mouth of the Amazon, in the Canal do Norte, the most expansive tidal bore in the world pushes a volume of water 16km wide into the basin...'
Araguari Pororoca, Amapa State, Brazil '...the most feared pororoca produces a bore upto 3m high travelling in excess of 15mph and was recently conquered by local surfers...'
Aramia Bore, Western Province, Papua New Guinea '...only a single written account has been found for this bore...'
Capim Pororoca, Para State, Brazil '...another pororoca under the scrutiny of surfers, which forms a confluence with the Guama at Sao Domingos...'
Cassipore Pororoca, Northern Amapa State, Brazil '...eyewitness account of a 2m tidal bore, but no further records...'
Colorado River Bore, Baja California, Mexico '...a historical bore, diminished of its power by irrigation and damming upriver, which still produces great floods on the salt plains...'
Daly Bore, Northern Territories, Australia '...a bore exceeding a metre has been documented pushing 30km inland, but no additional information available...'
Dee Bore, Clwyd, Wales '...a small bore, upto half a metre, which crosses the border between Wales and England...'
Dordogne Mascaret, Aquitaine, France'...fueled by the Gironde estuary, this wave peaks in early autumn at around a metre, as bore riders of all sorts gather in St Pardon...'
Fly Bore, Western Province, Papua New Guinea '...the tides of the Papua Gulf flood this basin in the rainy season, but a bore of over a metre has been observed...'
Ganges Tidal Bore, Khulna, Bangladesh'...G Darwin documented a five metre tidal bore in the late nineteenth century, now the bore regularly heralds the devastating storm surge...'
Garonne Mascaret, Aquitaine, France '...sister to the Dordogne, this mascaret flows out of the Gironde and through the city of Bordeaux...'
Gironde Mascaret, Aquitaine, France '...source of the largest mascaret in France at the current time, the bore is clearly visible before the river forks...'
Great Ouse, Norfolk, England '...this bore was prominant in the great floods of 1953, when a giant surge sent a two metre bore wayward through the streets of King's Lynn...'
Guama Pororoca, Para State, Brazil '...this large bore, first sighted by the explorer Martius, can exceed four metres in height, and has become a popular challenge for local surfers...'
Guajara Pororoca, Para State, Brazil '...this pororoca forms more than 150km inland on a tributary of the Amazon, deep in the Amazon basin, where accessibility is a problem...'
Hebert Bore, Nova Scotia, Canada '...a small bore can be viewed from the River Hebert highway bridge 30 minutes before the Maccan river bore reaches the viewing park...'
Herbert Bore, Nova Scotia, Canada '...a small bore, sourced from the Avon River, reaches the rickety Herbert River bridge...'
Hugli Tidal Bore, West Bengal, India'...revered for the destruction it has caused to ships, this two metre bore terrorizes the shipping routes to Calcutta...'
Kent Bore, Cumbria, England '...at the northern end of Morecambe Bay, this small bore meanders its way across the Milnthorpe sands...'
Lune Bore, Lancashire, England '...we have been informed of a small bore in this river mouth at the southern end of Morecambe Bay, needs confirmation...'
Lupar Benak, Sarawak, Malaysia '...this tropical tidal bore can reach two metres in height, is popular with tourists, and has been captured in detail on still...'
Maccan Tidal Bore, Nova Scotia, Canada '...a small half metre bore can be observed well in advance as it winds its way towards the town of Maccan...'
Mahi Tidal Bore, Madhya Pradesh, India '...observation only, we have found no accounts of for this west Indian river...'
Mearim Pororoca, Maranhao State, Brazil '...only confirmed by observation this river feeds into the Atlantic 600km south east of the Amazon basin...'
Meghna Tidal Bore, Khulna, Bangladesh '...the eastern branch of the Ganges delta, this river is likely to be affected by the great monsoon surges, and a tidal bore has been observed...'
Mersey Bore, Cheshire, England '...a very small bore, observed and illustrated by Tricker, occuring shortly after the Dee bore just to its south west...'
Moju Pororoca, Para State, Brazil '...a deep inset river where a three metre bore has been observed, but no further corrobaration...'
Mont-Saint-Michel Bay Mascaret, Haute Normandie, France '...small mascarets are regularly observed in the bay's channels, and occasionally these have breached the Cousenon, Selune and See rivers...'
Narmada Tidal Bore, Madhya Pradesh, India '...as with the Mahi to its north, no documentation to corroborate this bore has been found...'
Ord Tidal Bore, Western State, Australia '...this bore appears to have been recognised during a field trip around the Cambridge Gulf into which the river drains, no further accounts...'
Orne Mascaret, Basse Normandie, France '...a couple of accounts have described this mascaret sourced from the large tidal range of the English Channel...'
Parrett Bore, Somerset, England '...a bore reaching about half a metre, that has been observed in several historical accounts, passes through the town of Bridgewater...'
Petitcodiac Mascaret, New Brunswick, Canada '...this bore is only a remnant of its former majesty, although much work is being undertaken to restore the glory and size of this famous bore...'
Prince Regent Tidal Bore, Western State, Australia '...located deep in the heart of a nature reserve north of the Kimberleys this river is not easily accessible for confirmation...'
Pungue Tidal Bore, Sofala, Mozambique '...a colleague heard about this one during travels through the country, but no corroborating records available...'
Qiantang Dragon, Haining Province, China '...it's been said many times, the outstanding monster amongst tidal bores, and strongly worshipped by the Chinese, with myths a plenty...'
Sao Francisco Pororoca, Alagoas/Sergipe Border, Brazil '...a single account of this pororoca has been found in a promotional context for tourism, further corrobaration needed...'
Salmon Tidal Bore, Nova Scotia, Canada '...this Bay of Fundy bore, is located at the eastern end of Cobequid Bay and can produce a metre high bore past the town of Truro...'
Sadong Benak, Sarawak, Malaysia '...one account, but no further documentation has been found...' (see above)
Tidal Bore Phenomenon
Tidal bore is a solitary wave formed when a rising tidal front tries to enter a shallow and narrowing river with high tidal range from abroad estuary. In the process, the tidal front is retarded by the river flow and the bed friction start to build up. When it reaches the critical point, it breaks and moves forward upstream as a rushing wave called tidal bore. As it travels upstream, it will decrease in height and velocity and eventually dies out due to energy dissipation.?In Malaysia, tidal bore phenomenon can only be seen at Batang Sadong, Batang Samarahan and Batang Saribas in the state of Sarawak.Sri Aman is situated about 194 kilometres by road from Kuching City. The unique phenomenon of tidal bore occurrs in Batang Lupar. Batang Lupar flows from the Klinkang Range to South China Sea with river length of 275 kilometres. Geographicaly, Batang Lupar has a big opening at the rivermouth and becomes narrow when it reaches upstream. It is believed that tidal bore starts at Pulau Seduku located about 44.6 kilometres from river mouth and 34.5 kilometres from Sri Aman town. Tidal bore or locally known as benak occurs everyday with different wave lengths and heights. However, during spring tide, normally on the third and eighteen day of? the Chinese Lunar Calendar, tidal bores with high magnitude can be observed clearly.
There is no detailled study on the tidal bore Batang Lupar. However, based on naked eyes observation, the velocity of the tidal bore is about 7 km/hr to 18km/hr with heights at times reaching to more than 3 metres. The formation of tidal bored depends on several factor as listed below:
Tidal range: neap tide & spring tide
Shape and slope of the river
Overall depth of the river channel
Weather condition and flow of river at upstream
Sarawak State Government recognises Pesta Benak (Tidal Bore Carnival) in Sri Aman as one of yearly activity in the Sarawak tourism calendar. The objective of Pesta Benak Sri Aman is to introduce Sri Aman town through tourism and encourage tourist from in and outside the country to visit Sri Aman. Apart from it, Pesta Benak is also to encourage harmonial spirit among local community.
Pesta Benak 2003 was been held in Sri Aman on 17 April to 20 April 2003. In conjuction with this festival, there were many events organized such as development exhibition, food fair, karaoke competition, Pesta Benak Sri Aman Seminar 2003, culture and art performances, development exhibitions and others. In conclusion, tidal wave festival has made the area a popular spot in Sarawak for visitors, you can join in the fun and hitch a ride with the longboats or just watch the boatman braving the waves. You can even immerse yourself with the local culture at the food fair, good music and dance performances that are part and parcel of the festival.
Samarahan Benak, Sarawak, Malaysia '...another of the Island's bores with only one account...'
Saribas Benak, Sarawak, Malaysia '...this bore features in stories of pirates, but no further accounts have been found...'
Schubenacadie Tidal Bore, Nova Scotia, Canada...currently the largest Fundy bore, reaching two metres in height, this is a popular location for zodiac rides in the rollercoater tide...'
Seine Mascaret, Haute Normadie, France '...exceeding six metres with terryfying irregularity, this great bore may at times have rivalled the Dragon, but now has been almost eliminated...'
Severn Bore, Gloucestershire, England'...the home birth place of bore surfing and the most outstanding bore in the UK reaching upto two metres height, with many associated legends...'
Sittang Tidal Bore, Tenaseerim Border, Myanmar '...this monsoon influenced bore wreaked havoc on military ships trying to pass over the river during the second world war...'
Solway Firth Bore, Cumbria Northern Border, England '...reputed to have caused great problems for conquering armies, and still a threat to people being caught unawares fishing on the banks...'
St Croix Tidal Bore, Nova Scotia, Canada '...a tidal bore reaching a metre can be observed on this Windsor basin river from the local Tidal Bore View Farm...'
Stewiacke Tidal Bore, Nova Scotia, Canada '...on the western side of the Minas Basin, rafting trips are offered to observe this small bore...'
Tempisque Tidal Bore, Golfo de Nicoya, Costa Rica '...local fisherman have confirmed the prescence of a bore but no further accounts found to date...'
Trent Aegir, Lincolnshire, England '...the second most famous bore in England, with a head wave reaching a metre...'
Turnagain Arm Tidal Bore, Alaska, USA '...simply the most picturesque, and coldest, environment of any tidal bore, the arm is surrounded by mountains where a three metre bore can form...'
Victoria Tidal Bore, Northern Territory, Australia '...another Australian river for which no corrobarating information has yet been found...'
Wager Bay Tidal Bore, Nunavut, Canada '...single account of 15 foot tidal bore from the Wahington Post (25.06.95), located just south of the Arctic Circle at the highest latitude of any bore...'
Wye Bore, Gloucestershire, England '...very rare, a bore has been observed in this tributary of the Severn Estuary when the tides have reached their maximum range...'
Friends of Different Shades
Sometimes in life, even when you are very young, your path may cross with the path of an amazing person.
Our mother has that streak in her. She picks up stray cats, stray dogs, but most int erestingly, she chances upon many unique people. They come and go through Sibu and Miri. Some may come from very unusual places like a little town in Germany or a well known university in Denmark. Our lives are enriched in many ways.
One remarkable person we met through our mother is Mr.Camillus Ong who taught many years in SMK Trusan. After our mother met him, she "recruited" him for the teachers' college. A poet, a good conversationalist and a good "mixer" Mr. Camillus (as all of us call him that because he is a teacher) shares with us many of his poems. Here is on for you too.
Friends of Different Shades
by Camillus Ong, 2005
Friends come and go
Different roads beckon them
Some become successful
Some remain unknown
Some become vindictive
The comes a point
Where these souls meet
Some find joy
Some feel insignificant
Some find renewed resentment
Then off they go
And as their journey nears the end
some with a smile they go
Some with emptiness close their eyes
Sopme with hatred to lead them home.
Our mother has that streak in her. She picks up stray cats, stray dogs, but most int erestingly, she chances upon many unique people. They come and go through Sibu and Miri. Some may come from very unusual places like a little town in Germany or a well known university in Denmark. Our lives are enriched in many ways.
One remarkable person we met through our mother is Mr.Camillus Ong who taught many years in SMK Trusan. After our mother met him, she "recruited" him for the teachers' college. A poet, a good conversationalist and a good "mixer" Mr. Camillus (as all of us call him that because he is a teacher) shares with us many of his poems. Here is on for you too.
Friends of Different Shades
by Camillus Ong, 2005
Friends come and go
Different roads beckon them
Some become successful
Some remain unknown
Some become vindictive
The comes a point
Where these souls meet
Some find joy
Some feel insignificant
Some find renewed resentment
Then off they go
And as their journey nears the end
some with a smile they go
Some with emptiness close their eyes
Sopme with hatred to lead them home.
Tuesday, March 11, 2008
Story of Father's Day
Story of Father's Day
Father's Day is a beautiful festival that acknowledges and appreciates the important role played by a father in raising the child and consequently building a stronger society. Though fathers have been revered at all times by civilizations across the globe ironically what was missing until the last century was the official recognition of the significance of fathers in ones life. Father's Day story is the tale of realization of the need for a Father's Day festival primarily by Ms Sonora Louise Smart Dodd of Washington. The story narrates Sonora's unflagging struggle to officially set a day to honor all fathers. Thanks to Sonora, today Fathers Day is celebrated in a large number of countries around the world. The Beginning of Father's Day StoryHistorians have recorded that there was a tradition to celebrate Father's Day even thousands of years ago. Their study say that 4,000 years ago in Babylon a son called Elmesu carved a father's day message on a clay card. In his message Elmesu wished his father a long and healthy life. There is no knowledge as to what happened to this father son duo but it is believed that several countries retained the custom of celebrating Father's Day. Genesis of Father's Day in Modern SocietyThe tradition of celebrating Father's Day as seen today originated in the last century. Though there are several people who are credited for furthering the cause of Father's Day, there is far greater acceptance for Ms Sonora Louise Smart Dodd's contribution. A doting daughter from Spokane, Washington, Ms Dodd is recognized as the Founder or Mother of the Father's Day Festival. Inception of the Father's Day took place in Sonora's mind when she happened to hear a Mother's Day sermon in 1909. Sonora, who was 27 then, had begun to recognize the hardships her father must have gone through while bringing up his six children alone. When Sonora was 16, her mother had died during childbirth. Sonora's father a Civil War veteran by the name of William Jackson Smart raised six children including the newborn on his own. Sonora questioned that if there is a day to recognize mothers then why is not there a day to honor fathers? Many people laughed and joked at Sonora's idea. But her will did not droop. She began a sincere campaign lobbying for the cause of Father's Day. Her hard work began to show signs of success when Spokane celebrated its first Father's Day on June 19, 1910 with the support of Spokane Ministerial Association and the local Young Men's Christian Association (YMCA). To pay tribute to her affectionate father, Sonora wished that Father's Day be celebrated on her father's birthday on June 5, but it so happened that there was not enough time for preparation and the day came to be celebrated on third Sunday in the month of June. The noble idea of celebrating Father's Day became quite popular in US so much so that President Woodrow Wilson approved of the festival in 1916. President Calvin Coolidge too supported the idea but it was President Lyndon Johnson who signed a Presidential Proclamation declaring the third Sunday of June as Father's Day in 1966. Then in 1972, President Richard Nixon established a permanent national observance of Father's Day to be held on the third Sunday of June. Fathers Day Celebration in Present TimeFather's Day has become a hugely popular festival. World over people thank their father and pay tribute to them. Most commonly children gift Father's Day cards and flowers to their father. Neckties are a popular gift on the occasion of Father's Day. Due to the tradition of giving gifts, cards makers, florists and gift sellers campaign for Father's Day Festival in a big way and cash in on the sentiments of the people.
Father's Day is a beautiful festival that acknowledges and appreciates the important role played by a father in raising the child and consequently building a stronger society. Though fathers have been revered at all times by civilizations across the globe ironically what was missing until the last century was the official recognition of the significance of fathers in ones life. Father's Day story is the tale of realization of the need for a Father's Day festival primarily by Ms Sonora Louise Smart Dodd of Washington. The story narrates Sonora's unflagging struggle to officially set a day to honor all fathers. Thanks to Sonora, today Fathers Day is celebrated in a large number of countries around the world. The Beginning of Father's Day StoryHistorians have recorded that there was a tradition to celebrate Father's Day even thousands of years ago. Their study say that 4,000 years ago in Babylon a son called Elmesu carved a father's day message on a clay card. In his message Elmesu wished his father a long and healthy life. There is no knowledge as to what happened to this father son duo but it is believed that several countries retained the custom of celebrating Father's Day. Genesis of Father's Day in Modern SocietyThe tradition of celebrating Father's Day as seen today originated in the last century. Though there are several people who are credited for furthering the cause of Father's Day, there is far greater acceptance for Ms Sonora Louise Smart Dodd's contribution. A doting daughter from Spokane, Washington, Ms Dodd is recognized as the Founder or Mother of the Father's Day Festival. Inception of the Father's Day took place in Sonora's mind when she happened to hear a Mother's Day sermon in 1909. Sonora, who was 27 then, had begun to recognize the hardships her father must have gone through while bringing up his six children alone. When Sonora was 16, her mother had died during childbirth. Sonora's father a Civil War veteran by the name of William Jackson Smart raised six children including the newborn on his own. Sonora questioned that if there is a day to recognize mothers then why is not there a day to honor fathers? Many people laughed and joked at Sonora's idea. But her will did not droop. She began a sincere campaign lobbying for the cause of Father's Day. Her hard work began to show signs of success when Spokane celebrated its first Father's Day on June 19, 1910 with the support of Spokane Ministerial Association and the local Young Men's Christian Association (YMCA). To pay tribute to her affectionate father, Sonora wished that Father's Day be celebrated on her father's birthday on June 5, but it so happened that there was not enough time for preparation and the day came to be celebrated on third Sunday in the month of June. The noble idea of celebrating Father's Day became quite popular in US so much so that President Woodrow Wilson approved of the festival in 1916. President Calvin Coolidge too supported the idea but it was President Lyndon Johnson who signed a Presidential Proclamation declaring the third Sunday of June as Father's Day in 1966. Then in 1972, President Richard Nixon established a permanent national observance of Father's Day to be held on the third Sunday of June. Fathers Day Celebration in Present TimeFather's Day has become a hugely popular festival. World over people thank their father and pay tribute to them. Most commonly children gift Father's Day cards and flowers to their father. Neckties are a popular gift on the occasion of Father's Day. Due to the tradition of giving gifts, cards makers, florists and gift sellers campaign for Father's Day Festival in a big way and cash in on the sentiments of the people.
Tuesday, March 4, 2008
Catching Shrimps in Luak Bay
We grew up knowing that the sea is bountiful and that fishermen and fisherwomen were our friends. We never strayed too far out into the sea having known of drowning cases. But we love the sea, the sunsets and the rompings on the beach. Where could children grow up in a better place.
We read poems written by Ee Tiang Hong about casuarina trees, and we imagined Hemingway's characters rowing their boats across the "sea". We jumped for joy when we saw our friends coming back from their fishing trips. We caught our small crabs and we dug for clams using our bare hands. Once our grandfather found a king crab and in great fear we ran away from the monster to the delight of the old man.
We have lots of stories associated with the sea, the beach and the fisherman. And here is one special one from our mother who wrote about the one and only place in the world where BUBUK could be caught for the making of shrimp paste or BELACAN.
Shrimping Season!!!!!!!
It's the seasonfor shrimping again. For the past ten years, I have lived for this season,"breathing and living" shrimps. I join in with the folks of all races who gather on the beach of Luak for the excitement of going after the "bubuk", a local word for the agile tiny shtrimps, the chief ingredient of the famous "belachan" or shrimp paste which many Malaysians cannot live without.
This seasonal behaviour is akin to the seasonal maniac behaviour caused by the king of the fruits, durian.
And as sure as the "sun rises in the east", fisher folks would be out on the beach with their home-made "paka" driving into the sea bed, trying to net the shrimps, when the first pink shrimp arrives usually in late January. This is a common sence during the shrimp season, up and down the coasts of Srawak, from Kuala Baram to Bintulu. The season has started late this year due to the climatic changes in our country.
It is like there is only "bubk" to live for. Men and women come in droves on motorbikes, in cars, lorries, vans, by bus and even on foot. The tell tale signs are a good backpack(rattan basket usually),some dulang or baskets, a white raffia "gunny" sack for the bubk, and a "paka" which is always dangerously tied to the side of a car, or carried on the shoulder of a pillion rider, or on a bicycle pushed by a keen shrimp fisherman.
The paka is a net, which is about 6 feet long and 5 feet wide secured on both sides to two poles which ae mad of very sturdy poles. These two poles should not be too heavy to hold. At the end of each pole, a shoe-like wooden peg is attached to allow the paka to be pushed easily on the seabed.
When the fisherman pushes the net along the sea, he will cross two poles of the net to create a triangular shaped net.
It is into this net that the shrimps would be caught. When the net is fairly heavy, the fisherman, of fishermen (if more work together) will scoop the shrimps into the backpack. A man and his wife usually forms a team. The man pushes the paka while the woman walks behind carrying the basket and when he is tired, she takes over the netting of the shrimps.
sometimes, a man works alone and he forms a solitary silhouette agains the sky. tjhere were a lot of taboos for the fisher folks to follow years back. In the olden days, when only the Kedayans (the original inhabitants of the Miri-Bintulu area) fished for bubuk, the penghulu would oversee the shrimping season to ensure a good harvest.
Only the paka could be used, not any made shift net from a woman's sarong, or a mosquito net. Anyone caught not using the correct gear would be fined accordingly.
And, should a woman be having her menstruation period, she could not enter the water. Her conditions would drive away the bubuk for the entire season. And little belachan would be produced. She too would be fined, if she broke this adat.
The sea water had to be entered only by the kampong folks. Aliens not belonging to the area would be fined upon entering the water. It was adid that they would disturb the peace and harmony of the sea.
But today, these taboos are no longer followed as the Luak Bay is no longer the preccinct of a single cultural group. The sea and the beach are "free" for all.
the shrimpers are not just the local fishermen today. Some are engineers, offshore drillers, policemen,nurses, bank officers, teachers and lecturers. In fact I know of a Chinese helicopter pilot who never misses a single bubuk season in the last ten years and he has shrimped in Bintulu, Mukah and now in Miri. the housewives consider the shrimp season a time for outings. a happy lot, they are often seen going out in a long line. However, more often than not, they are accompanied by their husbands.
I love the season for many reasons. apart from the fact that I can see the beautiful tiny shrimps jumping in the net, making me wonder how beautiful God has created the earth,right down to the tiny lively shrimps.
Their tiny claws biting into my skin would send tingling sensations down my spine. It is an emotional impact that not many can experience. I can feel the warmth of friendship flowing up the veins of men and women who would come together for shrimping in the early hours of the day.
And then, the very act of shrimping is so much a ritual of man and nature being in sync.
I hope this ecosystem would never be destroyed right in front of my eyes.
We read poems written by Ee Tiang Hong about casuarina trees, and we imagined Hemingway's characters rowing their boats across the "sea". We jumped for joy when we saw our friends coming back from their fishing trips. We caught our small crabs and we dug for clams using our bare hands. Once our grandfather found a king crab and in great fear we ran away from the monster to the delight of the old man.
We have lots of stories associated with the sea, the beach and the fisherman. And here is one special one from our mother who wrote about the one and only place in the world where BUBUK could be caught for the making of shrimp paste or BELACAN.
Shrimping Season!!!!!!!
It's the seasonfor shrimping again. For the past ten years, I have lived for this season,"breathing and living" shrimps. I join in with the folks of all races who gather on the beach of Luak for the excitement of going after the "bubuk", a local word for the agile tiny shtrimps, the chief ingredient of the famous "belachan" or shrimp paste which many Malaysians cannot live without.
This seasonal behaviour is akin to the seasonal maniac behaviour caused by the king of the fruits, durian.
And as sure as the "sun rises in the east", fisher folks would be out on the beach with their home-made "paka" driving into the sea bed, trying to net the shrimps, when the first pink shrimp arrives usually in late January. This is a common sence during the shrimp season, up and down the coasts of Srawak, from Kuala Baram to Bintulu. The season has started late this year due to the climatic changes in our country.
It is like there is only "bubk" to live for. Men and women come in droves on motorbikes, in cars, lorries, vans, by bus and even on foot. The tell tale signs are a good backpack(rattan basket usually),some dulang or baskets, a white raffia "gunny" sack for the bubk, and a "paka" which is always dangerously tied to the side of a car, or carried on the shoulder of a pillion rider, or on a bicycle pushed by a keen shrimp fisherman.
The paka is a net, which is about 6 feet long and 5 feet wide secured on both sides to two poles which ae mad of very sturdy poles. These two poles should not be too heavy to hold. At the end of each pole, a shoe-like wooden peg is attached to allow the paka to be pushed easily on the seabed.
When the fisherman pushes the net along the sea, he will cross two poles of the net to create a triangular shaped net.
It is into this net that the shrimps would be caught. When the net is fairly heavy, the fisherman, of fishermen (if more work together) will scoop the shrimps into the backpack. A man and his wife usually forms a team. The man pushes the paka while the woman walks behind carrying the basket and when he is tired, she takes over the netting of the shrimps.
sometimes, a man works alone and he forms a solitary silhouette agains the sky. tjhere were a lot of taboos for the fisher folks to follow years back. In the olden days, when only the Kedayans (the original inhabitants of the Miri-Bintulu area) fished for bubuk, the penghulu would oversee the shrimping season to ensure a good harvest.
Only the paka could be used, not any made shift net from a woman's sarong, or a mosquito net. Anyone caught not using the correct gear would be fined accordingly.
And, should a woman be having her menstruation period, she could not enter the water. Her conditions would drive away the bubuk for the entire season. And little belachan would be produced. She too would be fined, if she broke this adat.
The sea water had to be entered only by the kampong folks. Aliens not belonging to the area would be fined upon entering the water. It was adid that they would disturb the peace and harmony of the sea.
But today, these taboos are no longer followed as the Luak Bay is no longer the preccinct of a single cultural group. The sea and the beach are "free" for all.
the shrimpers are not just the local fishermen today. Some are engineers, offshore drillers, policemen,nurses, bank officers, teachers and lecturers. In fact I know of a Chinese helicopter pilot who never misses a single bubuk season in the last ten years and he has shrimped in Bintulu, Mukah and now in Miri. the housewives consider the shrimp season a time for outings. a happy lot, they are often seen going out in a long line. However, more often than not, they are accompanied by their husbands.
I love the season for many reasons. apart from the fact that I can see the beautiful tiny shrimps jumping in the net, making me wonder how beautiful God has created the earth,right down to the tiny lively shrimps.
Their tiny claws biting into my skin would send tingling sensations down my spine. It is an emotional impact that not many can experience. I can feel the warmth of friendship flowing up the veins of men and women who would come together for shrimping in the early hours of the day.
And then, the very act of shrimping is so much a ritual of man and nature being in sync.
I hope this ecosystem would never be destroyed right in front of my eyes.
The Maker of Parangs
Written by our mother in 2003 ,"The Maker of Parangs" was never published in book form.
We children would ask her to tell us stories. Most of the time, she would read from children's story books. But one day we all decided that she should tell an original story, using a voice and a language suitable for teenagers at Form Three level. After some persuasion and a little bit of collaboration from us, she came up with the story. At first she told us the story but later she edited it. She sent it to a local newsletter for publication. So perhaps only two sets of readers have read this story. Definitely we do not claim that she is align to Hemingway or may be a hint of Maugham. But she is a mother who can tell stories to her children whenever we need a little bit more love ,comfort , and attention.
Now we are sharing it with you. With much love from us.
Justin loved his grandfather. He was sort different from others, being true blooded Iban with tattoos on his throat and upper arms. Justin and his sister Rina loved visiting Grandpa every Friday. Grandpa would give them sweet tea made from some kind of leaves he collected from the forest whenever he went hunting.
Grandpa was wonderful with metal. He had made knives, small bells, parangs, both short and long, for chopping wood, for cleaning fish and chicken, and little decorative pieces which he fashioned after magazines pictures.
Justin loved the little woodshed that Grandpa called “workshop”. It was airy and Grandpa would tell him how to get the fire going to heat up the metal slowly. The blower that Grandpa used was more that fifty years old!
Grandpa had endless patience, answering all the questions from the two kids. “ What’s this?” Justin would ask. Or “Grandpa, tell me how you make a knife sharp.”
Sometimes the two would just watch Grandpa the whole afternoon. Grandpa would get the fire going, hum a little and chuckle once in a while. He loved his work.
Then he would put the prototype of the parang into the fire. Grandpa usually obtained his bits and pieces of metal from a neighbour’s workshop. His favourite pieces would be the suspension of a car. Soon, when the metal was red and hot. Grandpa would then take a long time in fact. The children would then ask, “ Why can’t you make a parang faster, Grandpa?”
Grandpa would answer, “ It takes quite sometime to fashion a parang. You see steel has to be hammered, pounded and shaped. The beauty of the parang is in your hands and you have to be very patient in producing a really good parang. It has to be the right weight. It must be sharp and well formed. No two parangs are exactly the same in fact. Each is unique.”
“You must always remember to hammer the shape of the parang properly when the metal is still hot. That is the most important part of making a parang. Our life is the same, kids. When we have to do things, we have to make sure that we are prompt in finishing the job. Timing is important. It is not good to wait for tomorrow to come. Tomorrow may never come.”
Once in a while, Grandpa would ask the two children to clean up the workshop and told them to be careful where everything was to be kept.
“The kids are learning fast, aren’t they?” Aunt Maria asked when she brought in freshly ,made fried biscuits which the children loved so much.
“Definitely. One of these days, they will be on their own and they have to be sharp in this world today. I hope I have left to them the importance of time and a good systems of workshop management.”
“Don’t forget, you are leaving them a great heritage of beauty, art and craftsmanship,” chuckled Aunt Maria.
“Yes, indeed. I am glad that they are going to multi-skilled,” Grandpa replied.
The next day, in class, Justin’s teacher made an announcement.
“Class, there is a special competition for local crafts for the School’s Open Day. A special prize would be given to the best exhibit.” Everyone had something special to make. When it was Justin’s turn he said, “A Parang” Everyone laughed. Justin is used to be laughed at because he had a "special" grandfather. Most of his classmates came from rich familaies but a few came from the squatter areas and the fringes of the city.
It was Friday again and Justin rushed up to his Grandpa and told him about his plans of making a good parang. The two discussed for a long time what had to be done.
Justin then planned to spend a week making his parang in his Grandpa’s Workshop. But his plans was upset as Grandpa was rushed to the hospital and placed in Intensive Care. Justin was not to be beaten by the hands of fate. And he worked even harder, he did everything that his Grandpa has told him and he was delighted when it was finally finished. He made a beautiful scabbard for it. He submitted the parang and prayed very hard. He wanted to get at least a small prize for it.
When Grandpa got out of the Intensive Care, Justin came visiting, “Grandpa I was the first non native boy to win the Best Prize for Craft Work in my school. It is 500 ringgit! And it is for you! Thanks Grandpa.”
We children would ask her to tell us stories. Most of the time, she would read from children's story books. But one day we all decided that she should tell an original story, using a voice and a language suitable for teenagers at Form Three level. After some persuasion and a little bit of collaboration from us, she came up with the story. At first she told us the story but later she edited it. She sent it to a local newsletter for publication. So perhaps only two sets of readers have read this story. Definitely we do not claim that she is align to Hemingway or may be a hint of Maugham. But she is a mother who can tell stories to her children whenever we need a little bit more love ,comfort , and attention.
Now we are sharing it with you. With much love from us.
Justin loved his grandfather. He was sort different from others, being true blooded Iban with tattoos on his throat and upper arms. Justin and his sister Rina loved visiting Grandpa every Friday. Grandpa would give them sweet tea made from some kind of leaves he collected from the forest whenever he went hunting.
Grandpa was wonderful with metal. He had made knives, small bells, parangs, both short and long, for chopping wood, for cleaning fish and chicken, and little decorative pieces which he fashioned after magazines pictures.
Justin loved the little woodshed that Grandpa called “workshop”. It was airy and Grandpa would tell him how to get the fire going to heat up the metal slowly. The blower that Grandpa used was more that fifty years old!
Grandpa had endless patience, answering all the questions from the two kids. “ What’s this?” Justin would ask. Or “Grandpa, tell me how you make a knife sharp.”
Sometimes the two would just watch Grandpa the whole afternoon. Grandpa would get the fire going, hum a little and chuckle once in a while. He loved his work.
Then he would put the prototype of the parang into the fire. Grandpa usually obtained his bits and pieces of metal from a neighbour’s workshop. His favourite pieces would be the suspension of a car. Soon, when the metal was red and hot. Grandpa would then take a long time in fact. The children would then ask, “ Why can’t you make a parang faster, Grandpa?”
Grandpa would answer, “ It takes quite sometime to fashion a parang. You see steel has to be hammered, pounded and shaped. The beauty of the parang is in your hands and you have to be very patient in producing a really good parang. It has to be the right weight. It must be sharp and well formed. No two parangs are exactly the same in fact. Each is unique.”
“You must always remember to hammer the shape of the parang properly when the metal is still hot. That is the most important part of making a parang. Our life is the same, kids. When we have to do things, we have to make sure that we are prompt in finishing the job. Timing is important. It is not good to wait for tomorrow to come. Tomorrow may never come.”
Once in a while, Grandpa would ask the two children to clean up the workshop and told them to be careful where everything was to be kept.
“The kids are learning fast, aren’t they?” Aunt Maria asked when she brought in freshly ,made fried biscuits which the children loved so much.
“Definitely. One of these days, they will be on their own and they have to be sharp in this world today. I hope I have left to them the importance of time and a good systems of workshop management.”
“Don’t forget, you are leaving them a great heritage of beauty, art and craftsmanship,” chuckled Aunt Maria.
“Yes, indeed. I am glad that they are going to multi-skilled,” Grandpa replied.
The next day, in class, Justin’s teacher made an announcement.
“Class, there is a special competition for local crafts for the School’s Open Day. A special prize would be given to the best exhibit.” Everyone had something special to make. When it was Justin’s turn he said, “A Parang” Everyone laughed. Justin is used to be laughed at because he had a "special" grandfather. Most of his classmates came from rich familaies but a few came from the squatter areas and the fringes of the city.
It was Friday again and Justin rushed up to his Grandpa and told him about his plans of making a good parang. The two discussed for a long time what had to be done.
Justin then planned to spend a week making his parang in his Grandpa’s Workshop. But his plans was upset as Grandpa was rushed to the hospital and placed in Intensive Care. Justin was not to be beaten by the hands of fate. And he worked even harder, he did everything that his Grandpa has told him and he was delighted when it was finally finished. He made a beautiful scabbard for it. He submitted the parang and prayed very hard. He wanted to get at least a small prize for it.
When Grandpa got out of the Intensive Care, Justin came visiting, “Grandpa I was the first non native boy to win the Best Prize for Craft Work in my school. It is 500 ringgit! And it is for you! Thanks Grandpa.”
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