The Megongoi Ceremony

I’ve been searching over the net and local published books to obtain any information related to the Mogongoi ceremony which i would like to share with all the visitors of my blog. However, I was a bit frustrated as I could not find the information I needed. Though, based on my knowledge and experience I will try to explain to all my fellow readers about this special custom.

The mongongoi (pronounce as me-go-ngoi) means “going to take” is a ceremony that has been practiced by the kadazandusun community in Sabah for long time. During the ceremony, the bridegroom’s family members will march to the bride’s house to ‘invite’ the brides to the groom’s house.

As they arrived at the bride’s house, the family members of the groom are not allowed to enter the house unless they accept some conditions fixed by the bride’s family. The conditions arranged and decided for the groom is not that easy. Sometimes he is asked to give ‘pantun’ or sing some songs to entertain the bride’s family. If they satisfied, then they will allowed the groom’s family member to  enter the house. However, the challenge not over yet as they will be asked to drink the ‘tapai’or rice  wine and eat ‘pusas’ (a traditioanal cuision) prepared by the bride’s family. Only When all the challenges have been met, then bride can be ‘released’.

After that, both bride and groom (including their family members) will march to the groom’s house. Before they reach the house, the bride will be asked to wear a ‘kain batik’ and cover her face. Then, there is challenge from the groom’s side as well. Before the group can enter the house area, they must drink the ‘tapai’ provided by the groom’s family members who’s waiting at the gatehouse.

As the bride and groom reached at the front door, the ‘kain batik’ will be uncovered by a ‘bobohizan’ (native priestesses among kadazandusun community). The bobohizan will ‘slap’ both bride and groom using the ‘kain batik’ to chase away the evil spirits. The ritual will be completed by ‘berkirai’ ceremony (kirai is hand rolled cigarettes) and finally the bride and groom will invite all the guests to have the buffet.

The tradition is only practiced by the older generation and will eventually fade away if none of the younger generation interested in reviving the tradition.Thus, it is important for the the younger generation to be educated about the traditions in order to keep up the culture and heritage.

the old ladies is preparing traditional cuisine called tinanok

full of determination, the groom made his way to the bride’s house

the bride is waitng anxiously, she still smiling though..

the lady pointing finger at us: “hey.. u must drink the tapai as well”

…..there is challenge from the groom’s side as well

the smiling old lady wearing blue scarf is bobohizan

beautiful scenery surrounding the bride’s house…