Tebedu: A trip down memory lane
By Howard Tiong
As a child of mixed heritage, the customary practice of returning to my ancestral village, Kampung Kujang Plaman in Tebedu for the Gawai holidays has been a recurring event in my life, but this year was different.
It had been a span of more than two years since my last visit to my rural village, primarily attributed to the global COVID-19 pandemic. Hence, the prospect of reconnecting with long-lost relatives brought me feelings of relief and joy. My family and I had to fly to Kuching and then take a five-hour journey to our destination because there is no airport near our kampong.
Returning to my kampong was like taking a journey down memory lane; I could not believe how much had changed. The paddy fields had grown, and the village hall had been renovated in addition to new homes. The joy of seeing my extended family in kampong again was hard to put into words. My grandparents’ reaction when they saw me for the first time was merely pure joy. Naturally, they were taken aback to watch me transform from a reserved introvert into an outspoken boy.
On the first day of Gawai, villagers gathered at each other’s homes to pray and sing songs. My grandfather strummed the guitar for us and we all sang along. After lunch, guests from neighbouring towns and villages arrived at our doorstep. Both familiar and unfamiliar faces greeted me. Sharing our tales and hearing theirs was memorable. More astonishingly, my grandfather took me hunting. Perplexed yet ecstatic, we caught a wild boar with the help of the other village leaders, and it was shortly prepared and shared with the other residents. I felt a surge of pride welling up as my relatives complimented my hunting skills!
At nightfall, the entire community met at the hall to celebrate, with each household bringing their unique dish. The chief of the village gave a speech commemorating the occasion after the feast. When the Gawai music started playing, this marked the commencement of real fun!
I was hesitant at first, but with the support and encouragement provided by my aunt, I summoned my fortitude and engaged in the act of dancing alongside them for the inaugural occasion. My trepidation vanished as I danced in unison with everyone else. I could have sworn I was floating through space in zero gravity as I let myself go to the rhythm of the music! My first dance was a success, and I even got to dance with the chief of the village, who was full of praise for me.
As the festive season came to an end, I took the opportunity to bid farewell to my extended family members, expressing my intention to return the following year. Although there were moments of tears, I had the opportunity to partake in the various delights of being a Sarawakian. Undoubtedly, the trip was a sweet memory that will be deeply cherished. — DayakDaily
Howard Tiong from SMK Chung Hua, Sibu is the Bronze Winner (Youth Category) in the ‘Magnificent Sarawak: An Unforgettable Trip’ writing competition organised by DayakDaily and supported by the Sarawak Ministry of Tourism, Creative Industry and Performing Arts and Imperial Hotel Kuching.
