By Marlynda Meraw
Some things in this world are more than just smoke and mirrors. While smoking itself has been adapted and modernised in our ever-advancing world, to some cultures, cigarettes and the act of smoking transcend mere habit, where each puff carries the weight of history, yearning, and whispers of long-gone ancestors.
In the case of the Ibans, cigarettes and smoking are so deeply embedded in their culture that they are incorporated into offerings to the deities of old. Cigarettes hold a place beyond simple daily use, eclipsing the mere act of taking a drag whereby it plays an essential role in the ‘Miring’ ceremony, particularly during the Gawai Dayak festival.
Cigarettes, sacrifices to gods and spirits
The ‘Miring’ ceremony, a sacred Iban rite performed to honour the gods and lingering spirits, and the dearly departed ancestors invited to the festival, features traditional rolled cigarettes made of parched Nypa palm leaves and dried tobacco. This earnest ritual, steeped in reverence and devotion, captures the essence of a time-honoured tradition where each carefully rolled cigarette becomes a fond tribute to the spiritual realm.
The significance of the cigarettes used in the ‘Miring’ ceremony was shared by 67-year-old Leja Sandang, a native Sibuan, currently residing in Miri. Leja, who has been selling traditional rolled cigarettes at Tamu Muhibbah for more than 20 years, underlined the deeply rooted practice of selling cigarettes within the culture and heritage of the Iban community.
She recalled her younger years, learning to make cigarette rolls from ‘apong’ (Nypa palm) leaves under the watchful eyes of her elders. The process was lengthy, involving careful collection of ‘apong’ leaves and drying them for several days—a meticulous method passed down through generations.
In days gone by, the traditional ‘apong’ cigarette rolls were as cherished as Cuban cigars, especially among the villagers and the elderly. The handcrafted treasures, imbued with rich cultural heritage, were a symbol of community and tradition.
Yet, with the arising of modern smoking alternatives, the once-popular ‘apong’ cigarette rolls have become increasingly scarce, fading gently into the background of a rapidly changing world.
“With the fast-changing world, there are not many people who know about the dried rolled cigarette leaves now”.
To dear Leja, the ‘apong’ cigarette rolls are not merely a means to smoke; they represent a vital part of the Iban tradition and cultural identity. With each roll that slips away into obscurity, she believes that this treasured item must be preserved.
Besides the Ibans, Pemanca Umek Jeno, a community leader of Sungai Asap in Belaga, noted that over 40 per cent of the residents in his area have lives intertwined with smoking. For many, smoking holds a significant place in their daily lives—an act that is more than just a paltry habit, evolving into a shared ritual that fosters connection within the community.
Messages of love
Unlike the Ibans, the Orang Ulu, specifically the Kayans, use parched wild banana leaves to roll their cigarettes, in contrast to the Ibans, who use ‘apong’ leaves.
Apart from the differing leaves and the use of cigarettes as sacred offerings to honour the gods, the Kayans have entwined a tender ritual into their culture—one that serves to woo their women.
A plain request for a cigarette roll may seem innocuous, yet for the Kayan community, it carries a profound significance. It is a subtle declaration of affection, a delicate way of saying “I like you” to the woman whom request has been made. This charming exchange transforms the act of sharing a roll into a dance of courtship, where the fragrant smoke becomes a bridge between hearts.
It was a delightful story told by Julia Livan Talek, a Kayan lady who also smokes the ‘jakok Kayan’ (Kayan cigarettes) herself. What began as an unassuming encounter blossomed into an enlightening journey of the Kayan culture; a tale wrapped in the haze of tradition involving cigarettes and smoke.
The Kayans not only use cigarettes to court women, but the traditional rolled cigarettes also serve as touching parting gifts when men leave home to travel far and wide. For the women left behind, lighting up a cigarette becomes a tender, reminiscing act. As the women inhale deeply and puff out the smoke, they feel a bittersweet connection to their loved ones; with the tendrils of smoke reaching the air like whispered messages of love and longing.
“Smoking is a way for the Kayan women in the old times to relieve their yearning towards their lovers who ‘merantau’ (leaves home)”.
Such is the significance of cigarettes in the daily lives of the Iban and Kayan communities, and surely it is the same for the rest of the Dayaks and Orang Ulu. Cigarettes define the identity, secure, and sustain the culture revolving around them. They represent more than a mere act of smoking; they are a practice, a ritual, rooted deeply into tradition and the daily lives of these communities.
This intimate connection to cigarettes envelops the essence of their heritage, preserving the spirit of community and continuity across generations.
Is smoking cigarettes the way to go?
These traditions undoubtedly illustrate the profound cultural significance that smoking and tobacco-use has within these communities. Tobacco use has embedded in many communities for decades, and the idea of quitting seems unreal for these communities. However, it cannot be denied that smoking causes significant harm to health to the people as well as those around them.
In today’s world, while traditions hold deep meaning, there is an ongoing evolution in how smoking is understood and managed. Advances in science have led to the development of better alternatives to smoking, such as heated tobacco products and vapes. These alternatives enable smokers to enjoy a similar taste and ritual yet at reduced levels of harmful chemicals compared to cigarette smoke.
For instance, Philip Morris International (PMI) has invested significantly in research and innovation to create smoke-free products such as the heated tobacco products (HTPs), which are designed to reduce health risks associated with tobacco-use. According to PMI Science, HTPs are a category of products that heat the tobacco instead of burning it, with the aim of significantly reducing the emission of harmful and potentially harmful constituents (HPHCs) that are associated with combustion compared with cigarettes. These advancements aim to offer options that may align with the enduring cultural practices of smoking while addressing modern health considerations.
This intersection of tradition and innovation reflects a broader understanding that while cultural practices hold profound significance, advancements in science, technology and innovation can provide new pathways for health and well-being. The goal is to honor the past while embracing the future, ensuring that traditional practices can evolve with improved health outcomes. – DayakDaily
