THE CULTURE&HISTORY OF LANGKAWI — Ma Yao

Culture of Langkawi

                                 

      The culture of Langkawi in greatly influenced by the large number of eagles inhabiting the island.  This can be seen in both the name (whose root word is “helang”, meaning eagle) and the large statue of an eagle in the city center. 

      Thailand was for a brief period during the early 20th century in control of Langkawi.  Even though this was only for a short while, the Thai culture is still very prevalent in the area.  There are many Thai restaurants and loads of architectural sights influenced by the Siamese culture.  

      For most of Langkawi’s history, the area was very laid back and life flowed at a slow pace.  Although the island has succumb to modernization, this easy going vibe can still be sensed in the local atmosphere.  In fact, many of the local families living on the island still survive on traditional means, fishing and farming. 

     The tourist scene can be very different than the local cultural scene.  Many resorts on the island now cater to the wealthiest of the world’s tourists, offering luxuries unimaginable to many of the islands inhabitants. 

     The landscape of the island is very beautiful, with lush green jungles and beautiful sand beaches.  Perhaps the perfect visit to Langkawi includes both the new (resort living) and the old (local culture and attitudes).  

Langkawi Food and Fruit Fiesta
While the Langkawi Food and Fruit Fiesta is not representative of any one cultural group, the yearly week-long celebration in July is a feast for the senses for foodies from all cultures and should not be missed.

 

During the fiesta, the island of Langkawi is transformed into a gastronomical paradise, with many local markets, cooking competitions, and street food from all cultures: both Eastern and Western.  The highlight of this celebration is an array of fresh and exotic fruit brought in from all climates for newcomers to try.  There is often so much food that it is impossible for one person to try everything, and a multi-day visit is worthwhile for all!

History of Langkawi

The legendary island of Langkawi that comprises of 99 islands has stirred the imagination of innumerable people who have taken keen interest in the history of the land.
The land which presently belongs to the Malaysia's Kedah state has innumerous legends and folk tales associated with it.
Origin of the name
The name Langkawi can be divide into two parts that includes 'Lang' and 'Kawi'. The word 'Lang' comes from the Malaya word 'Helang' which means eagle. In the past days the land was a home to innumerable eagles. 'Kawi' is the Sanskrit word for marble, which is found in excess in this part of Malaysia. Both these words together joined to form the word 'Helangkawi' which ultimately became as Langkawi.
Another reference found in the book of Tun Mohamed Zahir's named 'The Legends of Langkawi' refers that the place got its name from the twin words 'Langka' and 'Wi'. While the former means beauty in Sanskrit, the latter stands for innumerable. As such the word actually stands to signify many beautiful islands.

Langkasuka kingdom
Langkawi is believed to have its relation to the kingdom of Langkasuka which has its connections with the Malaya 'negeri alang kah suka'. Though scanty record can be found wit regards to the origin of the dynasty, a Chinese Liang dynasty records states that the kingdom of Langgasu had its origin in the 1st century AD.
The capital of the kingdom is located in the foothills of the Kedah Peak. Popular belief is that the kingdom came to existence when the Hindu king Bagatta paid a tribute to the Chinese king.

Mahsuri

                                  Many acknowledge Mahsuri to be the sole reason for the success of Langkawi. As known from the legend the rule of Sultan Abdullah Mukarram Shah II saw the arrival of a man named Pandak Maya. After eating some magical grain his wife gave birth to a beautiful daughter who was named as Mahsuri. But after marrying Mat Deris, the son of the chief of Langkawi, she was accused of adultery. False accusations led her to the death bed.
It is believed that when she was stabbed white blood gushed out just to prove her innocence. As such the land was cursed. To counter it a mausoleum was erected and the family was welcomed back to the island.

Siamese attack
The years following Mahsuri's death saw the Siamese attack the land in 1821. In order to fight the enemies Dato Kerma ordered the burning of a village granary, remnants of which are still present today. This incident was succeeded by a host of misfortunes that fell on the land.

British rule
After the Sultan of Kedah ruled for a long time the land came under the British rule for a brief spell of time during the colonial period. The Anglo- Siamese treaty of 1909 transferred the land to the British who retained as rulers till Langkawi achieved its independence.

Thai monarchy
When the bloody World War II was continuing, Langkawi came under the control of Thai influence. When the war ended the land was resided by a large number pf pirates who find the forests of the land an excellent hide-out.

Recent developments
Progress till the 1970s was to a limited extend. In the mid 1980s when the land was relieved of its curses of seven generation, the government took special promotional plans and programmers to promote the place as a popular tourist destination.
Today boasts of its modern infrastructure and advanced technology that are a major driving force of the land.

Though the land has been relieved of its curses, the legends and the tales associated with the land shall continue ever to fascinate the people.