03 September 2009

Facts And History Of Art Wau Bulan (The Art Of Wau Bulan)

The Art of Kite Flying And Important Facts About The Arts Of Wau


When one mentions about our cultural heritage, the ‘Wau’ comes almost second to none. A favourite pastime in the old days, it is today regarded as an art form albeit close to extinction; as the country’s younger generation looks to new forms of artistic interpretation and self expression. Events such as the International Kite Festival held recently at Pasir Gudang, Johor is one of the many celebrated efforts that should serve as an eye-opener to the young, thus instilling love to our treasured heritage.

The word ‘Wau’ is believed to have been derived from the Arabic letter Wau’, because the shape of the wing resembles the outline of that particular letter. Many legends and local folklore surrounds the origin and even method of handling the Wau. It is said that in the past, farmers used the Wau as a sort of flying scarecrow to ward off birds from their paddy fields, and the sounds made by the Wau once it was airborne was said to lull their children to sleep which in turn gave the farmers ample time to tend to their crops without any distractions.

The most popular of all the Wau’s is indeed the “Wau Bulan”. A name that certainly fits one of the three country’s official kites, the name takes after the shape of the moon because the tail of this Wau is resembles that of a crescent. One of the more stable kites amongst the others, the “Wau Bulan” is known for its easy handling and stability during strong winds. The origin of the “Wau Bulan” is said to have been during the days of the Sri Wijaya Empire, where according to legend, a young prince named Dewa Muda utilised the usage of the Wau by mapping out the districts that he had conquered on the Wau itself, which he will then display to his people.

It is said that he would first go deep into a cave to meditate and experience spiritual premonitions before setting off to war. When he is ready to leave the cave, he usually emerges with a wire frame of what was believed to be the wire frame of a “Wau Bulan”. The fine patterns of flowers and leaves were said to have symbolised the districts that he had successfully conquered. Therefore, every time he returns from battle, the flowers and leaf patterns on his Wau will continue to ‘grow’, symbolising the strength of his empire; much to the pride and delight of his people. According to fabled beliefs, it is said that the Dewa Muda had a spiritual link to his Wau. Some believed that he gained special spiritual guidance by flying up to the heavens on his “Wau Bulan” and cultivated a spiritual relationship with the inhabitants of another world.

Today, the “Wau Bulan” that is still present in our modern day society takes on a more different, almost up to date look compared to its original design. The upper and lower part of the Wau is more elongated rather than its originally rounded shape. The busur or strings attached to the head of the Wau emits a coarser sound compared to the softer sounds made by the “Wau Bulan” of yesteryears.

Unlike both its Kelantan counterparts, the “Wau Jala Budi” has a unique feature in which its name and shape did not originate from its surroundings or any sort of animal; which is how a name is usually chosen for a particular Wau. Many actually believe that the “Wau Jala Budi” got its name due to the shape of its tail which resembles the ‘daun budi’; a type of leaf commonly found in the state of Kedah. The word ‘jala’ which means net, was later adapted because the strings attached to the tail of the Wau looked like a net being cast into the air when the kite was in flight. The two words were then later combined into one; thus the name “Wau Jala Budi” was then acknowledged and used till this day.

The third and more commercially used of all the country’s official kites is none other than the “Wau Kucing”. Commercially known for its prominent use by the Malaysia Airlines (MAS) as the company’s corporate logo, the “Wau Kucing” derives its name from the sound made by the Wau’s busur or strings that very much resembles the sounds made by a cat. Originated from Kelantan during the late 1960’s, the “Wau Kucing” was still relatively new compared to the Malaysian kite scene as no one really knew how to recreate this particular Wau apart from the kite makers from Kelantan themselves. However, after many related festivals held regionally, other kite makers from many other states started to learn and practise the making of the “Wau Kucing”.

During the past, kite flying was seen as a seasonal event, usually held immediately after the harvest of rice. But as the years pass by, the Malaysian kites were not only present during ceremonial functions but also in major competitions and international festivals as well. Today, the Wau has come to be an artistic object which is judged solely for its beauty, its intricate designs, combination of colours, and the neatness of the workmanship.

Among the other types of Wau are the “Wau Dodo Helang”, “Wau Kebayak”, “Wau Daun”, “Wau Kikik”, “Wau Merak”, “Wau Puyuh”, “Wau Kapal”, “Wau Seri Bulan”, “Wau Helang”, “Wau Kangkang”, and the “Wau Seri Negeri”. Although beauty is solely ones first focus when viewing a Wau, to the Wau enthusiast, the most important factor is actually the sound or ‘denggung’ that resonates from the Wau when its high up in the air; flying against the strong winds.

It is in fact up to us; the present generation to cultivate the love for a fading cultural heritage such as the Wau. To preserve its wonderful accompanying stories and folklore, to help mould the new generation into future and even better kite makers than their predecessors, and to bring the Wau into new uncharted heights on an international level. It is hoped that the strings that keep the beauty of our proud culture will be held longer and will be led up higher into the sky for many years to come for the benefit and knowledge of our future generation.
















By Farah

The Arts Of Wau Bulan Also Located In Australia And Coins Will Be Held Each Year Wau International Festivals (The Art Of Wau Bulan)

The Art Of Wau Bulan Is The Symbol Of The Arts In Coins And The Best Festivals Around The World.

Wau bulan is an intricately designed Malaysian moon-kite (normally with floral motifs) that is traditionally flown by men in the Malaysian state of Kelantan. It's one of Malaysia's national symbols, along some others being the kris and hibiscus. The reverse side of the fifty-cent coin of Malaysia (1989 series) features an intricately-decorated wau bulan with a hummer on top. The logo of Malaysia Airlines (MAS) is also based on this kite.


There are many type of wau in Malaysia. Each with its own specialty. Wau kucing (cat kite) and wau merak (peacock kite) are some of them.


Wau Bulan got its name from the crescent moon-like shape of its lower part. Given the right color, wau bulan does resemble a rising crescent moon when flown.

The size of wau bulan is bigger than any other Malaysian traditional kite. The normal width are 2.5 meters and 3.5 meters of height. This helps the decorations painted on the kite's body to be visible when it is high in the air. To make it more distinctive, wau bulan is normally decorated with large, strong-colored patterns.

In each year, monsoon months (in a strong wind on the east coast) is usually the village or whoever is organizing the competition in wau, wau bulan party on a large scale is usually visited by tourists around the world including America, China, Japan, Denmark, and there are other countries other than Australia to take part flew kites traditional respectively, this festival also usually lasts for 2 or 3 days without stop. while visitors can also enjoy the beautiful beach located on the east coast, for example, Pantai Geting Seri Tujuh and others. The purpose of the festival is held in conjunction with celebrating the monsoon season to arrive.












By
Farah

Wau Bulan Is A Symbol Of The Unique Heritage And Traditions Era Ages (The Art Of Wau Bulan)


The Art Of Wau Bulan And Is a Unique Symbol

Have you ever wonder what is that symbol emblazoned on the tail of all Malaysian airplanes flown by Malaysia Airlines System (MAS)? Although for most people, it is nothing more than just an emblem, it has a huge significance for each and every Malaysian that makes them proud. Known as 'wau', it is one of the oldest traditional games in the Malay culture. Dancing in the azure sky, a wau or kite is accompanied by a hummer, which produces various buzzing and purring sounds when soaring upon the wind. There are something mystical about the way this kite defies gravity by swaying and climbing slowly up the sky.

Kites are flown after the rice harvesting season is over. People are happy and free to pursue pastimes. A Malay kite combines the best of skilled workmanship, dazzling colours and decoration. It exhibits the creativity of the Malays and their talented craftsmanship in fashioning a unique art form that has the highest possible level of aesthetics. A Malay kite is not a schoolboy's toy as it normally measures 1.5 metres by 1.7 metres. It is called wau because the shape of its wing is similar to an Arabic letter that is pronounced as "wow". It has also been postulated that the word "wau" originated from the Dutch word "wauw" that refers to a large predator bird found in South-east Asia. When Melaka fell to the Dutch in 1641, the word was introduced to the local populace.

Wau can appear in all kind of shapes but the three main one are the famous Wau Bulan or moon kite, named for its crescent like tail shape, the Wau Jala Budi or women kite, which takes on the curves of a women, and the Wau Burung Puyuh, the barred busted quail kite. Despite their different names, these kites all share the same basic, bird-like shape, with slight variations in their wings and tail.

The history and legends associated with the Malay kite are as colourful as its designs. In ancient times, coastal inhabitants of the Malay peninsula used kites fitted with lines and hooks to fish. Kites were also flown to act as flying scarecrows while the farmers were busy in the paddy fields. In an episode of the Makyong dance, a love story culminates in a happy ending when two lovers are re-united by an unusual mean of transport. By clinging to a giant kite rendered sky-borne by monsoon winds, a Malay prince flew to his lover and landed on her enchanted castle amidst the clouds. The wau has had an even more dramatic role in battle against a foreign army. Legend has it that a Malay army was surrounded and about to surrender due to lack of food and water. One blustery night, the head warrior ordered his troops to fly a large number of kites fitted with bows. The loud droning that was created frightened the enemy forces away, which did not want to fight against what they perceived as demonic forces from the sky!

It takes about 2 days to 2 weeks of skill and patience to make a wau. The frame is made from bamboo stems, which are split into thin strips. The best species of bamboo for making kites is the thorn bamboo, which is strong yet flexible. Each frame of a kite must have a ‘head’, a ‘spine’, a ‘waist’, a ‘wing’ and a ‘tail’. After the frame is constructed, designs are traced on a tinted and shiny glazed paper and then carefully cut out and pasted on paper which is glued to the bamboo frame. The humming bow is attached to the head of the kite, which is finally decorated with tassels at the tail to produce the 'song' of the kite.

Each wau is designed according to its own set of elaborate motifs, adhering to the traditional style of artwork expected of each design. All designs must have a central flower called the ibu from which vines, leaves and flowers sprout. The vine symbolises the path of a man's life and the flowers, the women. The more meandering the vines, the more twists and turns in a man's life mean the more interesting is the person's life. In older kites, flowers were depicted from the side and back, analogous to the shy and reserved nature of women in those days, who never looked at you directly in the face. Nowadays, flowers are depicted from the front. The middle sections on the left and right sides of the wings are left devoid of patterns to provide balance with the decorated areas. This empty area is called "golden deer", and prevents the kite from being overwhelmed by a surfeit of patterns.

Apart from the patterns, choice of colours is also important in determining quality. Colours that clash or show strong contrast are frowned upon. Complementing or harmonious colours reflect on the emotional state of the kite-maker. Soft colours such as shades of blues and purples indicate that the kite-maker has a serene nature.


Khairuddin Ms