KOREA FOUNDATION

 

Many Bruneians head to the palace during the period of Hari Raya Puasa, a celebration that marks the end of the month of Ramadan. Istana Nurul Iman, one of the world’s largest palaces, becomes more splendid than ever, filled with beautifully dressed visitors. They wear the traditional clothing of Brunei’s Melayu (native Malay) ethnic group: the Baju Kurung for women and the Baju Melayu for men. The greatest demand for Baju Kurung and Baju Melayu occurs during the month of Ramadan, just before Hari Raya Puasa, so one can imagine how many Bruneians wear these clothes and head to the palace at that time. 

 

The Baju Kurung consists of a top and a skirt. The top is in the shape of a long-sleeved t-shirt, with the lower part reaching down to the thigh or even the knee. The end is decorated with lace, tassels, or gold embroidery, adding charm to the clean look of the Baju Kurung, which does not feature buttons or collars. In the past, Melayu royal women also carried accessories and small bags decorated with embroidered fabric and gold. Today, many women pair the outfit with a hijab. Above all, this clothing is stylish and comfortable, with broad give in the sleeves as well as in the stomach and chest.

The Baju Melayu, meanwhile, looks similar to the Baju Kurung but features a sarong wrapped down to the knees that adds something extra to the color blocks of the tidy-looking outfit. Many Bruneian men, who have a long-held love for hats, wear a songkok as well. These caps are usually made with black cardboard or velvet, but diverse colors such as red and green have recently become more common. 

 

Brunei is known for producing beautiful fabrics for clothing through a practice of textile weaving known as kain tenunan. The jongsarat design is standard at many royal occasions and wedding ceremonies. Some fabrics are made with gold and are quite expensive; these are also mainly used for big events and celebrations. 

 

During the Hari Raya period, visitors to Brunei Darussalam can see a lot of Baju Kurung and Baju Melayu both inside and outside of the palace. This traditional clothing is diverse but maintains its clean lines, just like the country’s extravagant yet elegant mosques and buildings.