Senior citizen Hajah Damit binti Besar called for the revival of festive lights ‘cucul’ in Bruneian and Malay culture.
She said the traditional practice of using cucul during festivities, particularly Hari Raya Aidilfitri, has practical and symbolic values.
Hajah Damit said cucul is more than just decorative; it is an indicator of the household’s readiness to welcome guests. She said in the olden days, cucul was switched on to signal to neighbours and friends that they are invited to join in on celebrations and gatherings.
The tradition – simple and functional – is unlike modern communication. The visual cue transcended language barriers and conveyed a message of hospitality and community spirit. It was a silent invitation fostering social connections and strengthen bonds among neighbours and extended families.
However, with the passage of time and advent of technology, cucul faded into obscurity. Urbanisation, changing lifestyles and digital communication led many to overlook the value of this time-honoured custom. Hajah Damit argued that there is immense value in reviving such a tradition, not only for nostalgia’s sake but for practical benefit of community building.
She said the call to bring back cucul culture may strike a chord with many Bruneians, adding that social media platforms can be used to spur conversations about rekindling this tradition. Netizens, she said, can share fond memories of their childhood cucul experiences and express eagerness to bring it back for festive celebrations.
Hajah Damit said cucul can be useful for a vision of more vibrant and connected society where by embracing and celebrating these cultural nuances, Bruneians can build bridges across generations, cultivate an appreciation for their heritage to create lasting memories rooted in shared traditions. – Fadley Faisal
