If it was not because of the 'Mandi Berlawat' ceremony that I had to go through 15 years ago, I would not know the meaning or the importance of Jong Sarat. Instead of wrapping my little girl in Jong Sarat (as it is usually done), I coiled her up in one of my hubby's 'kain sinjang'.
So what is Jong Sarat? To my understanding, Jong Sarat is basically a woven cloth, also known as 'kain tenunan' Brunei. It is a traditional, intricately designed kain sarong that is woven using gold or silver threads called 'jong sarat'. Some are handsomely handmade with an ancient or traditional method which were passed down through generations. Unique ones are usually costly but there are affordable ones sold. I know of one famous design...the 'air muleh'. Some Jong Sarat are even valued as family heirlooms or collectors item.
Jong Sarat is usually worn during weddings or other formal occassions. It is also one of the items given in a wedding ceremony. I noticed that in almost all the weddings that I have been (though it is not a must) the Jong Sarat seems to be on the 'third placing' after 'Mas Kahwin' and 'Wang Hantaran/Hangus'. On a formal occassion, women wrap the Jong Sarat around their body from chest downwards. I believe each household has more than one Jong Sarat...
Hmmm obviously the Jong Sarat seems to be the missing item in my collection;) ...so maybe I will get one for myself soon.
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