Konsep Semangat dalam Main Terinai Perlis Versi Pak Johan dan Pak Me Concept of Semangat in Pak Johan and Pak Me’s version of Play Terinai

Abstract

Terinai is a traditional dance of the state of Perlis that involves balancing plates and candles. Performed originally during “berinai” night occasions and weddings, the dance featured three male dancers. While the original version of Terinai is no longer practised, it has been developed by dance organizations, institutions of higher learning, and public schools in Malaysia. Presently, Terinai emphasizes group dances with a classical style focusing on codification and standardization. This study examines the main principle underlying Terinai, the concept of spirit or "Semangat" and the "main" play-performance, which is lost and rarely discussed. The aim is to explore the reasons behind the Semangat concept's loss in Terinai and re-examine the Semangat and main concept in Perlis's “berinai” ceremony. This study is an ethnographic investigation that employs qualitative methods with interviews gathered from informants in Perlis such as Johan Ismail, Noraini Baharom, and Zamin Haroon, who are key figures in preserving the Terinai tradition.  The study finds that the essence of Terinai is deeply influenced by a spiritual element, expressed through the concept of 'main,' closely linked to the “berinai” ceremony. The findings are expected to offer new insights into Terinai, shedding light on its historical aspects that reflect the tradition of the old Terinai.