Can you feel the presence of mythical in the history of Melaka?.
History of Melaka
According to the legend, Melaka was founded in 1400 by an exiled Sumatran prince named Parameswara.
Let’s start the intersting history of Melaka the old fashioned way......
Once upon a time, Parameswara was out hunting at a place called Bertam. While resting under a tree, one of his dogs cornered a mousedeer or “Sang Kancil“ in malay. In retaliation, the mouse deer kicked the dog on its nose. Parameswara was so impressed by the mousedeer’s courage.
If you are curious what’s so special about this incident, just pay a visit to the Melaka Zoo and look out for the mousedeer. You will notice that it is a very small sized animal!
I believe that’s the reason Parameswara believed what he saw as a good omen. When Parameswara decided to build his empire on that sacred land, he will need to name the place. The jackpot question will be what’s the connection with the mousedeer (Sang Kancil) story with the name of Melaka?
Guess what, he named his empire after the tree he was sitting under. (While watching the brave mousedeer defeating his hunting dog) Isn’t it strange how Melaka got its name?
Parameswara was also the first Malay prince who was converted to Islam. Later, he took on the name of Sultan Iskandar Syah. It was Sultan Iskandar Syah who laid the foundation for Melaka to become a thriving enterport.
Therefore, the mouse-deer story definitely holds some truth especially the part on the good omen. Melaka was once the oldest Malay Sultanate. However, it’s a pity that the state has no Sultan today. Instead, Yang di-Pertua Negeri or Governor is the head of the state.
MELAKA FLAG
If you are observant, you will notice that the colours on Melaka’s flag reflect the exact colours of the Malaysian flag.
Bingo! The colours are blue, yellow, red and white. I believe it marks Melaka as one of Malaysia’s State.As for the crescent moon and star; they are the symbols of Islam, the official religion of Melaka and our country Malaysia.
MELAKA STATE EMBLEM
As an indication that Melaka is part of Malaysia most of the colours of the Melaka State Emblem are found in the flag of Malaysia. Read on to know the connection of our State Emblem with the mythical history of Melaka.
The five keris which are yellow in colour symbolize the brave warriors of ancient Melaka who served during the Malacca Sultanate. Hence, as a token of appreciation, the keris are yellow in colour as yellow is also known as the “royalty colour.“
There are five keris supporting the crescent moon and star at the top centre. The crescent moon and star are symbols of Islam, the national religion of Melaka and Malaysia.
Are you interested to know why there were five keris instead of three or one? It represents the five warrious of ancient Melaka, also known as “Lima sekawan“ namely,Hang Tuah, Hang Jebat, Hang Lekiu, Hang Lekir and Hang Kasturi.
The tree and the two mousedeers at the side of Melaka State Emblem symbolize the tale or history of Melaka’s founding. While the Melaka’s state motto reads: “Unity is Strength“.
MELAKA STATE FLOWER
Not everyone is aware of Melaka state flower, known locally as “Kesidang.“ The “Kesidang“scientific name is vallaris glaba and it belongs to the Apocynaceae family.
The Kesidang have small white flowers and it grow in panicles of several blossoms in each bunch. Though the flowers are small, its fragrance is very noticeable and has been compared with pandan leaves. Kesidang flowers have been used by the locals in various occasions from religious practices to weddings. I share more about Kesidang plant here.
In my opinion, Melaka have chosen well for the flower to represent it. The Kesidang, though small in size, has beauty and fragrance which will capture your hearts.Therefore, Melaka has made the right choice in choosing the kesidang as its state flower!
After reading about Melaka from its history its state flower, don’t you feel that Melaka is the place to visit?
What are you waiting for? Pack your luggage and head to Melaka the historical city in Malaysia! See you around…
