The Yang di-Pertuan Besar (YDPB) of Negeri Sembilan's Birthday is a significant public holiday in the Malaysian state of Negeri Sembilan. It is celebrated annually to honor the birthday of the Yang di-Pertuan Besar, the hereditary ruler of Negeri Sembilan.

Table of Contents

1. When is the YDPB of Negeri Sembilan's Birthday?
2. The History of the YDPB of Negeri Sembilan's Birthday?
3. What Do People Do on This Day?
4. The History of Negeri Sembilan

When is the YDPB of Negeri Sembilan's Birthday?

The Yang di-Pertuan Besar (YDPB) of Negeri Sembilan's Birthday is celebrated annually on January 14. This date honors the reigning Yang di-Pertuan Besar and is observed as a public holiday in the state of Negeri Sembilan, Malaysia.

The following is the list of the Yang di-Pertuan Besar (YDPB) of Negeri Sembilan's Birthday from 2020 to 2049.

The History of the YDPB of Negeri Sembilan's Birthday

The Yang di-Pertuan Besar (YDPB) of Negeri Sembilan's Birthday is a significant annual celebration that honors the hereditary ruler of Negeri Sembilan, Malaysia. Its history is deeply connected to the state's unique monarchy and governance system.

Negeri Sembilan, meaning "Nine States," was settled by Minangkabau people from Sumatra in the 15th century. The state's governance and monarchy are based on Adat Perpatih, a unique matrilineal custom brought by the Minangkabau settlers.

In 1773, the local leaders (Undangs) invited a Minangkabau prince, Raja Melewar, to become the first Yang di-Pertuan Besar, establishing the monarchy.

Unlike other Malaysian states with hereditary monarchies, the Yang di-Pertuan Besar is elected by the four chiefs of the districts of Sungai Ujong, Jelebu, Johol, and Rembau.

The tradition of celebrating the Yang di-Pertuan Besar's Birthday began as a way to honor the ruler's contributions to governance and cultural preservation.

It became a formalized public holiday after the establishment of the Federation of Malaya in 1957 and has continued post-independence.

In earlier times, the celebration was marked by traditional ceremonies involving the Undangs, state officials and local communities, but the celebration has expanded over time.

What Do People Do on This Day?

On the Yang di-Pertuan Besar (YDPB) of Negeri Sembilan's Birthday, people participate in a variety of activities that honor the ruler and reflect the cultural heritage of Negeri Sembilan.

A grand ceremony is held at the royal palace, attended by the YDPB, state officials, dignitaries, and community leaders. The ceremony includes speeches by state leaders and the YDPB, and the presentation of state honors, medals, and titles to individuals who have contributed significantly to the state.

Special Islamic prayers are conducted in mosques across the state to pray for the YDPB's health and long reign.

Public spaces, government buildings, and streets are adorned with the Negeri Sembilan state flag and the Malaysian flag. The royal palace and public areas are decorated with lights and banners to mark the occasion.

Traditional Performances and cultural performances, including traditional Minangkabau dances, martial arts demonstrations and gong music, are showcased. These events highlight Negeri Sembilan's unique heritage.

Schools, cultural groups and government agencies organize parades featuring traditional and modern elements.

Many families use the public holiday to spend time together, enjoying traditional Negeri Sembilan dishes such as rendang, lemang and sambal tempoyak.

The History of Negeri Sembilan

The name Negeri Sembilan, meaning "Nine States," refers to the original nine districts or territories that made up the region: Sungai Ujong, Rembau, Jelebu, Johol, Naning, Ulu Muar, Jempol, Inas, and Tampin.

The area was initially inhabited by indigenous peoples, including the Orang Asli, before being settled by the Minangkabau from Sumatra around the 14th century.

The Minangkabau people, known for their matrilineal customs and expertise in agriculture, migrated to the region, attracted by its fertile land. They brought with them their Adat Perpatih, a unique matrilineal system that governs inheritance, social structure and leadership.

During the 16th and 17th centuries, Negeri Sembilan was influenced by the Portuguese and later the Dutch, who controlled the nearby Malacca Sultanate.

In the 18th century, the Minangkabau settlers sought a ruler to unite the territories and protect them from external threats. In 1773, the Undangs (territorial chiefs) invited Raja Melewar, a Minangkabau prince, to become the first Yang di-Pertuan Besar (Paramount Ruler) of Negeri Sembilan.

In the 19th century, Negeri Sembilan came under increasing British influence as part of their expansion into the Malay Peninsula. In 1874, the British signed the Pangkor Treaty, marking the beginning of formal British control over parts of the region.

By the late 19th century, Negeri Sembilan was incorporated into the Federated Malay States, a British protectorate, alongside Perak, Selangor, and Pahang.

Negeri Sembilan, like the rest of Malaya, was occupied by the Japanese from 1942 to 1945 during World War II. After the war, the state returned to British control.

Negeri Sembilan became part of the Federation of Malaya in 1957, gaining independence from British rule. It later joined the formation of Malaysia in 1963. Today, Negeri Sembilan remains a symbol of Malaysia's rich cultural diversity and historical depth.