Brunei Traditions
Brunei - a fairly strict Muslim country, even here there is a Ministry of Religious Affairs, which monitors compliance with Islamic norms and contribute to the promotion of Islam in all aspects of life. Virtually all life bruneytsev revolves around Islam, "adat" or "customary law", controls many aspects of both personal and public life of local residents. Some things and actions are prohibited ( "haram"), others are allowed but not encouraged ( "makruh"), and there is a whole layer of the events that fall under the concept of "halal", ie allowed Muslim.The Constitution, however, takes into account the features of other religions of the inhabitants of the country, carried out and the right to full freedom of religion. However, in some well-known Islamic norms are made clear relief, and local residents have a reputation of liberals - women in Brunei to freely walk in the national and in European clothes, serve in the police, drive cars and participate in social life. Nevertheless, women are urged not to wear dresses with open causing his knees and his head bare. Lightweight clothing with long sleeves is acceptable, but when visiting places of worship and business activities should first specify all the conditions and rules, it is appropriate for this case.
Bruneytsy, in general, very tolerant and fairly easy to forgive the foreigners minor violations of local norms and customs. Nevertheless, compliance with local laws only emphasizes respect for the guest to the culture and customs of this country, which is much easier communication and understanding. When visiting a mosque all visitors must remove their shoes and leave it at the threshold (such a rule applies to the entrance of the local housing). Women should cover the head and have a closed clothing knees and wrists.
The use of pork and alcohol in Brunei is prohibited, but private consumption of wine by non-Muslims in hotels and some restaurants are allowed (in public should not do it). You should not eat meat, cooked without complying with Islamic rules, to touch the head of a stranger (even a child), to touch the Koran, or to pass in front of man bent in prayer. Use your left hand in the transfer of something impossible, this part of the body in Islam is considered "unclean". Smoking is discouraged.
Considered polite acceptance of small gifts or treats. Upon cancellation of anything should slightly touch the right hand of the proposed subject matter and formulate a polite denial. Bruneytsy shaking hands, only lightly touching hands and then pressed his hand to his chest. Shake hands with the opposite sex is not recommended. Also, there should be very careful to use gestures - many quite ordinary for a European gestures, such as specifying a finger at something, and even more so - someone, are obscene. You can not hit the fist of one hand into an open hand to another. To call a taxi or attract someone's attention, it should dismiss it all hand with open palm.
During the month of Ramadan, Muslims do not consume food from sunrise to sunset. Eat or drink in their presence during this period is extremely improper. Non-Muslims should not be in the company of the opposite of the Muslim faith. Sexual contact between non-Muslims and Muslims, and even behavior, hinting at their ability, punishable up to expulsion. There are many forms of polite requests to local residents - the most frequently used "avang" equivalent to our "lady" or "lord." If the table is no cutlery, you can have a hand (just right!).
The country provides a very rigid, up to the death penalty, the rules of punishment for drug use and distribution. Also, should not discuss politics or the Sultan himself - in the eyes of local residents is a very respected man, whose actions can not be questioned.
Muslim holidays are observed on the local interpretation of the phases of the moon. During the lunar month of Ramadan, devout Muslims fast during the day and take food with the onset of darkness, and the usual course of business relations may be interrupted. Many restaurants do not work during the day, is strictly limited to smoking and drinking beverages.
Holidays and weekends
Muslim holidays are observed according to the lunar calendar and thus occur each year at different times.
Festivals
Most festivals are a celebration of Brunei with a pronounced religious character, or mark the anniversary of important historical events of the Sultanate. Dates of religious festivals are based on the Islamic calendar, so that a clear timetable for their implementation does not exist.
Ramadan is one of the most important events in the calendar of Brunei. In honor of the celebration of Hari Raya-Aydulfitri doors of the Royal Palace of Brunei open to the public, and all the mosques of the country hold holiday services. The second day of Hari Raya-Aydulfitri usually celebrate inviting all friends to visit, even His Majesty Sultan opens the doors of his palace, Istana Nurul Iman,. Hari-Raya-Eydiladha or Hari Raya, the Koran is celebrated during the "Hajj" (the holy pilgrimage to Mecca). During this period, it is common practice donations to the poor.
Chinese New Year celebrated all the Chinese community of Brunei and lasts for two weeks. It begins with a celebratory "reunion dinner" before, which is visited by all members of the family, and continues a sumptuous dinner at each house and street rallies. With the same scale and Christian celebrate Christmas.
Great interest for most visitors is the country's state holiday (February 23), when the National Stadium of the capital, numerous parades, folk shows and fireworks. Armed Forces Day was escorted numerous parades in the main square of the capital and in most localities of the country, as well as various exhibitions and cultural events.
One of the most colorful festivals of Brunei is the birthday of the Sultan, which gives start to a marathon two-week holiday with numerous parades, processions, traditional sports competitions and fireworks, as well as the discovery of a noisy night markets, pasar-Malam, where you can buy virtually all culinary delights of local cuisine .