dulang

Dulang is a traditional Malay term for a shallow, wide-lipped tray or platter that is used for serving, presenting, and display in ceremonial contexts. While everyday use of dulang persists in some households, its most prominent role is in wedding and festive rituals, where decorated trays carry sets of gifts known as hantaran.

In wedding customs, dulangs or dulang hantaran are often part of a formal procession. A group of trays may be carried by designated family members or friends, arranged with items such as clothing, jewelry, cosmetics, perfumes, sweets, and other symbolic presents. The contents and arrangement of each dulang are typically chosen to reflect the families’ tastes, social status, and the wishes for a prosperous marriage. Dulang sets can vary in number and presentation, sometimes featuring matching stands, fabrics, and decorative motifs.

Materials and design vary by region and occasion. Dulang trays are commonly made from metal such as brass, silver, or gold, and may be embellished with engravings, inlays, or ornamental handles. Wooden or lacquered versions are also found, particularly in rural communities. The rims are usually raised to prevent items from sliding, and trays may be placed on stands or carried on the hands during processions.

Regional use is widespread across the Malay archipelago, including Malaysia, Indonesia, Brunei, and Singapore, where dulang hantaran forms an integral element of traditional wedding aesthetics. The practice emphasizes hospitality, family alliance, and the ceremonial exchange of gifts in communal celebrations.