Contestants of the annual Miss Grand International beauty pageant in Bangkok, Thailand put on quite a show during the national costume segment on November 30, 2021, in which 61 different nationalities showcased creative takes of their – you guessed it – national costumes.
Taking folklore to the center stage.
While the national costumes of every represented nation is, without a doubt, beautiful in their own right, Malaysian viewers of the pageant couldn't help but be absolutely amazed at their country's contender, Lishalliny Kanaran (24), whose costume was accompanied by seven other 'people'.
To be more specific, seven princesses represented by beautifully-dressed mannequins.
IMAGE: Miss Grand International / Facebook
The costume, made by Malaysian bridal boutique Aldrin’s Artistry, is called 'The 7 Ancient Princesses of Ulek Mayang'. It takes inspiration from an old folk song (titled Ulek Mayang) from the state of Terengganu, used as part of a dance and healing ritual for fishermen who had been possessed by spirits.
Lishalliny herself is actually dressed as a bomoh, or shaman, wearing intricate black and gold accents, while the seven princesses behind her are draped in blue and gold robes, accompanied by extravagant gold headdresses.
But here's where the seven princesses come in. Ulek Mayang actually tells the story of a sea princess who falls in love with a fisherman while he's at sea. Unwilling to take no for an answer, the sea princess steals the fisherman's soul, relegating him into a trance-like state of semi-consciousness.
Once the fisherman is back on land, however, his friends seek the help of a bomoh to bring him back to his normal, conscious state. Using a mayang, or coconut palm blossom, kemenyan (benzoin resin), and colored rice, the bomoh calls out to the sea princess. But he also summons five of her sisters, also sea princesses, of course.
In a bid to free the fisherman from the trance, the bomoh engages in a tug-of-war battle against the six sea princesses for the man's soul. Eventually, the seventh and eldest sea princess arrives, commanding her six sisters to return to the sea with the following words, “I know your origins, let those from the sea return to the sea, let those from the land return to the land.”
The seventh sea princess then frees the man's soul, restoring his consciousness and health. And that's where the story ends.
If you're curious to listen to Ulek Mayang, this video offers a slightly more contemporary rendition, featured in the 1981 Malaysian film Langit Tidak Selalu Cerah (The Sky Isn't Always Bright):
The Miss Grand International beauty pageant is still ongoing, with a shiny tiara and US$40,000 up for grabs.
Keep up with Lishalliny Kanaran on Instagram. You can also check out the official Miss Grand International Instagram page here.
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Cover image sourced from @abgyusstudio (via @lishallinykanaran / Instagram) and Hot Issue! / YouTube.
