Updated: July 30, 2022 – Minangkabau Land of the Earth Goddess
Estimated reading time: 10 minutes
The Inviting Unicorn
Minangkabau Land of the Earth Goddess. To clarify, there was something about today that I couldn’t quite put out my head on, as if it was the start of a new chapter. The ambient seemed suddenly so inviting. Because this moment was my whole life, all rolled up—past, present and future; but mainly I was here and now I had never felt so alive.
We soon arrived at my friend’s house in Payakumbuh, West Sumatra. I knew her house as Rumah Adat or ‘House of the Minangkabau’ because of the unique traditional architecture of the curved edges on the rooftop which symbolizing the horns of the water buffalo. An animal that is central to Minangkabau people – Land of the Earth Goddess.
Historical Rumah Adat
The wording of ‘DT MKAYO N PUTIH 1981’ was so prominently crafted at the edge of the rooftop signifying the name of the village headman when locals renovated the roof horn in 1981—her maternal grandfather. I believe the house is more than a 100 years old.
Great Hospitality
On the other hand, her mum, Ibu Dewi, actually has prepared the finest well-known local dessert—Bubur Kampiun. It tastes so luxurious, hitting every single taste bud of ours—creation of abundance and a fulfilling life.
In short, the Minangkabau people in West Sumatra, Indonesia and Negeri Sembilan, Malaysia are a part of the largest surviving matriarchal society encompassing approximately 4 million people. Besides that, there are only 6 matriarchal societies that have been thriving with women at the helm for centuries across the globe. So that means the mother will always pass land and property to their daughters, and the men of the maternal side will head the village.
Kingdom of Food
The common belief in this culture is that the mother is the most important in society. Women rule the domestic kingdom of life and they still practise it to this very day. The Minangkabau men will normally leave their homeland and explore to other places to start a new life and carry out trading and business activities outside West Sumatra. Because they believe only when they are successful, they shall return to their homeland—Minangkabau Land of the Earth Goddess.
Meanwhile, we got to taste the nasi padang, nasi kapau, tambusu, bika padang, sate danguang-danguang, es cendol, rendang sapi and martabak mesir. Because every single food has its own distinctiveness in taste, which I suggest you try them all.
Booking.com Stay
Above all, my stay at Padi Ecolodge in Bukittinggi, which is I highly recommend. To whoever wishes to make a visit here. So having a beautiful architecture woodcraft of the Minangkabau, the 3 properties sit in the middle of the paddy field, giving it an authentic village feel you wouldn’t have in the city.
Take-Home Message
When you unlock these natural gifts inside of yourself, you will be so in love with being you. That no amount of money could ever convince you to do anything other than what your heart is calling you toward. Thus, an experience can expand you and move you into a whole new world and free you.
‘We’re not on this planet to just consume and watch TV and complain about the government—we’re here to actually live.’—Kyle Cease.
#Indonesia #Minangkabau #EarthGoddess #Sunrise #WestSumatra #Padang
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The food looks really heavenly. Especially the Nasi Kapau.
Yes, Ced. It is. The Nasi Padang there is nothing compare to Nasi Kapau. I am in love with Nasi Kapau.
I felt I was a tourist this morning reading this blog post. I love the architecture of the house with the curved roofline and then reading about the Mother, and the respect she is given.
As my first time here visiting West Sumatra, I have to give it a 10.
What an amazing place, the architecture, the food… next time I need to travel with you 🙂 your trip looks amazing
Yes. It would be fun if we have a join tour for food hunting.
How wonderful is all of this the food looks amazing (of course first thing I see). The the buildings & architecture is so delightful the high ceilings and carvings… but what I love most is looking at your photos the sunrise, the terrain & all around instils so much peace just from looking at them… what a wonderful area to explore…
A perfect place to meditate. True tranquility.
I absolutely love the architecture of the roof tips. It makes the buildings seem almost magical.
Such a great read! I had no idea there were actually functioning matriarchal societies still around. It’s amazing! Also, I adore the look of this house. So unusual and so interesting.
The best way to learn about a culture is to emerge in it. I love how you teach others about culture, history, customs, and traditions. I love learning about new places in the world. Thanks for teaching me.
Great post! Thanks for sharing!
This place sounds so cool and the food looks amazing! Thank you so much for sharing all this with us! I’ll have to show this to my family and we may make a family trip out of it someday!
I highly recommend this place. The scenery and food both are outstanding.
Great post! This looks like an amazing place to visit! And the food .. yummy!
http://www.LinhyBanh.com
Thank you.
Wow that place is paradise! I love the architecture and the history behind it. I’m putting Sumatra on my travel radar! Pinning for future reference!