Building Bridges Through Heritage: Bahrain’s Jelwa Illuminates Cultural Diplomacy in Malaysia
By: Abdullah Bugis
Journalist and Writer, Specialist in Arab and Southeast Asian Affairs, Based in Kuala Lumpur
Traditions are the lifeblood of cultural identity, carrying the stories, values, and emotions of generations. One of Bahrain’s most treasured customs, The Jelwa, is a ceremonial event that symbolizes unity, pride, and happiness. This pre-wedding celebration, aimed at bestowing good fortune, is more than just a dance; it serves as a living bridge between the past and present, fostering connections across people and generations. Additionally, Jelwa, sometimes referred to as Al-Jalwa is also a powerful symbol of Bahrain’s soft power, showcasing how tradition can be a force for international diplomacy.
In the grand narrative of history, traditions like Jelwa are not mere remnants of the past; they are metaphors for resilience and continuity. The performance’s most iconic element traditionally occurs two days prior to the wedding, with the bride seated as women gather to sing traditional songs to her. Four women then encircle the bride, holding a green cloth over her head, raising and lowering it rhythmically while singing cheerful tunes and offering blessings for a happy marriage. This ritual exudes elegance and deep cultural meaning, resonating as a collective celebration of unity and joy.
When Jelwa was performed recently at Bahrain’s National Day celebration in Malaysia, its cultural significance expanded beyond national boundaries. The event transformed the performance into a universal symbol of shared human values, fostering connections in ways that treaties or agreements alone could never achieve.
Soft Power: The Diplomacy of Culture
Political scientist Joseph Nye’s concept of “Soft Power” refers to a nation’s ability to influence others through attraction and cultural affinity rather than coercion. In an increasingly interconnected world, where cultures meet in both physical and digital realms, performances like Jelwa embody this principle. They leverage the arts, traditions, and storytelling to create bridges of understanding and empathy.
Malaysia, with its deeply pluralistic identity, provides fertile ground for such cultural exchanges. Its societal fabric is an intricate blend of Malay, Chinese, Indian, and Middle Eastern influences, making it a nation that celebrates diversity. In this environment, Bahrain’s Jelwa resonated profoundly, captivating an audience eager to embrace its rhythm and symbolism. The performance, delivered by Bahraini female students studying in Malaysia, was a testament to the universality of joy and the shared experience of celebrating heritage.
The Role of Cultural Diplomacy in Bahrain-Malaysia Relations
Cultural diplomacy often operates with subtler, yet more lasting, impact than economic or political agreements. It creates authentic relationships between nations through art, music, dance, and shared stories. The long-standing diplomatic ties between Bahrain and Malaysia, established in 1974, have flourished not only through trade and politics but also through meaningful cultural collaborations.
Both Bahrain and Malaysia are natural allies in cultural diplomacy, sharing values rooted in moderation, inclusivity, and a commitment to fostering international harmony. Malaysia’s strategic position as a gateway to Southeast Asia and Bahrain’s role as a hub in the Gulf Cooperation Council make their partnership essential in the global arena. Cultural exchanges like Jelwa add a human dimension to this relationship, complementing trade and investment partnerships with a deeper connection.
Traditions as Dynamic Mirrors of Society
Philosophers such as Hans-Georg Gadamer assert that traditions are not static artifacts; they are living dialogues between the past and present. This perspective finds resonance in Jelwa. While deeply tied to Bahrain’s heritage, its performance in Malaysia highlighted how traditions adapt and evolve to transcend cultural and geographic boundaries.
In my view, the green cloth used in Jelwa serves as a striking metaphor for interconnectedness. Its rhythmic rise and fall symbolizes the give-and-take inherent in cultural exchange. The enthusiastic response from Malaysian audiences underscores the universal appreciation for authenticity and artistic beauty. While languages, religions, and customs may vary, traditions like Jelwa remind us of the shared human need for celebration and connection.
Economic and Diplomatic Contexts
Cultural diplomacy often works in tandem with economic and political efforts, enriching bilateral relationships in meaningful ways. The economic ties between Bahrain and Malaysia have strengthened significantly over the decades, with Bahrain’s total imports from Malaysia amounted to US$73 million, while its total exports to Malaysia reached US$190 million, culminating in a total non-oil trade volume of US$263 million between the two nations in 2023.
The cultural exchanges symbolized by Jelwa add depth to this economic partnership. The presence of Bahraini students in Malaysia and Malaysian professionals in Bahrain reflects a dynamic flow of ideas and skills. Such interactions reinforce the collaborative spirit between the two nations, showing how cultural heritage can enhance and inspire bilateral relations.
Malaysia: A Multicultural Haven
Malaysia’s openness to global traditions amplifies the impact of cultural performances like Jelwa. The nation’s pluralistic society, rooted in its Malay, Chinese, Indian, and Islamic heritage, mirrors Bahrain’s own diverse cultural tapestry. Malaysia has a long history of embracing external influences and weaving them into its vibrant cultural narrative.
Performances like Jelwa find a natural home in such an inclusive environment. The ceremony enriched Bahrain’s National Day celebration while becoming part of Malaysia’s broader multicultural ethos. This mutual appreciation reaffirms Malaysia’s position as a global cultural hub where heritage is celebrated and shared.
Tradition as a Vision for the Future
Traditions like Jelwa or Al-Jalwa are not just glimpses into the past; they are frameworks for envisioning a connected future. As Bahrain and Malaysia commemorate 50 years of diplomatic relations, cultural exchanges will continue to play a vital role in fostering deeper understanding and collaboration.
Through events like Bahrain’s National Day celebration in Malaysia, The Jelwa has come to symbolize Bahrain’s cultural resilience and its ability to use heritage as a bridge to the world. At the same time, it reflects Malaysia’s eagerness to celebrate the traditions of others while sharing its own rich cultural tapestry.
A Symphony of Cultural Exchange
When the rhythms of Jelwa echoed through the halls of JW Marriott Hotel in Kuala Lumpur, they carried the essence of a partnership enriched by history, culture, and shared aspirations. This performance was more than celebration Bahrain’s National Day and the 50th anniversary of diplomatic relations between Bahrain and Malaysia—it was a vivid demonstration of the enduring power of tradition in forging human connections.
By embracing cultural diplomacy, Bahrain and Malaysia exemplify how art and heritage transcend borders, offering a harmonious melody in the symphony of global relations. As Jelwa symbolizes the unveiling of new beginnings, the partnership between Bahrain and Malaysia continues to unveil opportunities for deeper collaboration, mutual respect, and shared prosperity.
