The Role of Ancestral Halls in the Social and Cultural Fabric of Malaysian Communities: Examining their Historical Significance and Contemporary Relevance

Authors

Keywords:

Ancestral Hall Architecture, Cultural Protection, Malaysia, Historical Significance, Community-Based Initiatives, Mixed-Methods Research

Abstract

The research evaluates ancestral halls' effect on Malaysian society through an examination of both their cultural history and modern-day presence. The traditional purpose of ancestral halls involved using them for worship and tribal gatherings and heritage preservation which maintained cultural solidarity. The study uses qualitative interviews with household heads, local historians and various ethnic groups but incorporates quantitative data through an online self-report questionnaire for its research methodology. Researchers employed SPSS 24 software to run their statistical analyses that included descriptive statistics as well as Chi-square tests and both independent sample t-tests and one-way ANOVA procedures. Community members acknowledge ancestral halls play a vital role in binding different generations together during modern times yet urbanization and social system changes pose significant threats to their future survival. The research results show Malaysia requires better laws as well as community programs to defend its cultural sites that include both architectural structures and cultural landmarks. This paper acknowledges the multifaceted challenges facing cultural protection and sustainability thus advancing research about heritage protection and contemporary sociopolitical integration in Malaysian society.

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2025-07-16

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Mo, S., & Mohd Jaki Bin Mamat. (2025). The Role of Ancestral Halls in the Social and Cultural Fabric of Malaysian Communities: Examining their Historical Significance and Contemporary Relevance. Herança, 8(3 In press), 1–27. Retrieved from https://revistaheranca.com/index.php/heranca/article/view/1050

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Vol. 8 No. 3 In press (2025): Herança – History, Heritage and Culture

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