Adat Perpatih

The name 'Adat Perpatih' is derived from Datuk Parapatieh Nan Sebatang, a nickname used by Sutan Balun. Adat Perpatih was introduced in Negeri Sembilan subsequent to the migration of the Minangkabau in the 14th century. It is the local variation of the motherland's. The custom is practised by twelve clans (the biggest family unit) which are Biduanda, Batu Hampar, Paya Kumboh, Mungkal, Tiga Nenek, Sri Melenggang, Sri Lemak, Batu belah, Tanah Datar, Anak Melaka, Anak Acheh and Tiga Batu.

The principle feature of Adat Perpatih is the matrilineal system in which the nucleus of the society is the female and her female offsprings. Membership of clan is for life. A clan leader is known as Lembaga, a hereditary position among the perut members (family unit of the same decadence) of the clan. The smaller family unit after the perut is ruang and the smallest unit is rumpun headed by Besar. The leader of a perut is known as the Buapak while for the ruang is Kadim. The selection of Lembaga is done democratically where unanimous concensus by members of the clan is sought along with the blessings of Undang. Undang takes the role of 'a sovereign ruler' for a luak, the authority of whom is clearly defined in the proverbs "Kata Bercari Kepada Lembaga, Sah Batal Kepada Undang'.

The origin of the Undang Yang Empat (The Four Law Givers) can be traced back to the four great chiefs or To' Batin's who headed for different areas of Negeri Sembilan to set up new settlements. Three were men while one a woman. The woman elected to remain in Johol and the three men separated with their followers. One went to Jelebu, one to Klang and one to Sungai Ujong. Thus, luak Sungai Ujong, luak Jelebu, luak Klang, and luak Johol.

Though the proverbs mentioned that the Undang has the local autonomy, the final decision lies in the hands of the Lembaga. This shows the importance of cooperation among the traditional leaders as mentioned in the proverb: "Bulat air kerana pembetung, bulat manusia kerana muafakat."

In the modern political and administrative systems, luak Sungai Ujong, Rembau, Jelebu and Johol are still headed by Dato' Undang. However, their authority is confined only to matters related to Adat Perpatih.

Adat Perpatih has its own unique rules regarding the matrimonial ceremony, divorce and inheritance. For example, a man is prohibited from marrying a women of his clan, while marriage between maternal first cousin are also prohibited. Meanwhile, meticulous phases of matrimonial ceremony is to be observed starting from merisik, meminang, hari solek and menyalang.

Wealth in Adat Perpatih is divided into four; harta pembawaan (wealth owned by the wife before marriage), harta dapatan (wealth owned by the wife after marriage) , harta carian (wealth gained by the couple after marriage) and harta pesaka (inherited wealth). This rules may appear strict but the philosophy that lies behind it is noble and just. It is this rule that makes Adat Perpatih distinct from other systems.

Adat Perpatih that has been assimilated with Islamic law has great influence on the local socio-cultural, political and economic activities. Every conflict is resolved harmoniously apt to the Islamic principle as mentioned in the proverbs "Adat Bersendikan Hukum, Hukum Bersendikan Kitabullah".