Introduction 2: How, Where, When and Who?

The Perpatih custom is originally originated from Minangkabau, Sumatra, founded by a Minang leader named Sutan Balun or also called Dato 'Perpatih Nan Sebatang. This customary practices and rules of life are determined for the Minangkabau people who mostly are farmers. There is no exact date was recorded when the custom was established but Perpatih had been brought to the Malay Peninsula (nowadays Peninsular Malaysia) by the Minangkabau immigrants, in the 14th century.

In Malaysia, this Perpatih custom still exists and is practiced by the Malays all over Negeri Sembilan except in Port Dickson and Linggi. This custom is also practiced in Naning and Alor Gajah of Malacca. Most of all the Malays that practiced Perpatih custom are descendants of the Minangkabau immigrants.

For more than 600 years of the practice, this custom had gone through a few eras of colonial powers but its philosophies, elements, and principles are still firm and they does not change, not even the slightest change. The philosophy that contained in the Perpatih's famous saying still remains. The saying goes like "Biar mati anak, jangan mati adat," or in English it literally means "let the child die, but not the custom." For more information on this saying, check this out: http://thestar.com.my/news/story.asp?file=/2009/5/24/focus/3973395&sec=focus

As time goes by, now in modern days, those who practice Perpatih assimilate it to their modern way of life and they also assimilate it to the Islam's views. The Perpatih custom consists of two rules; the fundamental rules that can not be changed and the non-fundamental rules that may be modified according to times. This means this custom is not static and can accept the elements of adjustment in any age and condition.