TRADITIONAL CEREMONIES
TRADITIONAL CEREMONIES
Indonesia consist of more than 300 etnich groups and different culture. The Indonesias culture has been shaped by a long process of interaction and acculturation between original indigenous custom ( animism ) and myriad foreign influences ( Hindu, Budhist, Islam or Christian ). A lot of the traditional ceremonies still exist right now. Here below the traditional ceremonies in Jogja :
SEKATEN
Sekaten ceremony starts on the 5th day of the Javanese month Maulud. People from Yogyakarta and villages around the city still believe that by celebrating Sekaten, particularly when listening to the sets of the Gamelan music, they will get rewards from the God Almighty, concerning their work, health and future.
- Gerebeg Mulud Ceremony
Gerebeg Maulud is the climax of Sekaten. Held yearly on the 12th day of the 3rd month of the Javanese calendar. - Gerebeg Besar
Held yearly at the Sultan’s Palace on the 10th day of the last month of the Javanese calendar (Besar) to commenorate Abraham’s test of faith when challenged to sacrifice his one and only son - Gerebeg Syawal Ceremony
Held yearly on the 1st day of the 10th month of the Javanese calendar (Syawal) at the end of Ramadhan, (see schedule) the Muslim holy month of fasting
The Gunungan, made of food-like vegetables, peanuts, red peppers, eggs, and several delicacies from sticky rice. It is mountain shaped and symbolizes the prosperity and wealth of the Mataram’s land.
LabuhanCeremony
Held yearly in April to celebrate the birth of Sri Sultan Hamenkubuwono as well as to secure the welfare of the Sultan and hence the people of Yogyakarta. The word Labuh means to throw something into a river or sea. As such offerings from the Sultan include food, hair and nail clippings and so on are thrown into the South Sea at Parangkusumo Beach in honour of Kanjeng Ratu Kidul (Goddess of the South Sea). Similar ceremonies are held atop Mt. Merapi and Mt. Lawu in Central Java. Start times for the festivities will be announced in the local papers.
Saparan Ceremon
An offering ceremony held yearly in the second month of the Javanese calender (Sapar) by the the people in Ambarketawang, Gamping (approximately 7km to the west of Yogyakarta
Pitcher Filling Ceremony
Another ceremony held each year in the first month of the Javanese calender (Suro) is the Pitcher Filling ceremony at Imogiri (the Royal Cementary). The people of Imogiri believe that water brings good fortune and fill 4 large, bronze vessels with water then place them at the entrance to the cemetary. The pitchers are from Myanmar (Nyai Siem); Rome (Kyai Mendong); Aceh (Kyai Danumoyo) and Palembang (Nyai Danumurti).
SENDANG SONO PILGRIMAGE
The word ” Sendang ” means a spring whereas ” Sono ” is the name of giant tree. Thus, Sendangsono means a spring under a Sono tree. It is considered to be the holy place for the Catholics, and it can be regarded as the Lourdes of South-east Asia. During May and October, the Holy Marie, Queen of Heaven.
Tawur Agung
A ritual ceremony at Prambanan Temple
Tawur Agung is a spiritual attempt at maintaining the balance of nature. the ceremony is held to purify the earth and return it to its state of harmony. The harmony between the Bhuwana Alit (micro cosmos) and Bhuwana Agung (macro cosmos).
Tawur Agung (literally means grand repayment) is a ritual series aimed as a process toward soul purification for the Hindus. The ceremony is held a day before Hari Raya Nyepi (the day of silence).
WAICAK
Waicak is the religious Buddhist ceremony commemorating Buddha Gautama’s birth, death, and accession. It is held in most Buddhist viharas all over Indonesia, particularly Yogyakarta. The greatest ceremony is held during the evening of the full moon (Purnama Siddhi) at the Mendut and Borobudur temples. The ceremony is always attended by many Buddhist followers from Indonesia and even from abroad.