Indonesia is a country full of cultural diversity. Starting from language, ethnicity, race, religion, even art. Well, did you know that there is also a sacred art culture in Indonesia?
This is contained in dances in the Indonesian region which have magical elements in conveying their own philosophy. It is said that this sacred dance has existed since the time of the ancestors and continues to be preserved to this day.
Then, what are the sacred dances in Indonesia? Read more below
- Sintren dance
Sintren dance is a traditional dance from the Javanese people, especially Cirebon. This dance is famous for its magical elements which tell the love affair between Raden Sulandono and Sulasih which is opposed by R. Sulandono’s parents. The conflict forced the two of them to separate. Sulandono went to be imprisoned while Sulasih became a dancer.
Sintren itself comes from the word ‘si’ from the word ‘satire’ and tetaren which means rhyme. Because of its sacred nature, it is said that during the performance, the spirit will enter the dancer’s body, therefore the Sintren Dance dancer must be a pure girl (not married) and must fast a few days before the performance is performed. This is intended so as not to complicate the spirit that will enter the dancer’s body on the day of the performance.
The interesting thing about Sintren Dance is also its philosophy which reminds us of the dangers of the world. When the dancers dance, the audience will throw money as a ‘sawer’, oddly enough it makes the dancer fall down instantly every time the money is thrown. The philosophy itself is proof that humans will easily fall into worldly things such as wealth, namely money.
2. Calon Arang dance
Magical ritual dance dramas that play stories related to witchcraft, black magic and white magic, are known as Pangiwa/Pangleyakan and Panengen. The plays that are shown are generally rooted in the Calonarang story, a semi-historical story from the reign of King Airlangga in Kahuripan (East Java) in the IX century. Because in some parts of the show there are scenes of a struggle for strength and immunity (demonstrating the death scene of bangke-bangkean, stabbing Rangda with a sharp weapon freely) then Calon Arang is often considered a show of fighting magic (batin). This dance drama is essentially a combination of three important elements, namely Babarongan represented by Barong Ket, Rangda and Celuluk, Pagambuhan elements represented by Condong, Putri, Patih Manis (Panji) and Patih Keras (Pandung) and Palegongan represented by Sisiya-sisiya ( students). Other important figures from this dance drama are Matah Gede and Bondres.
3. Kuda Lumping dance
It seems illegal if the Lumping Horse Dance is not included in the list. This dance originating from Java is indeed very famous in Indonesia because of its very extreme performances.
This dance is supported by 2-8 male dancers who use rattan woven horse-shaped as props. They dance accompanied by traditional music, such as angklung, gong-gong, drums, gamelan pelog, kenong, and the typical trumpet of Kuda Lumping. Not only that, the spell was recited by the shaman until the dancers were in a trance.
Because of that, the dancers are able to show performances that are actually very dangerous for ordinary humans such as walking on broken glass, being whipped, lifting heavy equipment, and even cutting themselves. History says, this was done as a symbol of the strength of the previous troops against the Dutch colonial during the colonial period.
4. Rentak Bulian dance
In fact, the Rentak Bulian Dance, which comes from Riau, is a village treatment ritual that is carried out by summoning spirits into the bodies of the dancers. Uniquely, the number of dancers is also adjusted to the conditions of the village, if there are many who are sick, the number of dancers will be more than seven people.
This Rentak Bulian dance is very thick with magical atmosphere and elements. Those who become dancers should not be just anyone, but girls who are still virgins (unmarried) and pure from menstruation.
Not only girls, a burly man who is lively also plays a big role in this dance because of his heroic action of breaking the mayang betel nut as a healing medium by jerking around the other female dancers.
5. Kecak dance
Kecak dance is a type of traditional art from Bali which was created in the 1930s by a dancer and artist from Bali, Wayan Limbak. As an artist, of course Wayan Limbak is very familiar with other artists, for example, Walter Spies who is a painter from Germany is one of Wayan Limbak’s close friends. These two friends are the originators of the Kecak dance which is very famous to this day.
This dance, which is often played by men, has now become one of the icons of Balinese culture which is quite laudable by tourists visiting Bali. Although the movements performed by the dancers are very simple, the characteristics of the dancers, which number quite a lot, from tens to thousands of people, make the movements that are played are very unique and interesting.
6. Sigale-gale dance
Coming from the Samosir Batak tribe in North Sumatra. This dance aims to deliver the spirits of the dead to their final resting place. Because of that, this dance is still being carried out and preserved.
The story begins with a king whose son died. Because the king was sickly, Rayat also made a doll statue that was similar to the boy. After the statue was made and the people started dancing, the king’s health improved again.
7. Barong Dance
Barong is a character in Balinese mythology. He is the king of the spirits and symbolizes goodness. He is Rangda’s enemy in Balinese mythology. Banas Pati Rajah is a spirit that accompanies a child in his life. Banas Pati Rajah is believed to be the spirit that moves Barong. As a protective spirit, Barong is often shown as a lion. Traditional ballet in Bali depicting the battle between Barong and Rangda is very well known and is often performed as a tourist attraction.
Barong lion is one of the five forms of Barong. On the island of Bali, every part of the island of Bali has a protective spirit for its land and forests. Each Barong representing a certain area is described as a different animal. There are wild boars, tigers, snakes or dragons, and lions. Barong’s form as a lion is very popular and comes from Gianyar. Here lies Ubud, which is a famous tourist spot. In Calonarong or Balinese dances, Barong uses his magic to defeat Rangda.
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