Java has a multi-faceted image, which is already quite
\nfamiliar to the international community -- comprising its ageless
\ntraditions, culture and arts, to mention a few.<\/p>\n
Sleman is an area located in the northern outskirts of
\nYogyakarta, a city which is renowned as one of Java's oldest
\ncultural centers. Unmistakably, the typical and unique features
\nof the Javanese culture and tradition are dominant in Sleman
\nregency and have developed into major attractions worthy of
\nexploration. In addition, Sleman also offers beautiful panoramas
\nand convenient shopping facilities.<\/p>\n
Saparan Bekakak, a ritual consisting of a symbolic sacrifice
\nto ward off evil, is one of Sleman's characteristic traditions
\npreserved for centuries. Bekakak, as the offering in this
\nceremony, takes the form of puppets representing a \"pair of
\nnewlyweds\" made of sticky rice flour with brown sugar syrup
\ninside. The ritual takes place at Ambarketawang Gamping village
\nin the regency.<\/p>\n
The puppets are \"slain\" in the course of the ritual to prevent
\nmishaps, typically the death of newly married couples, believed
\nto be inflicted by Gunung Gamping, a limestone mountain that is
\nquarried by its surrounding villagers as a source of livelihood.<\/p>\n
Yogyakarta's first monarch, Sultan Hamengkubuwono I, ordered
\nthis sacrifice in the hope of reducing the number of victims to
\nthe mountain, in response to the local people's animistic belief
\nof the time that although normally benign, nature could turn
\nhostile once in a while.<\/p>\n
A one-kilometer-long procession is part of this event,
\nstarting from the Ambarketawang village hall to the male and
\nfemale limestone posts, accompanied by various local art with
\nmagical properties -- yet another unique attraction for tourists.<\/p>\n
Labuhan in Kinahrejo village of Cangkringan subdistrict is no
\nless appealing. This rite, a long established custom in Sleman,
\nsignifies the sacrifices the king offers to God and the respect
\nhumans accord to nature, and is performed at certain locations
\nhaving magical and sacred values.<\/p>\n
As part of the ceremonies of worship marking the enthronement
\nof Sultan Hamengkubuwono X as the present king of Yogyakarta,
\nLabuhan features the offering of diverse articles of royal
\nclothing along the central slope of Gunung Merapi. Upon
\ncompletion of this ceremony to ensure the welfare of the king and
\nhis people, the leaders of the rite will report to the Sultan by
\ndelivering sulfur, grass and other materials taken from the
\nmountain.<\/p>\n
Kirab Pusaka, a parade of sanctified objects, is another
\nreligious cultural heritage of Sleman. Legend has it that Ki
\nAgeng Wonolelo, founder of Wonolelo village and descendant of
\nKing Brawijaya V of the ancient Majapahit Kingdom, accomplished
\nreligious propagation by wandering through the land and
\nreclaiming barren soil with only a pendulum and stick.<\/p>\n
Today, the Kirab is conducted by descendants of Ki Ageng
\nWonolelo and the local community, who carry his clothes, cap,
\npendulum, stick and the Holy Koran from the Wonolelo Mosque to
\nhis tomb. The people of Sleman believe that by eating the apem
\ncakes -- made from rice flour and coconut --- distributed to them
\nafter the rite, they will stay young and be free from illnesses,
\nand that their harvest will not be plagued by pests.<\/p>\n
These unique rituals are scheduled to take place in April and
\nSeptember 2003, and are open to tourists.<\/p>\n
The Kirab will take place on April 3 at 7 p.m. and the Saparan
\non April 18 at 2 p.m., while the Labuhan on Gunung Merapi will be
\nfrom September 26-27, commencing at 6 a.m. at Kinahrejo village.<\/p>\n
For reservations and further information, please contact the
\nTourism Office of Sleman regency, at (0274) 869 613\/865 559.<\/p>\n
Caption for photo:<\/p>\n
One of rituals in Sleman regency, Saparan Bekakak, to ward off
\nevil against newlyweds.<\/p>",
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"sponsor": "Okusi Associates",
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