Sacred dance performed for Queen's birthday<\/p>\n
By Tiwi and Erry<\/p>\n
YOGYAKARTA (JP): The Sultan of Yogyakarta, Sultan
\nHamengkubuwono X, observes the old customs by celebrating special
\ndays according to traditions passed from one sultan to the next.<\/p>\n
Ten years ago, when the Sultan's father, Sultan Hamengkubuwono
\nIX, was officially declared a national hero, Sultan
\nHamengkubuwono X commissioned a huge commemoration further
\nhonoring his father.<\/p>\n
For the occasion he composed a sacred bedaya dance called
\nBedaya Sang Amurwabumi assisted by a professional palace dancer,
\nthe late Sasmintomardawa. For the dancers' costumes and make-up,
\nhe asked the help of Tienuk Riefki, well-known for her ability in
\nsuch glamorous affairs.<\/p>\n
Originally, the Bedaya Sang Amurwabumi was staged for two
\nhours, but recently, when it was performed to celebrate Queen
\nHemas's birthday, it was shortened to 30 minutes.<\/p>\n
Sultan Hamengkubuwono X and Queen Hemas's daughters,
\nprincesses Nurmalitasari and Nurmagupita Suryokusumo were among
\nthe dancers that performed at the birthday celebration.<\/p>\n
In order to accomplish a worthy performance, the two
\nprincesses, who spend much of their time abroad, practiced for a
\nmonth.<\/p>\n
Sacred dances are usually staged by a group of nine dancers.
\nBut the Bedaya Manten dance, composed by the late Sultan
\nHamengkubuwono IX and is an exception. It is performed by six
\nmale dancers.<\/p>\n
The Bedaya dance, based on Javanese mythology, reflects the
\nphilosophy, culture, religion, ethic and moral values passed on
\nfrom the ancients.<\/p>\n
For instance, Bedaya Sang Amurwabumi is derived from Serat
\nPararaton, the Book of Majapahit Kings, dealing with the marriage
\nof Sang Amurwabumi (Ken Arok) with Prajnaparamita (Ken Dedes).
\nThe couple's offsprings later became kings in Java island.<\/p>\n
Bedaya Sang Amurwabumi symbolizes spirit, patriotism and
\nleadership. In Javanese culture, a king is considered as a great
\nfigure to face gara-gara, or chaotic situation. According to Java
\nmythology, leadership does not merely depend on blood (kinship)
\nbut also on wahyu (vision), prestige and achievements.<\/p>",
"url": "https:\/\/jawawa.id\/newsitem\/sacred-dance-performed-for-queens-birthday-1447893297",
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