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