Culture of the World

Mysteries & Myths : Sukuh In Central Java

2011-12-31T08:09:00.003+07:00

Sukuh situated on the slopes of Mount Lawu in the Village Berjo Karanganyar regency, Central Java, there is a temple which has a unique structure because it looks like a Mayan pyramid building. According to the promotion of Tourism Karanganyar, the temple which was built in 1437 Tantric Hindu society was not only the temple was the youngest in the archipelago is also the most erotic temples

In this temple complex there are statues of winged creatures. These creatures are referred to as the eagle because one of the statues that are still intact showed the head like an eagle. Only, these statues have arms and legs like a human and angelic wings. Is this statue depict extraterrestrials?

This temple is very simple and contains a number of reliefs with various shapes. Among other forms of male genital and women who made almost touching. In the row of reliefs that decorate the walls of the temple reliefs also depicted an angel with the body position of "resignation" as well as relief of a woman's uterus is quite large in size.

Also around the temple is also filled with reliefs that are not related to each other giving rise to many stories. The stories about the relief it can vary depending on the perception of the people in accordance with the point of view. There is a legend of Goddess Uma, who condemned him for doing oblique Guru with a herdsman. There are also stories of women who lost to gambling and released in this temple so that it can enter sawarga (heaven). Legend of the local people call this temple is a place to meet with the spirits of the dead.

Sukuh situated on the slopes of Mount Lawu at an altitude of 910 meters above sea level. Weather was cool and the rainy season is always a thick fog blanketed the area's beautiful natural temple. Each month between 200-250 foreign tourists come to the temple with a variety of purposes. In addition to seeing the temple was also a lot who do meditation because this temple is an area where residents Ruwatan slopes of Mount Lawu.

Page Sukuh itself consists of three terraces.

Taking into account the composition of the terrace in Sukuh many people trying to link the arts with the art of Egypt or Mexico. Due to enter the terrace we first have to pass through the gate, which if we look from below is similar pylon gate (gate to enter the pyramid) from Egypt.

On the left and right at the gate there are reliefs which show clearly that what is meant is the year tertentu.Kita see on the left there is a picture of a man who was swallowed by a giant. At the gate reads candra sengkala "

Bhutto gapuro Aban wong".

On top of a tree there are some birds, was under there was a dog who watched the terrible events. Please note that the Java literature gives specific numbers on the buildings or the reliefs on the items contained in each of arch gate means 9. Giant means 5, the swallow means 3 and the human one. Then the arrangement of numbers on the back and read from Java lies the year 1357 or the year AD 1437.

While the reliefs on the right shows the same year with the moon sengkala that reads "gapuro Bhutto nahut bu (n) tut" which means the number of years caka 1359. This relief was running a giant picture of a snake bite. At the top there is a creature was floating and a beast.

Floor we see any relief Linga (female genitals) dealing with the opposite sex yoni (male genitalia), perhaps a picture that has to do with the fact that the relief Sukuh genitals were fertility related ceremonies.

Source : www.yahoo.com

Indonesian Culture : The Legend Of Minangkabau

2011-12-13T12:45:00.005+07:00

Once in the past Ranah Minangkabau gets threat of attack from the powerful kingdoms of Java. To avoid physical battle that would consume a lot of casualties, the Minangkabau conduct diplomacy and proposed that the war was replaced with buffalo fights. The proposal was approved by the king of Java, then dikirimlah great and mighty buffalo. From Minangkabau child is prepared but the thirst and buffalo horns mounted on spurs.

Minangkabau tribe does have a very close linkage with four-legged animal called a buffalo. That, among others, looks at various Minang cultural identity, such as the roof of their traditional houses (House Bogonjong). The traditional house is often called the Tower House is shaped like buffalo horns. Similarly, in female clothes (shirt Tanduak Kabau).

Already hundreds of years old buffalo became one of the favorite animals in the province of West Sumatra. Body large and stout buffalo considered able to help a wide range of human tasks. One of the ancient work is done with the assistance of the buffalo was grinding cane. With simple tools, the buffalo was tied at sebilah bamboo cane is connected to the traditional wringer. During eight hours of work, the buffalo constantly revolve around the wringer. Uniquely, so that the buffalo are not dizzy head, eyes closed animal with two coconut shells are coated fabrics.

The juice of the sugarcane juice that's bull that later became the forerunner of making traditional brown sugar. Brown sugar Minang community believes the hard work of the buffalo is more savory than the modern instrument.

When the fight begins, when children are still small buffalo was turned into a buffalo from Java, necessarily butting an opponent who thought her mother's abdomen and stabbed to death a buffalo from Java. Javanese king recognizes this victory and finally mengurungi his intention to attack the Minangkabau. Since then, the Minangkabau are said to wear a name Minangkabau means Win In Buffalo game as its cultural identity.

In terms of history, buffalo animal for a large tribe in West Sumatra has been delivering their glory in the past. That said, since time immemorial the buffalo help people in West Sumatra was winning the war against the Javanese. Finally, until now they are calling themselves as the Minangkabau tribe. "So the war did not end well, so we propose to contest only buffalo.

By the attackers sought the largest buffalo in the area placed in the middle of the field. People here are just kids who are suckling buffalo. Because buffalo has been two days without drinking milk, he ran after her mother's milk. So the big buffalo stomach was ripped and he ran away, "Datuk Bandaro Long story, traditional leaders.

The story of the buffalo was not only a mere legend. Until now the cattle market in Sumatra sell any more buffalo than cattle. Livestock sales system Minang people are also quite unique. In contrast to traditional vegetable markets in the cattle market is not going to sound a word between the seller and buyer. Transactions which applies only to use the hand. Fingers are used as calculation tools selling price of cattle to be purchased.

Dense bodies, stocky legs and a sharp eye. That's the hallmark of The Handcuffs, Kati's favorite buffalo Sutan, farmers Ranah Minang. For Kati Sutan, a buffalo like handcuffs like a treasure and honor. Handcuffs are not just any buffalo. He was a buffalo complaints that had won five games. Because of the greatness that is, the animal is then earned a strong mean handcuffs that lock the opponent.

Not just for sheer hobby, pleasure Kati Sutan follow buffalo fights are also to continue the tradition of the Minangkabau culture. The toughness of handcuffs which have five times won the game it makes Kati Sutan famous in his village. After the age of two years, the buffalo that have potential as complaints usually start trained by owners. This time, the handcuffs will be trained to prepare the physical strength before the game. Candidates must match a rival body weight exercises The Handcuffs. For if not balanced, the exercise will be useless to fight it.

Longest bull fighting exercises conducted for one hour. Once convinced of the power handcuffs, practice fighting stopped. Kati Sutan very confident the buffalo will win again. In the contest of strength buffalo buffalo not only a mainstay. Buffalo owners should also ask the spell of the shaman buffalo in order to win the match.

After the fight training, Kati Sutan also asked a shaman, spell buffalo to menjampi The Handcuffs. Like the previous game, Kati Sutan ask for help Sutan Marajo, buffalo fights a famous healer in the village. The shaman brings a number of natural ingredients to create herbal mainstay for The Handcuffs.

Natural materials consisting of ginger, ginger, pepper and other natural foliage starts blended. Over a high heat, herbs roasted until it is charred. While families were helped Kati Sutan. Other materials for the mixed herbs, such as duck eggs, lemon juice, drink supplement and one bottle of dark beer also prepared.

After all the ingredients ready, Sutan Marajo began to recite mantras and burning incense. He prayed that the dijampinya buffalo could win the game. Incantations were mixed herbs. After that, the mixture was then placed on a leaf the next day will be given to The Handcuffs. Kati family Sutan Handcuffs are then prepared for the hero pitted next day.

Game day arrived. Kati Sutan start getting ready. But before leaving the arena there are a number of rituals that have to do the shaman, which is owned by The Handcuffs sharpen horns. Horn is one part of the body buffalo is the easiest to injure an opponent. Therefore should be made as sharp as possible. With a knife sharpened horns Sutan Marajo The Handcuffs. Now the horns of the buffalo has been sharp like a sword.

Ritual was resumed. Like humans, handcuffs have a bath first before progressing to the battle arena. While the body of water membalurkan Handcuffs, Sutan Marajo chanting incantations in order to champion Kati Sutan ajiannya this strong against the enemy. After the bath is finished, the shaman spell giving potion-jampinya made yesterday afternoon. Without the handcuffs against any herb the shaman and then ate greedily. Not to forget the body was covered with mud-built cuffs and soot to make it look dashing. Now all the preparations have been carried over. Handcuff the hero can not wait to meet a rival opponent.

That afternoon in the sun, handcuffs removed from the cage. Like a hero, proudly walked around the village handcuffs to the arena game. The location of the arena game about seven kilometers from the village of Kati Sutan. But accompanied by the shaman Sutan Marajo, Handcuffs undaunted running. Even occasional, burly buffalo began to run as if impatient to meet the challenger.

Handcuffs finally arrived at the location of the match. Apparently the opponent has to wait at the corner of the arena. Handcuffs are tough opponents coming from a neighboring village. In contrast to the handcuffs that had participated five times the match, his opponent was about this time forward to the bull fighting arena.

One by one the audience began to arrive to the arena. With a reasonably priced tariff, the viewer can choose the most convenient places around the arena. Originally made to keep fighting buffalo Minangkabau ethnic traditions. Unfortunately recent events buffalo fights actually used the audience to bet or gamble. Similarly, in the game handcuffs. And handcuffs who championed. Almost the entire audience to bet Handcuff the hero will win the game.

When the awaited arrived. Two buffalo complaint brought to the center of the field. And without waiting for the cue again, the second buffalo chasing each other directly. Not unexpectedly, who championed precisely Handcuffs scuttled to avoid the opponent. Adu buffalo this time was no longer running. In just a moment, Handcuffs surrendered and ran headlong out of the arena.

The audience went home with great disappointment. Handcuff the hero was not able to retain his title. Rona also disappointment on the faces Kati Sutan. Handcuffs whopping loss of honor for the family as Kati Sutan.

Budaya Jawa : Misteri Keris Mpu Gandring [Keris Pencabut Nyawa]

2011-11-18T08:12:00.005+07:00

Keris Mpu Gandring adalah senjata pusaka yang terkenal dalam riwayat berdirinya Kerajaan Singhasari di daerah Malang, Jawa Timur sekarang. Keris ini terkenal karena kutukannya yang memakan korban dari kalangan elit Singasari termasuk pendiri dan pemakainya, ken Arok. Keris ini dibuat oleh seorang pandai besi yang dikenal sangat sakti yang bernama Mpu Gandring, atas pesanan Ken Arok, salah seorang tokoh penyamun yang menurut seorang brahmana bernama Lohgawe adalah titisan wisnu. Ken Arok memesan keris ini kepada Mpu Gandring dengan waktu satu malam saja, yang merupakan pekerjaan hampir mustahil dilakukan oleh para “mpu” (gelar bagi seorang pandai logam yang sangat sakti) pada masa itu. Namun Mpu Gandring menyanggupinya dengan kekuatan gaib yang dimilikinya. Bahkan kekuatan tadi “ditransfer” kedalam keris buatannya itu untuk menambah kemampuan dan kesaktian keris tersebut.

Setelah selesai menjadi keris dengan bentuk dan wujud yang sempurna bahkan memiliki kemampuan supranatural yang konon dikatakan melebihi keris pusaka masa itu. Mpu Gandring menyelesaikan pekerjaannya membuat sarung keris tersebut. Namun belum lagi sarung tersebut selesai dibuat, Ken Arok datang mengambil keris tersebut yang menurutnya sudah satu hari dan haris diambil. Kemudian Ken Arok menguji Keris tersebut dan terakhir Keris tersebut ditusukkannya pada Mpu Gandring yang konon menurutnya tidak menepati janji (karena sarung keris itu belum selesai dibuat) selebihnya bahkan dikatakan untuk menguji kemampuan keris tersebut melawan kekuatan supranatural si pembuat keris (yang justru disimpan dalam keris itu untuk menambah kemampuannya). Dalam keadaan sekarat, Mpu Gandring mengeluarkan kutukan bahwa Keris tersebut akan meminta korban nyawa tujuh turunan dari Ken Arok. Dalam perjalanannya, keris ini terlibat dalam perselisihan dan pembunuhan elit kerajaan Singhasari yakni :

Terbunuhnya Tunggul Ametung
Tunggul Ametung, kepala daerah Tumapel (cikal bakal Singhasari) yang saat itu adalah bawahan dari Kerajaan Kadiri yang saat itu diperintah oleh Kertajaya yang bergelar “Dandang Gendis” (raja terakhir kerajaan ini). Tumapel sendiri adalah pecahan dari sebuah kerajaan besar yang dulunya adalah Kerajaan Jenggala yang dihancurkan Kadiri, dimana kedua-duanya awalnya adalah satu wilayah yang dipimpin oleh Airlangga.

Ken Arok membunuh Tunggul Ametung untuk mendapatkan istrinya yang cantik, Ken Dedes. Ken Arok sendiri saat itu adalah pegawai kepercayaan dari Tunggul Ametung yang sangat dipercaya. Latar belakang pembunuhan ini adalah karena Ken Arok mendengar dari Brahmana Lohgawe bahwa “barang siapa yang memperistri Ken Dedes akan menjadi Raja Dunia”.

Sebelum Ken Arok membunuh Tunggul Ametung, keris ini dipinjamkan kepada rekan kerjanya, yang bernama Kebo Ijo yang tertarik dengan keris itu dan selalu dibawa-bawanya kemana mana untuk menarik perhatian umum. Bagi Ken Arok sendiri, peminjaman keris itu adalah sebagai siasat agar nanti yang dituduh oleh publik Tumapel adalah Kebo Ijo dalam kasus pembunuhan yang dirancang sendiri oleh Ken Arok. Siasatnya berhasil dan hampir seluruh publik Tumapel termasuk beberapa pejabat percaya bahwa Kebo Ijo adalah tersangka pembunuhan Tunggul Ametung. Ken Arok yang saat itu adalah orang kepercayaan Tunggul Ametung langsung membunuh Kebo Ijo yang konon, dengan keris pusaka itu.

Terbunuhnya Ken Arok
Setelah membunuh Tunggul Ametung, Ken Arok mengambil jabatannya, memperistri Ken Dedes yang saat itu sedang mengandung dan memperluas pengaruh Tumapel sehingga akhirnya mampu menghancurkan Kerajaan Kediri. Ken Arok sendiri akhirnya mendirikan kerajaan Singhasari.

Rupanya kasus pembunuhan ini tercium oleh Anusapati, anak Ken Dedes dengan ayah Tunggul Ametung. Anusapati, yang diangkat anak oleh Ken Arok mengetahui semua kejadian itu dari ibunya, Ken Dedes dan bertekat untuk menuntut balas. Anusapati akhirnya merancang pembalasan pembunuhan itu dengan menyuruh seorang pendekar sakti kepercayaannya, Ki Pengalasan.

Pada saat menyendiri di kamar pusaka kerajaan, Ken Arok mengamati pusaka kerajaan yang dimilikinya. Salah satu pusaka yang dimilikinya adalah keris tanpa sarung buatan Mpu Gandring yang dikenal sebagai Keris Mpu Gandring. Melihat ceceran darah pada keris tersebut, ia merasa ketakutan terlebih lebih terdengar suara ghaib dari dalam keris tersebut yang meminta tumbal. Ia ingat kutukan Mpu Gandring yang dibunuhnya, dan serta merta mebantingnya ke tanah sampai hancur berkeping-keping. Ia bermaksud memusnahkannya. Namun ternyata keris tersebut melayang dan menghilang. Sementara Anusapati dan Ki Pengalasan merancang pembunuhan tersebut, tiba-tiba keris tersebut berada di tangan Anusapati. Anusapati menyerahkan keris kepada Ki Pengalasan yang menurut bahasa sekarang, bertugas sebagai “eksekutor” terhadap Ken Arok. Tugas itu dilaksanakannya, dan untuk menghilangkan jejak, Anusapati membunuh Ki Pengalasan dengan keris itu.

Terbunuhnya Anusapati
Anusapati mengambil alih pemerintahan Ken Arok, namun tidak lama. Karena Tohjaya, Putra Ken Arok dari Ken Umang akhirnya mengetahui kasus pembunuhan itu. Dan Tohjaya pun menuntut balas.

Tohjaya mengadakan acara Sabung Ayam kerajaan yang sangat digemari Anusapati. Ketika Anusapati lengah, Tohjaya mengambil keris Mpu Gandring tersebut dan langsung membunuhnya di tempat. Tohjaya membunuhnya berdasarkan hukuman dimana Anusapati diyakini membunuh Ken Arok. Setelah membunuh Anusapati, Tohjaya mengangkat dirinya sebagai raja menggantikan Anusapati.

Tohjaya sendiri tidak lama memerintah. Muncul berbagai ketidak puasan baik dikalangan rakyat dan bahkan kalangan elit istana yang merupakan keluarganya dan saudaranya sendiri, diantaranya Mahisa Campaka dan Dyah Lembu Tal. Ketidakpuasan dan intrik istana ini akhirnya berkobar menjadi peperangan yang menyebabkan tewasnya Tohjaya. Setelah keadaan berhasil dikuasai, tahta kerajaan akhirnya dilanjutkan oleh Ranggawuni yang memerintah cukup lama dan dikatakan adalah masa damai kerajaan Singashari. Sejak terbunuhnya Tohjaya, Keris Mpu Gandring hilang tidak diketahui rimbanya.

KISAH LAIN NYA

Kisah tentang keris Empu Gandring bisa ditemui di kitab Pararaton. Kisah ini tak bisa dilepaskan dari sosok wanita cantik, Ken Dedes, yang konon menjadi ihwal munculnya kutukan sang empu. Berkaitan dengan asmara yang membara.

Banyak kita tahu kisah-kisah tentang keris yang memiliki tuah atau daya linuwih. Masing-masing kisah menceritakan bagaimana sebuah keris yang memiliki kekuatan daya supranatural mampu membantu mengubah nasib sang pemiliknya yang terkadang dengan cara yang sulit di nalar manusia. Tetapi, dari berbagai tentang kisah keris bertuah, tidak ada yang lebih menarik dan legendaris dari kisah keris Empu Gandring milik Ken Arok dari tumapel yaitu masa sebelum kerajaan Singosari.

Alkisah dalam serat Pararaton disebutkan, Ken Arok berniat membunuh Tunggul ametung, seorang akuwu (penguasa) di Tumapel. Niat ini muncul setelah secara tidak sengaja Ken Arok yang waktu itu menjadi abdi di Tumapel, melihat betis mulus Ken Dedes, istri Tunggul Ametung, ketika Ken Dedes turun dari kereta.

Bukan itu saja, “barang rahasia” milik Ken Dedes pun terlihat oleh Ken Arok. Dari “barang rahasia” sang dewi nampak adanya sinar yang menyala. Ken Arok terkejut dan seketika itu tertarik menatap sang dewi. Benar-benar wanita cantik yang tiada taranya di dunia ini, pikir Ken Arok.

Kemudian Ken Arok menceritakan pengalamannya tersebut kepada Dhang Hyang Lohgawe, seorang brahmana yang waskita. Menurut sang brahmana, wanita dengan tanda seperti itu disebut Nareswari. Ia adalah wanita utama, ratu dari semua wanita. Meskipun seorang pria papa dan hina dina, jika beristri wanita semacam ini maka pria tersebut tentu akan bisa menjadi raja atau orang yang tinggi jabatnnya.

Mendengar penjelasan sang brahmana seperti ini Ken Arok semakin bilat tekadnya untuk dapat memperistri Ken Dedes walau apapun risikonya, termasuk dengan cara membunuh Tunggul Ametung. Maka berangkatlah Ken Arok menuju tempat tinggal Empu gandring, seorang empu pembuat keris yang sangat termasyur. Dengan keris buatan empu gandring ini Ken Arok bermaksud membunuh Tunggul Ametung.

“Ki Empu, tolong bikinkanlah saya sebuah keris yang ampuh. Saya harapkan bisa selesai dalam waktu lima bulan. Harap diperhatikan, Ki, agar keris itu dapat selesai.”
Empu Gandring menjawab,”Kalau kamu menghendaki yang baik, seharusnya dalam satu tahun. Kalau dalam lima bulan belumlah cukup.”
Ken Arok berkata lagi,”Pengukiran keris itu terserah saja bagaimana bentuk serta coraknya. Saya tidak peduli masalah janji, pkoknya dalam lima bulan harus selesai.”

Setelah lima bulan, maka Ken Arok pun teringat akan janjinya, yakni akan pesana keris tersebut kepada Empu Gandring. Empu gandring pada waktu itu sedang mengukir keris. Ken Arok perlahan bicara,”Ki, sudah selesaikah keris pesanan saya itu?” Empu gandring pun menjawab pula dengan halus,” duh kaki. Kerismu itu justru yang sedang kukikir ini.” Ketika mendengar jawaban tersebut, Ken Arok menjadi tak senang hati dan bersikap kurang sopan.

Ken Arok melihat kerisnya yang sedang di kikir (diperhalus). Keris diberikan oleh Empu gandring, diterima oleh Ken Arok dan diamat-amati. Serentak sadar bahwa kerisnya belum selesai, maka Ken Arok marah. “ini keris belum rampung!Bukanlah saya sudah berkali-kali berpesan. Tak ada gunanya saya berkata kalu begini kenyataannya, Ki. Terlalu sekali kau ini, Ki. Masakan mengikir pun sampai lima bulan masih juga belum selesai. Benar-benar mengacuhkan pesanku, kau Empu Gandring!” Ken Arok pun mengamuk membabi buta.
Epu Gandring di tusuknya dengan keris bikinan sang empu itu sendiri. Segera sang empu gandring pingsan. KenArok keterlanjuran menurutkan api amarah. Keris disabetkan di lumpang tempat kikiran besi.

Lumpang yang terbuat dari batu itu terbelah jadi dua. Setelah itu keris disabetkan kearah paron (alas untuk menempa besi). Paron pun pecah berkepingan. Setelah itu terdengarlah suara Empu Gandring yang menyumpah serapahi,”Ken Arok, besok kau sendiri pun akan mati oleh keris itu juga. Anak dan cucu-cucumu, tujuh orang raja akan meninggal pula dengan senjata yang sama.”

Setelah mengucapkan kalimat tersebut, mak Empu gandring segera meninggal. Ken Arok sangat menyesal dengan kematian Empu gandring. Tuah keris empu gandring ternyata terbukti sakti. Buktinya, keris ini berhasil membunuh Tunggul ametung, Ken arok sendiri, dan keturunannya. Sehingga tepat seperti sumpah Empu gandring bahwa kerisnya membunuh tujuh orang raja.
Percaya atau tidak?
Yang pasti, kisah ini terdapat dalam serat Pararaton Ken Arok, kitab sastra jawa yang diakui kesahihannya oleh para ahli sejarah.

Keris Mpu Gandring: Hipotesis

GANDRING dikenal sebagai pengrajin logam yang tersohor di kerajaan Tumapel (cikal bakal Singosari). Ia juga dikenal sakti. Karena “profesional” dan sakti itu ia kemudian diberi gelar “Mpu”. Ken Arok, seseorang yang dipercaya sebagai titisan Wisnu, memesan keris kepadanya. “Satu hari”, begitu Ken Arok memberikan tenggat waktu bagi Gandring. Satu hari berlalu dan Gandring telah menyelesaikan kerisnya. Namun sarung keris belum tuntas. Karena tak sabar, Ken Arok mengambilnya, lalu membunuh Gandring. Gandring sempat menyumpahi Ken Arok dan keturunannya: tujuh turunan bakal mati tertikam keris itu.

Jaman itu, teknologi pengolahan logam atau metalurgi masih sangat tradisional: besi dipanaskan dan ditempa; atau dalam istilah metalurgi, diberi perlakuan panas (heat treatment) dan dibentuk (forging). Kemudian, ilmu metafisika masuk, dan besi yang telah terbentuk (misal: pedang, keris dll), diberi doa-doa, dan menjadi sakti. Begitukah? Entahlah.

Bagaimana Mpu Gandring membuat kerisnya jadi ampuh? Mpu Gandring memilih bahan yang kuat tapi ringan. Jaman itu, proses pemaduan logam dengan logam lain barangkali tak menghasilkan paduan yang memuaskan. Jadi, bahan monolitik adalah pilihan. Mpu Gandring memilih batu meteor sebagai bahan kerisnya. Hal ini juga perlu diteliti lebih jauh apakah batu meteornya bisa diberi perlakuan panas dan dibentuk. Batu meteor ini bisa dilihat dan disentuh di Museum Geologi – Bandung. Tapi, apakah bahan itu yang digunakan Mpu Gandring atau bukan, ini masih pertanyaan.

Setelah, keris terbentuk, Mpu Gandring mencelupkan keris (yang masih panas) tersebut ke dalam bisa ular. Ada proses difusi dari racun ular ke dalam keris yang masih membara itu. Bisa ular sebagian menempel hanya di permukaan, dan sebagian lain berdifusi ke dalam keris. Setelah mendingin, keris dimasukkan ke dalam sarungnya, dan disimpan. Bisa dibayangkan jika keris itu disentuh atau ditancapkan ke tubuh: bisa ular segera menempel dan masuk ke dalam darah, lalu bagian tubuh akan lumpuh dan manusia bisa mati. Pada jaman itu, hanya sedikit orang yang mengetahui proses pembuatan keris secara “ilmiah”; salah satunya adalah Mpu Gandring. Karena pengetahuan dan pengalaman yang cukup advanced dalam pembuatan keris, mungkin Mpu Gandring juga dikenal sebagai mahaguru pada jaman itu. Apakah dia bisa disebut profesor di jaman ini?

Penelitian lebih jauh sangat diperlukan untuk memperoleh informasi mengenai peta kemajuan teknologi Jawa pada abad lampau.

source : www.yahoo.com

Chichen Itza

2011-10-16T06:55:00.001+07:00

Chichen Itza merupakan salah satu bagian dari 7 keajaiban dunia baru. Suatu tempat yang terletak di Yucatan, Meksiko ini merupakan sebuah situs purbakala peninggalan bangsa Maya paling populer dikunjungi oleh para wisatawan manca negara. Bangunan-bangunan yang terkenal dengan keindahan bentuk arsitekturnya tsb dibangun diantara 550-900 M oleh para Itza, salah satu kelompok suku bangsa Maya.
Namun entah mengapa pada abad ke-10 tempat ini ditinggalkan oleh mereka dan sejak saat itu bangsa Maya menghilang secara misterius.

Jika dilihat dari bentuk arsitekturnya, Bangunan-bangunan di kawasan Chichen Itza merupakan hasil alkulturasi seni arsitektur dari kebudayaan Maya dan Toltec. Toltec sendiri merupakan sebutan bagi bangsa yang mendiami suatu kawasan di Tollan, 45 KM utara Kota meksiko. Peradaban yang memuja Dewa Quetzalcoatl ini dipimpin oleh seorang penguasa bernama Mixcoatl yang mempunyai arti "Naga Awan". Menurut sejarah, Bangsa Toltec yang terkenal lebih kejam dari Bangsa Aztec, pernah menyerbu kawasan Chichen Itza disekitar tahun 800 M. Chihen Itza sendiri merupakan puing sisa peradaban Maya paling mengesankan yang masih bisa dinikmati keindahannya hingga saat ini. Terdapat beberapa bangunan menakjubkan peninggalan peradaban bangsa Maya disini, diantaranya Piramida Kukulkan (El Castillo) sebagai pusatnya, lalu terdapat pula bangunan yang digunakan sebagai Observatorium astronomi mereka yang dinamakan El Caracol, serta beberapa bangunan lainnya seperti Temple of Jaguar dan Temple of the Wariors.

Nama Chichen Itza berasal dari bahasa Maya yang berarti "Chi" mulut, "Chen" sumur ,dan "Itza" nama suku penghuni tempat itu sendiri. Puing sisa-sisa peradaban Maya di Amerika Tengah, seperti Chichen Itza, dulunya merupakan daerah perkotaan yang telah ditinggalkan oleh para Mayan jauh sebelum Cristoper Colombus untuk pertamakali Menginjakkkan kakinya di Benua Amerika. Piramida El Castillo bangsa Maya yang juga terletak di Chichen Itza sering disebut-sebut sebagai bangunan piramida kedua yang terkenal setelah Piramida Mesir. Namun berbeda dengan bentuk arsitektur Piramida Mesir, Piramida bangsa Maya bukanlah merupakan piramida berbentuk kerucut , karena pada puncaknya terdapat sebuah bidang datar yang digunakan sebagai tempat ritual mereka. Disekelilingnya, kita dapat menemui empat tangga yang berjumlah sekitar 91 undakan, dan terdapat satu undakan lagi pada bagian paling atas, sehingga total undakan keseluruhan berjumlah 365 undakan. Tinggi bangunan ini mencapai 24 meter, sedangkan area pada puncaknya yang digunakan untuk menaruh persembahan setinggi 6 meter

Dan bukan menjadi suatu rahasia lagi bahwa Bangsa Maya merupakan sebuah peradaban yang memiliki tingkat pengetahuan Astronomi yang sangat luar biasa. Hal tsb memang tak pernah diragukan lagi oleh para astronom pada saat ini. Jauh sebelum Nicholas Copernicus menyatakan bahwa bentuk bumi bulat serta teori heliosentris yang menyatakan matahari sebagai pusat tata surya, orang Maya sudah mengetahui akan hal itu jauh-jauh hari sebelumnya. observatorium astronomi bangsa Maya juga memiliki bentuk bangunan yang sangat spesifik. Dilihat dari sudut pandang masa kini, secara fungsional maupun bentuk luar observatorium bangsa Maya sangat mirip dengan observatorium masa kini, sebagai contoh misalnya menara pengamat observatorium Kainuoka / El Caracol yang juga terletak di kawasan Chichen Itza, di atas teras yang indah dan sangat besar pada menara tersebut, terdapat undakan kecil bertingkat-tingkat yang menuju ke teras.
El Caracol Observatory Ada beberapa kemiripan dengan observatorium sekarang, juga merupakan sebuah bangunan tingkat rendah yang berbentuk tabung bundar, pada bagian atas terdapat sebuah kubah yang berbentuk setengah bola, kubah ini dalam rancangan observatorium sekarang adalah tempat untuk menjulurkan teropong astronomi. Empat buah pintu di lantai yang rendah tepat mengarah pada 4 posisi. Jendela di tempat itu membentuk 6 jalur hubungan dengan serambi muka, paling sedikit tiga di antaranya berhubungan dengan astronomi. Salah satunya berhubungan dengan musim semi (musim gugur), sedangkan dua lainnya berhubungan dengan aktivitas bulan. Menara pengamat observatorium El Caracol ini adalah peninggalan terbesar dalam sejarah, peninggalan sejarah yang lain juga memiliki bangunan yang serupa. Semuanya dalam posisi yang saling merapat dengan matahari dan bulan. Belakangan ini arkeolog beranggapan bahwa astronom bangsa Maya pada zaman purbakala telah membangun jaringan pengamat astronomi pada setiap wilayahnya.

Hingga saat ini,kita masih bisa menemukan sisa-sisa pengaruh kebudayaan Maya yang masih melekat pada beberapa penduduk di Kawasan Yucatan Peninsula dan sedikit di wilayah bagian Chiapas, bahasa asli suku Maya kuno masih banyak digunakan sebagai dialek sehari-hari mereka dan ditafsirkan empat sampai enam juta orang penduduk disekitar Yucatan masih menggunakan bahasa tsb. Hal tsb juga berlaku pada tradisi Bangsa Maya Kuno, masyarakat di Yucatan masih meneruskan banyak tradisi masyarakat Maya kuno seperti menanam tanaman pangan tradisonal mereka (jagung, buncis, cabai, tomat dan labu) dengan teknik yang sama, dan memilih menggunakan tanaman herbal sebagai obat-obatan mereka. Sekitar 550 M, Orang Maya berhasil menyelesaikan pembangunan dua buah Chichen (mulut sumur). Sumur pertama merupakan bagian yang dikeramatkan oleh mereka sedangkan bagian kedua dipergunakan untuk penggunaan sehari-hari. Chichen Itza, seperti kebanyakan pusat Maya lainnya, merupakan pusat aktivitas rohani mereka.Ritual-ritual persembahan yang ditujukan kepada para Dewa banyak dilakukan disini. Sejarah mengatakan bahwa kawasan Chichen Itza ditinggalkan oleh orang Maya disekitar 900 M, ini berbarengan dengan periode dimana 80 % Bangsa Maya dikatakan mengilang secara misterius. Hingga saat ini belum ada sebuah penjelasan yang bisa menjawab misteri menghilangnya populasi peradaban ini. (dipta)

source : yahoo.com

Manusia Zaman Batu Sudah Bisa Melakukan Operasi

2011-08-17T10:48:00.001+07:00

Para ilmuwan menemukan bukti yang menyebutkan bahwa proses operasi telah ada sejak 7.000 tahun lalu. Temuan ini membutikan bahwa manusia zaman batu sudah melakukan penanganan medis cara modern.

Kesimpulan ini didapat setelah para ilmuwan menemukan fosil manusia yang diperkirakan berasal dari zaman Neolitikum, sekira 7.000 tahun lalu. Setelah dianalisa secara mendalam, diketahui bahwa lengan kiri fosil berjenis kelamin pria tersebut telah mengalami proses amputasi yang rapi, seperti dilakukan oleh seorang yang ahli.

Diketahui pula bahwa pada masa Neolitikum, operasi pembedahan dan amputasi dilakukan menggunakan batu yang diasah hingga tajam. Mereka pun sangat yakin bahwa pasien tersebut terlebih dahulu diberi obat bius, barulah kemudian diamputasi. Bekas amputasi memperlihatkan bahwa luka pasien tersebut kemudian diobati dan disterilkan. Demikian keterangan yang dikutip dari Daily Mail, Senin (1/2/2010).

Bukti ini yang ditemukan di makam kuno Buthiers-Boulancourt, 40 mil dari Paris Selatan ini mematahkan dugaan bahwa manusia zaman batu belum memiliki kecerdasan yang memungkinkan mereka melakukan hal-hal rumit dan modern.

Nyatanya, kemampuan untuk melakukan praktik pengobatan modern seperti operasi amputasi telah ada sejak 4.900 SM. Terkuaknya rahasia ini mendorong pembaharuan terhadap sejarah praktik operasi.

Bukti lain terhadap dugaan ini kemudian lebih diperkuat lagi dengan temuan potongan tubuh dari zaman Neolitikum lainnya, yang ditemukan di Jerman dan Republik Ceko. Potongan tubuh tersebut menyebutkan bahwa dokter pada zaman batu telah melakukan operasi trephination, yaitu membedah tengkorak kepala.

source : yahoo.com

Exotisme Komodo Island

2011-06-11T15:45:00.003+07:00

Komodo Island is an island located in the Nusa Tenggara Islands. Komodo Island is known a

s a habitat for native animals dragons. This island is also the Komodo National Park which is managed by the Central Government. Komodo Island in the eastern island of Sumbawa, which are separated by the Sape Strait.

Administratively, this island including the District of Komodo, West Manggarai regency, East Nusa Tenggara Province, Indonesia. Komodo Island is the most western ti

p of Nusa Tenggara Timur province, bordering the province of West Nusa Tenggara.

On the island of Komodo dragons animals live and breed well. Until August 2009, on this island there are about 1,300 dragons tail. Coupled with other islands, such as Island and Rinca and Gili Motang, their numbers totaled about 2500 tails. There are also approximately 100 individuals dragons in Wae Wuul Nature Reserve on the mainland island of Flores, but not including the Komodo National Park.

Besides Komodo, the island is also store a variety of exotic flora wood by local people Sepang which is used as a medicine and dye clothes, this nitak tree or sterculia oblongata in the believe is useful as medicines and seeds are tasty and delicious like peas.

In 1910 the Dutch named the island in the southern province of East Nusa Tenggara is the nickname of Komodo Island. This story begins with Lieutenant Steyn van Hens Broek who tries to prove statements about the presence of Dutch troops large animal resembling a dragon on the island. Steyn then killed a dragon and bring documentation to the Museum and Botanical Garden in Bogor to be investigated.

In 2009, the Park has been named a finalist in the "New Seven Wonders of Nature" newly published in 2010 by online voting at www.N7W.com

Festival Danau Toba : Para Penjaga Tradisi – Prapat – Sumatera Utara

2011-03-31T05:59:00.003+07:00

Alunan alat tiup sarune bolon atau serunai mengiringi Tumpan Sinaga (60) menari. Ia meliuk-liuk sambil memeluk dan mengelus tongkat berukir patung manusia. Ia berperan sebagai dukun sakti.Tumpan juga berbicara dengan tongkat yang dalam tradisi Batak kuno disebut ”tunggal panaluan”. Suara sarune, gondang (gendang), dan taganing yang terdengar monoton mengantar Tumpan memasuki kondisi trance.

Toba Lake in North Sumatra

Dalam kondisi itu, ia berdialog dengan tunggal panaluan, tongkat yang dalam tradisi Batak kuno dipercaya bisa mendatangkan hujan, menahan hujan, menolak bala, wabah, mengobati penyakit, membantu mendeteksi musuh dalam peperangan, dan masih banyak lagi kesaktian lainnya.

Sang dukun lalu memakan sesajian berupa nasi, ayam rebus utuh, ubi, daun sirih, bunga dan bermacam sesajian lainnya. Ia juga meminum tuak dari buluh bambu. Selesai makan, sang dukun menyuapi kedua muridnya.

Ritual tongkat tunggal panaluan menjadi salah satu pembuka acara Festival Danau di Kota Parapat. Tradisi budaya masyarakat Batak kuno ini ditampilkan oleh Sanggar Budaya Nauli dari Kota Parapat, Kabupaten Simalungun, Sumatera Utara. Menurut Hamonangan Sirait, Ketua Sanggar Budaya Nauli, pertunjukan tongkat tunggal panaluan yang lengkap dengan sesajian dan ritual mistis lainnya jarang dipertontonkan karena dilarang oleh agama.

Sanggar Budaya Nauli didirikan tahun lalu oleh masyarakat Parapat yang peduli dengan pelestarian budaya Batak Toba. ”Banyak tradisi yang sebenarnya menarik untuk dikemas menjadi suguhan pariwisata,” tutur Hamonangan. Sejak didirikan, banyak remaja ikut bergabung di sanggar ini. Kini anggota sanggar mencapai 30 orang dan mereka rajin tampil di setiap kegiatan budaya yang diadakan di Sumatera Utara.

Dilema
Masyarakat Batak dikenal sangat teguh memegang tradisi meski sebagian besar tradisi lama tadi sudah bergeser setelah agama Kristen masuk ke tanah Batak melalui penginjil Nommensen tahun 1862.

Benturan ajaran agama dengan tradisi asli masyarakat Batak membuat upaya untuk mengangkat kekhasan budaya lokal menjadi sulit dilakukan. Padahal, tontonan budaya, selain berfungsi untuk pelestarian, juga menguntungkan untuk pariwisata. ”Sekarang ini banyak anak muda Batak yang tidak lagi mengenal budaya asli Batak,” kata Mangiring (57), Kepala Adat Desa Tomok, Kabupaten Samosir.

Namun, upaya untuk menghidupkan budaya asli Batak tetap dilakukan. Di Tomok, misalnya, tarian si gale-gale, yaitu boneka kayu yang aslinya digerakkan dengan kekuatan mistis, sudah digantikan dengan tali. Demikian juga dengan si gale-gale di kampung tua Hutabolon Simanindo. Tradisi lokal yang belum dikemas oleh industri pariwisata inilah, kata Mangiring, yang menyebabkan Danau Toba ditinggalkan turis.

”Kalau hanya melihat pemandangan alam, turis akan cepat bosan. Seharusnya alam itu menyatu dengan tradisi masyarakatnya,” tutur Mangiring.

Ia ingin wisata Danau Toba mengikuti keberhasilan Bali yang mampu menyatukan tradisi dengan wisata alamnya. Untuk mendatangkan turis ke Danau Toba, Kementerian Kebudayaan dan Pariwisata bekerja sama dengan pemerintah lima kabupaten, yaitu Kabupaten Tapanuli Utara, Toba Samosir, Simalungun, Dairi, dan Karo, menghidupkan kembali Festival Danau Toba. Di festival berbagai kegiatan budaya digelar, seperti tari tradisional Batak (manortor), permainan gondang, tunggal panaluan, dan pentas musik etnik Batak.

Selain festival, pemerintah juga memperbaiki lapangan terbang Sibisa dan Silangit yang berada di Pulau Samosir. Nantinya akan ada penerbangan langsung menuju Pulau Samosir, baik dari Medan maupun Jakarta.

Agama kuno

Jauh dari hiruk-pikuk kepentingan pariwisata di Danau Toba, sebagian masyarakat Batak di kawasan danau itu tetap memegang teguh budaya asli nenek moyang mereka, yakni budaya yang diajarkan oleh Ugamo Malim atau Parmalim. Jumlah pengikut Parmalim saat ini hanya tersisa sekitar 1.500 orang.

Sebagian besar penganut Parmalim tinggal di pesisir Danau Toba, seperti di Desa Hutatinggi, Kecamatan Laguboti, Kabupaten Toba Samosir. Di desa ini mereka tinggal di rumah-rumah panggung yang terbuat dari kayu dan beratap ijuk. Bila malam tiba, rumah mereka diterangi lampu listrik seadanya. Pemeluk Parmalim juga terbiasa berjalan tanpa alas kaki.

Ajaran Parmalim yang mengajarkan nilai-nilai luhur ketuhanan serta cinta sesama manusia dan lingkungan hidup ini dianut semua orang Batak sebelum agama Kristen, Katolik, dan Islam masuk ke tanah Batak. Karena itu, Parmalim dianggap sebagai agama kuno orang Batak.

”Umat Parmalim memegang teguh ajaran bahwa Danau Toba merupakan sumber air minum, sumber penghidupan, sumber nafkah bagi warga yang tinggal di sekitarnya,” kata Raja Marnangkok Naipospos yang menjadi Ulu Punguan atau pemimpin tertinggi Parmalim di Desa Hutatinggi. Karena itu, dalam Parmalim terdapat ramun atau larangan terhadap pengikutnya untuk merusak Danau Toba, seperti membuang sampah di danau atau mencemari air danau.

Umat Parmalim juga menganggap air Danau Toba itu suci dan mengambilnya untuk kepentingan ritual keagamaan. Namun, sejak 50 tahun lalu mereka beralih ke air pegunungan atau sumur karena air Danau Toba banyak tercemar oleh limbah yang dihasilkan oleh warga sekitar danau atau ratusan hotel dan bangunan komersial lainnya.

”Masyarakat hanya mengeruk berkah Danau Toba, tetapi tidak mau merawatnya,” ujar Mananha Sitorus (29), penganut Parmalim.

Ia yakin bila manusia berbuat baik kepada alam, alam juga akan berbuat baik kepada manusia.

Wisata

Jika Anda merasa bersemangat, lakukanlah kegiatan menarik yang ditawarkan di sini. Di Parapat, ada banyak fasilitas untuk berenang, bermain ski air, mengendarai motor boat, menaiki kano, memancing dan bermain golf. Dari Parapat Anda dapat berjalan-jalan santai di bukit Sungai Naborsahon dimana Anda akan melihat bunga bugenvil, pointetties, honey suckle yang spektakuler berbunga sepanjang tahun. Banyak pengunjung yang datang mengahabuskan waktu di danau dengan berenang di air yang menyegarkan atau menyewa perahu layar mengelilingi danau yang besar tersebut. Tidak perlu khawatir tersengat sinar matahari karena iklim di sini sejuk dan kering dengan pemandangan danau yang indah, tempat ini adalah tempat yang ideal untuk bersantai. Sambil melihat matahari terbenam di Danau Toba adalah cara yang sempurna untuk bersantai dan menghabuskan waktu bersama orang yang Anda sayangi.

Danau ini memiliki sejarah magis yang dipercayai masyarakat setempat sebagai tempat tinggal Namborru (tujuh dewi nenek moyang Suku Batak). Ketika suku Batak akan melakukan upacara di sekitar danau, mereka harus berdoa dan meminta izin dari Namborru terlebih dahulu. Waktu terbaik untuk melihat ritual tradisional dilakukan adalah saat upacara Pesta Masyarakat Danau Toba tahunan, dimana banyak upacara dilakukan untuk menghormati nenek moyang Danau Toba. Festival ini adalah perayaan kebudayaan Batak menampilkan upacara tradisional, acara olah raga, nyanyian, dan tarian Batak. Selain itu Setahun sekali diadakan Pesta Rakyat Danau Toba.

Di Samosir, Anda juga dapat berjalan-jalanlah ke pedalaman dan menjelajahi dua danau yang lebih kecil yaitu Danau Sididhoni dan Aek Natonang. Jika Anda masih belum merasa puas dengan suasana di Samosir, jelajahi pedalaman dengan trekking ke dataran tinggi. Sebaiknya tanya hotel atau masyarakat setempat tentang rutenya karena jalannya dapat berlumpur dan licin tergantung cuaca. Lihat juga perbedaan arsitektur tradisional dengan rumah Batak Toba yang majemuk. Jika anda tertarik dengan tempat wisata bernuansa kehidupan tradisional maka Anda harus mengunjungi Desa Tomok yaitu desa tradisional di Pulau Samosir. Di sini Anda dapat mengetahui lebih jauh tentang sejarah dan adat istiadat setempat dengan mengunjungi komplek pemakaman Raja Sidabutar dimana Anda akan melihat sketsa batu yang unik. Jika Anda ingin mengetahui lebih jauh tentang kehidupan dan masyarakat Batak, kunjungilah desa tradisional Jangga penghasil kain ulos yang berjarak sekitar 24 km dari Parapat. Di tepi Danau Toba juga terlihat Wisma Soekarno, tempat Presiden pertama Indonesia diasingkan, dengan desain bangunan yang dicat dengan warna putih nan megah.

source : yahoo.com

Reog Ponorogo

2011-03-30T07:10:00.002+07:00

Setelah sebelumnya mempublikasikan Kota damai Ponorogo sekarang saatnya mempublikasikan keseniannya yang sudah mendunia yakni kesenian Reog. (evilgrin) Sudah tidak asing lagi sepertinya jika kita mendengar reog pastinya ingat ponorogo begitu juga sebaliknya.

Sejarah dari kesenian Reog ini bermula pemberontakan Ki Ageng Kutu, seorang abdi kerajaan Majapahit pada abad ke-15 dimana pada masa itu kerajaan Majapahit dibawah kekuasaan Bhre Kertabhumi yang merupakan raja terakhir kerajaan Majapahit. Ki Ageng Kutu murka terhadap perilaku rajanya yang korup, ia pun melihat bahwa kekuasaan Kerajaan Majapahit tak lama lagi akan berakhir. Ia pun pergi meninggalkan kerajaan dan mendirikan sebuah perguruan Seni Bela Diri dengan harapan dapat memunculkan bibit-bibit yang dapat memegang kekuasaan Majapahit kelak. Sadar bahwa pasukan yang dimilinya tidak mampu menandingi pasukan Majapahit maka pesan Politis Ki Ageng Kutu pun disampaikan melalui pertunjukan Reog. Pagelaran Reog dimanfaatkan Ki Ageng Kutu untuk membangun perlawanan masyarakat terhadap kerajaan.

Dalam pertunjukan kesenian Reog ini ditampilkan topeng berbentuk kepala singa yang biasa disebut “Singo Barong”, raja hutan yang menjadi simbol Kertabumi, dan diatasnya ditancapkan bulu-bulu merak hingga menyerupai kipas raksasa yang menyimbolkan pengaruh kuat para rekan Cinanya yang mengatur dari atas segala gerak-geriknya. Jatilan, yang diperankan oleh kelompok penari gemblak yang menunggangi kuda-kudaan menjadi simbol kekuatan pasukan Kerajaan Majapahit yang menjadi perbandingan kontras dengan kekuatan warok. topeng badut merah yang menjadi simbol untuk Ki Ageng Kutu, sendirian dan menopang berat topeng singobarong yang mencapai lebih dari 50kg hanya dengan menggunakan giginya. Dan akhirnya Reog Ki Ageng Kutu menyebabkan Kertabumi menyerang perguruannya, pemberontakan oleh warok dengan cepat diatasi, dan perguruan dilarang untuk melanjutkan pengajaran akan warok. Namun murid-murid Ki Ageng kutu tetap melanjutkannya secara diam-diam. Walaupun begitu, kesenian Reognya sendiri masih diperbolehkan untuk dipentaskan karena sudah menjadi pertunjukan populer diantara masyarakat, namun jalan ceritanya memiliki alur baru dimana ditambahkan karakter-karakter dari cerita rakyat Ponorogo yaitu Kelono Sewondono, Dewi Songgolangit, and Sri Genthayu.

Versi resmi alur cerita Reog Ponorogo kini adalah cerita tentang Raja Ponorogo yang berniat melamar putri Kediri, Dewi Ragil Kuning, namun ditengah perjalanan ia dicegat oleh Raja Singabarong dari Kediri. Pasukan Raja Singabarong terdiri dari merak dan singa, sedangkan dari pihak Kerajaan Ponorogo Raja Kelono dan Wakilnya Bujanganom, dikawal oleh warok (pria berpakaian hitam-hitam dalam tariannya), dan warok ini memiliki ilmu hitam mematikan. Seluruh tariannya merupakan tarian perang antara Kerajaan Kediri dan Kerajaan Ponorogo, dan mengadu ilmu hitam antara keduanya, para penari dalam keadaan ‘kerasukan’ saat mementaskan tariannya

Berikut karakter-karakter dalam Kesenian Reog Ponorogo

Topeng berbentuk kepala singa yang dikenal sebagai “Singo Barong“, raja hutan, yang menjadi simbol untuk Kertabumi, dan diatasnya ditancapkan bulu-bulu merak hingga menyerupai kipas raksasa yang menyimbolkan pengaruh kuat para rekan Cinanya yang mengatur dari atas segala gerak-geriknya.

Jatilan, yang diperankan oleh kelompok penari gemblak yang menunggangi kuda-kudaan menjadi simbol kekuatan pasukan Kerajaan Majapahit

Pujangganong atau Bujangganong adalah penari dan tarian yang menggambarkan sosok patih muda ( Patihnya Klana Sewandana) yang cekatan, cerdik, jenaka, dan sakti. Sosok ini digambarkan dengan topeng yang mirip dengan wajah raksasa, hidung panjang, mata melotot, mulut terbuka dengan gigi yang besar tanpa taring, wajah merah darah dan rambut yang lebat warna hitam menutup pelipis kiri dan kanan.

Klana Sewandana atau Klono : Penari dan tarian yang menggambarkan sosok raja dari kerajaan Bantarangin (kerajaan yang dipercaya berada di wilayah Ponorogo zaman dahulu. Sosok ini digambarkan dengan topeng bermahkota, wajah berwarna merah, mata besar melotot, dan kumis tipis. Selain itu ia membawa Pecut Samandiman; berbentuk tongkat lurus dari rotan berhias jebug dari sayet warna merah diseling kuning sebanyak 5 atau 7 jebug.

Warok Suromenggolo. Dalam pentas, sosok warok lebih terlihat sebagai pengawal/punggawa raja Klana Sewandana (warok muda) atau sesepuh dan guru (warok tua). Dalam pentas, sosok warok muda digambarkan tengah berlatih mengolah ilmu kanuragan, digambarkan berbadan gempal dengan bulu dada, kumis dan jambang lebat serta mata yang tajam. Sementara warok tua digambarkan sebagai pelatih atau pengawas warok muda yang digambarkan berbadan kurus, berjanggut putih panjang, dan berjalan dengan bantuan tongkat.

source : yahoo.com

Kerajaan Cirebon

2011-02-18T06:27:00.003+07:00

Cirebon, kota di Pantai Utara Jawa yang dulu menjadi basis dakwah Sunan Gunung Jati, mengajak kita memutar waktu untuk menyusuri jejak peradaban Islam di utara Jawa. Yudasmoro mengunjungi tiga keraton uzur di Kota Udang yang berdiri melawan zaman dan menjadi simbol budaya masyarakat.

Mungkin karena julukan Kota Udang begitu melekat pada Cirebon, setiap kali saya mengunjunginya teman-teman selalu menitip dibelikan petis udang, kerupuk udang, dan kecap udang. Syahdan, nama Cirebon merupakan akronim dari kata ”ci” (sungai, dalam bahasa Sunda) dan ”rebon” (udang kecil).

Satu fakta penting lain tentang Cirebon adalah, ia pernah menjadi sentra penyebaran Islam di Jawa Barat. Bukti-buktinya masih bisa disaksikan dalam bentuk bangunan dan tradisi bernapaskan Islam yang rutin digelar warga. Kota ini kini giat berbenah. Bersama para tetangganya—Indramayu, Majalengka, dan Kuningan—Cirebon membentuk asosiasi Ciayumajakuning guna meningkatkan potensi pariwisata di kawasan Pantai Utara Jawa. Akhir tahun lalu, mereka menggebrak panggung nasional dengan mengadakan Festival Topeng Nusantara.

Tempat terbaik untuk memulai petualangan di Cirebon adalah Makam Sunan Gunung Jati di Desa Astana, kawasan Gunung Sembung. Di tempat inilah Kesultanan Cirebon dipercaya bermula.

Turun dari angkot, saya berjalan menuju kuburan. Atmosfer sakral langsung menyergap di gerbangnya. Beberapa penjaga yang mengenakan blangkon dan pakaian adat warna putih menyambut dengan senyuman dan mempersilakan saya masuk. Sebuah bangunan putih bersih yang dihiasi keramik kuno di dindingnya berdiri tegap di dekat gerbang. Di dalamnya terdapat ruangan sejuk yang dijuluki Balemangu Padjadjaran dan merupakan pemberian Prabu Siliwangi saat penobatan Syarif Hidayatullah (nama lain Sunan Gunung Jati) menjadi Sultan Kasultanan Pakungwati (cikal bakal Kesultanan Cirebon).

Di sisi kiri ruangan terdapat lorong remang-remang yang dibatasi dinding putih berhiaskan mozaik porselen Cina aneka warna. Meniti lorong, saya sampai di sebuah aula luas berisi beberapa peziarah. Mereka melantunkan ayat-ayat suci yang membuat suasana sangat khidmat. Di hadapan mereka terpampang pintu renta yang menjadi akses menuju Makam Sunan Gunung Jati. Pintu ini dibuka saat peringatan hari-hari besar Islam dan cuma bisa dimasuki keturunan sang ulama besar.

Kuburan Putri Ong Tien, istri Sunan Gunung Jati, terdapat di sisi kiri ruangan peziarah. Latar belakang yang berbeda dari kedua mempelai tecermin dalam arsitektur makam yang menampilkan kombinasi gaya Cina dan Islam. Karena itu pula jangan kaget bila Anda mencium aroma dupa dan melihat altar yang dipenuhi bekas bakaran dupa.

Makam keluarga sunan lainnya bisa ditemukan di area atas kompleks makam. Banyak orang datang dari luar kota untuk menziarahi makam-makam tersebut. Sunan Gunung Jati adalah salah satu ulama paling kondang di Indonesia. Sekelompok orang duduk mengerubungi makam untuk berdoa, sisanya mengambil segenggam tanah di samping bangunan makam sunan. “Untuk disimpan pak,” kata petugas makam. ”Konon bisa membawa rezeki.”

Bali Art Festival

2011-02-11T14:49:00.008+07:00

Pesta Kesenian Bali diselenggarakan sebagai upaya persembahan karya cipta seni terbaik masyarakat. Bilapun kini masyarakat berkeinginan memilih antara kesenian dan kerajinan, profan dan sekular, pesanan dan kreativitas murni masyarakat Bali, semua itu mereka kerjakan dengan semangat "persembahan ". Perbedaan itu tidak akan mengurangi hakekat berkesenian. Kegiatan berkesenian didasari oleh motivasi sebagai persembahan yang terbaik dan "spirit" dalam segala aktivitas masyarakat Bali

Seni yang ditampilkan adalah persembahan dan karya cipta yang dihasilkan juga sebagai persembahan. Hal ini yang masih dijadikan. Persembahan seni dan karya cipta mengandung makna pembebasan yang iklas yang dalam ajaran Hindu sering disebut dengan yadnya. Yadnya yang dipersembahkan melalui seni dan karya cipta menjadikan hasil ciptaannya sebagai persembahan terbaik, maka sedapat mungkin seseorang seniman tidak akan mempersembahkan miliknya atau karyanya yang paling jelek atau seadanya, apalagi persembahan itu berupa seni dan karya cipta yang terlahir dari budi daya sebagai hulu cinta kasih dan peradaban rohani seni masyarakat.

Pesta Kesenian Bali merupakan media dan sarana untuk menggali dan melestarikan seni budaya serta meningkatkan kesejahteraan. Penggalian dan pelestarian seni budaya meliputi filosofi, nilai-nilai luhur dan universal, konsep-konsep dasar, warisan budaya baik benda atau bukan benda yang bernilai sejarah tinggi, ilmu pengetahuan dan seni sebagai representasi peradaban serta pengembangan kesenian melalui kreasi, inovasi, adaptasi budaya dengan harapan agar tetap hidup dan ajeg berjcelanjutan dalam konteks perubahan waktu dan jaman serta dalam lingkungan yang selalu berubah.

PELOPOR

Menampung hasil karya cipta, seni dan aspirasi berkesenian baik kesenian hasil rekonstruksi, seni hasil inovasi, atraksi kesenian serta apresiasi seni dan budaya masyarakat , maka Pemerintah Propinsi Bali, sejak tahun 1979, oleh Almarhum Prof. Dr. Ida Bagus Mantra menggagas dan memprakarsai suatu wadah pesta rakyat, yang sampai sekarang disebut " Pesta Kesenian Bali " (PKB), yang pertama kalinya di gelar.

Dasar Penyelenggaraan Pesta Kesenian Bali adalah Peraturan Daerah Propinsi Bali Nomor 07 Tahun 1986 tentang" Pesta Kesenian Bali ". Pesta Kesenian Bali yang digelar pertama kali pada tahun 1979, berlangsung kurang lebih 2 bulan tepatnya dari tanggal 20 Juni 1979 sampai 23 Agustus 1979, dan setiap tahun telah memberikan kesempatan untuk menampilkan karya-karya seni terbaik, sebagai wahana pembinaan, pelestarian dan pengembangan seni budaya masyarakat.Pelestarian seni budaya dengan menampilkan keseniankesenian klasik yang sudah hampir punah dan terpendam di masyarakat.Melalui Pesta Kesenian Bali, memotivasi masyarakat untuk menggali, menemukan dan menampilkan kepada masyarakat pada pesta rakyat ini. Penyelenggaraan PKB dari tahun ketahun telah memberikan nuansa tersendiri bagi keajegan seni budaya Bali dengan menampilkan thema yang selalu berbeda-beda.Kiranya cara berkesenian masyarakat Bali yang dipersembahkan kedalam wadah Pests Kesenian Bali, setiap tahunnya juga berbeda-beda. Seperti pada Pesta Kesenian Bali yang berlangsung Juni 2003 ini merupakan Pesta Kesenian Bali ke 25 yang bertepatan dengan Jubillium Perak Pesta Kesenian Bali. Kesempatan ini merupakan momentum yang sangat tepat untuk melakukan koreksi, perbaikan dan perubahan serta introspeksi diri, ditengah-tengah keterpurukan kepariwisataan Bali saat ini.

Pada Pesta Kesenian Bali Tahun 2003 ini mengambil thema " Yadnya Cakra "yang bermakna Roda Kreativitas Tiada Henti. Thema ini menggambarkan betapa beratnya beban kita untuk selalu beraktivitas dan berkreativitas untuk memenuhi kehidupan kita. Dengan demikian aktivitas dan kreativitas berkesenian untuk menghasilkan karya cipta dan seni masyarakat Bali tidak akan pernah berhenti, untuk menggali dan mengembangkan gagasan-gagasan baru, baik itu gagasan barn berkesenian maupun dalam kegiatan sehari hari, dalam rangka menyambung kelangsungan kehidupannya. Penggalian dan pengembangan gagasan baru berkesenian, dipakai untuk mengimbangi adanya distribusi budaya asing sebagai akibat globalisasi menyeluruh, karena dengan adanya gagasan barn akan dapat menuntun prilaku masyarakat dalam konteks berfikir, berkata dan berbuat yang diinplementasikan dan diwujudkan dalam bentuk karya cipta seni budaya.Dalam sejarah perjalanan pesta seni rakyat yang akbar ini pada umumnya selalu dibuka oleh pejabat tinggi negara. Hanya pada PKB yang pertama kali tahun 1979 dibuka oleh Almarhum Prof DR. Ida Bagus Mantra yang saat itu menjabat Gubernur Kepala Daerah Tingkat I Bali sekaligus sebagai penggagas PKB. Selebihnya pembukaan PKB dilaksanakan oleh Menteri, Wakil Presiden, Presiden dan Ibu Negara.

source : yahoo.com

Aboriginal Peoples

2011-01-03T06:48:00.000+07:00

Aboriginal words in English have a sense of "indigenous peoples / indigenous population", and put into use since the 17th century to refer to native Australians at that time.

History

Currently there are no clear or acceptable theory about the origins of Australian aboriginal race. Although they migrated to Australia through Southeast Asia, but there is no linkage with the tribal population in Asia, and also by residents of adjacent islands, such as Melanesia and Polynesia.

Prior to European occupation

Aboriginal peoples Equipment

The first time it comes in contact with Europe, it is estimated there are about 250,000 to 1 million people live in Australia. This population level is estimated to also have been quite stable for thousands of years.

Post-colonization, aboriginal populations in coastal areas started to disappear, and displaced from their homelands. Some aspects of aboriginal life traditions can still survive in areas that are rarely occupied by settlers from Europe, such as the Great Sandy Desert.

The impact of European occupation
In 1770, James Cook landed on the east coast of Australia and took over the area and named it as the New South Wales, as part of the United Kingdom. British colonization in Australia, which began in 1788, became a big disaster for the aboriginal population of Australia. Outbreaks of disease from the Europeans, like smallpox, measles and influenza spread in the occupied territories. The settlers, aboriginal people regard Australia as a nomad who can be evicted from his place to use as an agricultural region. It is fatal, namely aboriginal nations cut off from the shelter, water and a source of life. Moreover with the weak condition due to illness. Conditions resulted in the aboriginal population was reduced by 90% in the period between 1788 to 1900. All aboriginal communities who are on a pretty fertile area in the southern part of extinction even without a trace.

source: www.wikipedia.org

Lamut native culture of Banjar, Indonesia

2010-12-21T05:57:00.000+07:00

Lamut is a tradition recounts that contains stories about the message and values of religious, social and cultural Banjar. Lamut is the art of story tells, such as puppets or Cianjuran. The difference, puppet or Cianjuran played with a set of gamelan and lute, while lamut performed with flying, to the art of percussion instrument tambourine.

Those who had seen art lamut always thought this art gets influence from the Middle East. In the kingdom of Banjar led Suriansyah Sultan, said the art of living together lamut Banjar others, such as Dundam, Madihin, Bakesah, and Bapantun.

Lamut Implementation will be done at night from 22.00 until 04.00 or dawn arrived. The narrator is given the nickname Palamutan Lamut. At the event, Palamutan with a big flying lap put sat back in Tawing Halat (wall center), surrounded by the audience consisting of young and old men and women. Especially for women provided a place in the middle of the wall earlier.

History

Lamut originated from China, its language was originally using the Chinese language and then translated into the language of Banjar. Lamut arrival at Banjar land roughly in 1816 which was brought by Chinese traders to the Banjar up to Amuntai, said people used to really like it because lamut carry the story very much and is a story of experience in many countries which are recalled in convey .

The story, in Amuntai, Raden Ngabe meet Chinese merchants merchant ship owners Stars Tse Cay. Of the merchants that he first heard the strains of Chinese poetry. In a meeting six months later, Raden Ngabe get a copy of the Chinese poem.

Since then Raden Ngabe learn and chant, without the accompaniment of flying. Lamut began to flourish after the residents have played each time a successful rice harvest. When art tambourine go in this area, Lamut get accompaniment fly.

Art speak is called lamut karasmin since become entertainment on marriage, religious holidays, as well as national events. Lamut also used in the process batatamba (cure disease). People who have come true intent and usually also invite palamutan. The word "lamut", said to have originated from the Arabic, laamauta (لاموت), which means not dead.

Various kinds Lamut
1. Lamut Batatamba Lamut Batatamba (Lamut treatment) serves as a treatment, eg for heat ill children that does not heal or have a difficult childbirth and others. lamut show batatamba thirst accompanied by a number of requirements, namely that consisting of tools piduduk piduduk (offerings), or perapin frankincense (incense), yellow rice, salt, whole coconut, brown sugar, and a pair of thread-needle. Once it is done with fresh flour mahundang-hundang (invited) spirits, recite prayers survived, and bathing water that has prayed for the sick.

2. Lamut Baramian Lamut Baramian (Lamut Entertainment) used to present to fill out a marriage ceremony, celebration, circumcision and other entertainment events.

When the puppet clown-servants there are figures of Semar, Gareng, Petruk, and Bagong, the characters are Uncle Lamut Lamut and three children; Anglung, Angsina, and Labai Buranta. While the story is like a puppet berpakem prototype, about the kingdom led by King Awang Selenong.

Although the figures and certain grip lamut story, story development still possible according to the capability of the pelamutan in the gathering. Potions can be adapted from the story Panji stories, Andi-andi, or Tutur temple, even the story of 1001 nights. The story also can be dramatic with a courageous act or romantic.

Banjar society most expect love story between Junjung Masari and Kasan Bath. The audience is swept away when he heard the story of two men in love lyric poem Banjar language.

Lamut also favored residents of Chinese descent in Banjarmasin. They often ask lamut played when they want to worship on the Island of Flowers in the middle of the Barito River in Banjarmasin.

Function Lamut
Lamut function:

1. As the media of Islamic proselytism and the charge of government messages or messages from the Host Lamut.
2. As entertainment
3. Manyampir, that is a tradition for descendants palamutan.
4. Intent as to deny reinforcements or prayer survived in the event of child birth, circumcision or circumcision, got his fortune. According to belief, when draped and urination is not implemented it will make mamingit that is causing pain for those concerned.
5. As education, especially regarding etiquette Banjar community life. Usually petatah proverb form of advice, advice or moral guidance.

Endangered
Art lamut can say unfortunate because now on the verge of extinction. One by one pelamutan died, while the process of devolution and the regeneration of art was stagnant. Art tells that also are being abandoned because the younger generation no longer interested in playing it. Today, no organization or institution that cares about lamut, let alone foster the emergence of new pelamutan.

source : www.wikipedia.org

Tari Sekapur Sirih - Jambi

2010-09-06T10:25:00.000+07:00

'Tari Sekapur Sirih merupakan tarian selamat datang kepada tamu-tamu besar di Provinsi Jambi dan Riau.

Keagungan dalam gerak yang lembut dan halus menyatu dengan iringan musik serta syair yang ditujukan bagi para tamu. Menyambut dengan hati yang putih muka yang jernih menunjukkan keramahtamahan bagi tetamu yang dihormati.

Tari ini menggambarkan ungkapan rasa putih hati masyarakat dalam menyambut tamu. Sekapur Sirih biasanya ditarikan oleh 9 orang penari perempuan, dan 3 orang penari laki-laki, 1 orang yang bertugas membawa payung dan 2 orang pengawal. Propetri yang digunakan: cerano/wadah yang berisikan lembaran daun sirih, payung, keris. Pakaian: baju kurung /adat Jambi, iringan musik langgam melayu dengan alat musik yang terdiri dari : biola, gambus, akordion, rebana, gong dan gendang.

source : www.wikipedia.org

Baduy

2010-06-25T07:45:00.000+07:00

The Baduy (or Badui), who call themselves Kanekes, are a traditional community living in the western part of the Indonesian province of Banten, near Rangkasbitung. Their population of between 5,000 and 8,000 is centered in the Kendeng mountains at an elevation of 300-500 meters (975'-1,625') above sea level. Their homeland in Banten, Java is contained in just 50 km² (20 sq. miles) of hilly forest area 120 km (75 miles) from Jakarta, Indonesia's capital.

Ethnically the Baduys belong to the Sundanese ethnic group. Their racial, physical and linguistic traits bear much resemblance to the rest of the Sundanese people; however, the difference is in their way of life. Baduy people resist foreign influences and vigorously preserve their ancient way of life, while modern Sundanese are more open to foreign influences and a majority are muslims. The Baduy are divided into two sub-groups; the Baduy Dalam (Inner Baduy), and the Baduy Luar (Outer Baduy). No foreigners were allowed to meet the Inner Baduy, though the Outer Baduy do foster some limited contacts with the outside world. The origin of the word Baduy may come from the term "Bedouin", although other sources claim the source is a name of a local river[1].

LANGUAGE

The Baduy speak a dialect derived from archaic Sundanese. However, modern Sundanese and Javanese influences in their archaic dialect can be heard in their speech.

Religion and Beliefs

The religion of the Baduy is known as Agama Sunda Wiwitan, a combination of traditional beliefs and Hinduism. However, due to lack of interaction with the outside world, their religion is more related to Kejawen Animism, though they still retain many elements of Hindu-Buddhist religion influences, like the terms they use to define things and objects, and the rituals in their religious activities. According to kokolot (elder) of Cikeusik village, Kanekes people is not adherent of Hinduism or Buddhism, they follow animism, the belief that venerated and worshiped the spirit of ancestors. However in its development this faith is influenced and incorporated Hindu, and to some extent, Islamic elements.[2] A certain amount of Islamic influence has also penetrated into the religion of a few of the Baduy Luar in recent years (especially in Cicakal Girang village), with some original ideas thrown in for good measure. The ultimate authority is vested in Gusti Nu Maha Suci, who according to the Baduy sent Adam into the world to lead the life of a Baduy.

The Baduy also observe many mystical taboos. They are forbidden to kill, steal, lie, commit adultery, get drunk, eat food at night, take any form of conveyance, wear flowers or perfumes, accept gold or silver, touch money, or cut their hair. Other taboos relate to defending Baduy lands against invasion: they may not grow sawah (wet rice), use fertilizers, raise cash crops, use modern tools for working ladang soil, or keep large domestic animals.

There is evidence that they were originally influenced by Hindu, but retain much of their native animism ancestral veneration beliefs. They have adopted this many centuries before foreign influence including Arab (Islam), European (Christianity) etc.

SOCIAL CLASSES

Generally, the Baduy are divided into two groups: The Baduy Dalam and The Baduy Luar. The community of villages in which they live are considered mandalas, derived from the Hindu/Buddhist concept but referring in the Indonesian context to places where religion is the central aspect of life.

The population of about 400 Baduy Dalam consists of 40 families Kajeroan who live in the three villages of Cibeo, Cikertawana, and Cikeusik in Tanah Larangan (forbidden territory) where no stranger is permitted to spend the night. They are probably the purest Baduy stock. The Dalam follow the rigid buyut taboo system very strictly,(see Religion and Beliefs for more information about their taboos) and thus they have made very few contacts with the outside world as they are considered as "People of the sacred inner circle". The Dalam are the only one of these two major clans that have the Pu'un, the spiritual priest of the Baduy. The Pu'un are the only people that visit the most hallowed and sacred ground of the Baduy which lies on Gunung Kendeng, in a place called Arca Domas. Unlike the Luar, the Dalams are hardly influenced by Islam.

The Baduy Luar make up the remainder of the Baduy population, living in 22 villages and acting as a barrier to stop visitors from entering the Sacred Inner circle. They do follow the rigid taboo system but not as strictly as the Dalam, and they are more willing to accept modern influence into their daily lives. For example, some Luar people now proudly sport the colorful sarongs and shirts favored by their Sundanese neighbours. In the past the Baduy Luar only wore only their homespun blue-black cloth, and were forbidden to wear trousers. Other elements of civilization (toys, money, batteries) are rapidly infiltrating especially in the villages to the north, and it is no longer unusual for an outer Baduy to make a journey to Jakarta, or even to work outside as a hired hand during the rice planting and reaping seasons. Some even work in big towns and cities like Jakarta, Bogor and Bandung. Animal meat is eaten in some of the outer villages where dogs are trained for hunting, though animal husbandry is still forbidden.

HISTORY

Some people believe that the Baduy are the descendants of the aristocracy of the Sunda Kingdom of Pajajaran who lived near Batutulis in the hills around Bogor but there is no strong evidence to support this belief yet; their domestic architecture follows most closely the traditional Sundanese architecture. Pakuwan Pajajaran port known as Sunda Kelapa, was destroyed by invading Faletehan (Fatahillah) Muslims soldier in 1579, Dayeuh Pakuan the capital of Pajajaran, was invaded by Banten Sultanate some times later. However, the Baduy today are increasingly losing touch with their Hindu culture and increasingly getting closer to nature both in their own religion and their life, as they use no electricity, fertilizer or irrigation techniques in their farming. Another theory suggests that they originate in northern Banten; pockets of people in the northern hills still speak the archaic dialect of Sunda that the Baduy use.

EDUCATION

Formal education for the children of Baduy is against their traditional customs. They reject government proposal to build educational facilities in the villages. Even today, despite the ways that Suharto tried to force them to change their lives and build modern schools in their territory, the Baduy still strongly opposed the government. As a result, very few Baduy are able to read or write.

source : www.wikipedia.org

Harajuku

2010-06-13T11:47:00.000+07:00

Harajuku (原宿?) Is a popular designation for the area around JR Harajuku, Shibuya District, Tokyo. This area is famous as a place young people gather. The location covers around the Meiji Shrine, Yoyogi Park, shopping centers Takeshita Street (Takeshita-dōri), the department store Laforet, and the Yoyogi National Gymnasium. Harajuku is not an official designation for the name of the place, and are not included when writing the address.

Around the 1980s, Harajuku is home to a subculture Takenoko-zoku. To this day, groups of young people dressed in weird can be found in the area of Harajuku. In addition, school children from different corners of Harajuku in Japan often put as an objective study tour during a visit to Tokyo.

Actually the term "Harajuku" is used only for the region north of Omotesando. Onden is the name of the area south of Omotesando, but the name was not popular and is called Harajuku participate.

History

Prior to the Edo period, Harajuku is one of the town inn (juku) for people who travel through the route of Main Street Kamakura. Tokugawa Ieyasu Harajuku to reward mastery of the province of Iga ninja who helped him escape after the incident Sakai Honnō-ji.

In the Edo period, a group of ninja from Iga to establish headquarters in Harajuku to protect the city of Edo because of its strategic location in the southern part of Main Street Koshu. In addition to the ninja, the samurai class Bakushin also choose to reside in Harajuku. Farmers planting rice in the Shibuya River area, and use the mill to grind rice or make flour.

In the Meiji era, was built as the Harajuku area of Tokyo's important that connect with the surrounding area. In 1906, JR Harajuku Station opened as part of the Yamanote train line extension. After that, Omotesando (the main road to the temple) was built in 1919 after the Meiji Shrine was founded.

After the opening of various department stores in the 1970s, became the center of Harajuku fashion. This area became popular throughout Japan after the fashion magazines such as the Anan covered and non-no. At that time, a group of girls called Annon-zoku often found walking the streets of Harajuku area. They imitate the fashions worn fashion magazine model Anan and non-no.

Around the 1980s, Takeshita Street became crowded because people want to see Takenoko-zoku who dressed weird and dancing in the streets. Once designated as a special area of pedestrians, Harajuku became a favorite hangout for young children. After Harajuku increasingly crowded, boutiques that sell goods of famous brands began to appear in Omotesando circa 1990s.

Samurai

2010-06-13T11:46:00.000+07:00

Samurai (侍 or 士?) Is the term for the elite class of military officers before the era of industrialization in Japan. The word "samurai" is derived from the verb "samorau" ancient Japanese origin, was transformed into "saburau" which means "serve", and eventually became the "samurai" who worked as a waitress for the employer.

A more precise term is Bushi (武士) (literally: "armed men") that is used during the Edo period. However, the term used for samurai warrior elite from among the nobility, and not for example, ashigaru or foot soldiers. Samurai are not bound by clan or working for the employer (the daimyo) is called a ronin (literally: "the wave"). Samurai who served in the region called hanshi han.

Samurai must be polite and educated, and during the Tokugawa Shogunate gradually lost their military function. At the end of the Tokugawa era, samurai in general is common kakitangan for the daimyo, with their swords only for customs purposes. With the Meiji reforms in the late 19th century, the samurai class was abolished as a distinct and replaced with a national army, resembled Western countries. However, the strict nature of the samurai, known as Bushido still exist in contemporary Japanese society, as aspects of how the rest of their lives.

Etymology

Samurai sayings originated in Japan before the Heian era where when someone referred to as Saburai, it means he is a messenger or a follower. Only in the early modern period, especially in the Azuchi-Momoyama era and the beginning of the period of Edo era in the late 16th century and early 17th century Saburai exchanging words replaced by the word samurai. However, in those days, meaning has long been changed.

In the era of samurai rule, the term beginning yumitori ("bowman") was also used as a title of honor for a small number of warlords, despite the swordsman has become more important. Japanese archer (kyujutsu), is still closely associated with the war god Hachiman.

Here are some other term samurai.

* Buke (武家) - martial arts expert
* Kabukimono - Words from kabuku or biased, he refers to the colorful samurai style.
* Mononofu (もののふ) - last term which means commander.
* Musha (武者) - In summary Bugeisha (武芸者), literally. martial arts expert.
* Si (士) - Letter substitute kanji samurai.
* Tsuwamono (兵) - The term for soldiers who'll enjoy ago by Matsuo Basho in haiku terkemukanya. Literally means a strong man.

source : www.wikipedia.org

Saluang is a traditional musical instrument of Minangkabau

2010-05-30T09:35:00.000+07:00

Saluang is a traditional musical instrument of Minangkabau, West Sumatra. Which wind instrument made of thin bamboo or gutters (Schizostachyum brachycladum Kurz). Minangkabau people believe that the best material to make saluang derived from the gutter to gutter clothesline fabric or found floating in a river. These tools include the musical instrument flute class, but more simple to make, simply by punching holes in the gutter with four holes. Saluang length approximately 40-60 cm, with a diameter of 3-4 cm. As for other uses of the gutter is the place to make lemang, one of Minangkabau traditional food.

Saluang legendary players named Idris Sutan Syamsimar Sati with the singer.

The virtues of the players are able to play this saluang saluang with blowing and breathed together, so that the blower saluang can play the instrument from the beginning of the end of the song without end. Breathing mode was developed with continuous exercise. This technique is also a technique called manyisiahkan angok (aside breath).

Each village in Minangkabau develop ways saluang blowing, so that each village has its own style. Examples of the style that is Singgalang, Pariaman, Solok Salayo, Koto Tuo, Suayan and Pauah. Style Singgalang considered quite difficult to be played by beginners, and usually Singgalang tone is played at the beginning of the song. Style is the saddest sound of Ratok Solok Solok area.

Tabuik, A Ceremony of Minangkabau

2010-05-30T09:11:00.000+07:00

Tabuik (Indonesia: Ark) is a local celebration to commemorate Ashura, the death of Imam Hussein, grandson of Muhammad, which was conducted by the Minangkabau people in West Sumatra coast, especially in Pariaman. This festival includes displays back the Battle of Karbala, and Tassa drums and dhol. Tabuik is a term for a bier carried during the procession ceremony. Despite its humble beginnings is a Shiite ceremony, but most residents in Pariaman and other areas that are doing similar ceremonies, mostly Sunni adherents. In Bengulu also known by the name of Ark.

Tabuik to the sea anchor ceremony conducted every year on the 10th of Muharram Pariaman since 1831. The ceremony was introduced in this area by Shiite Muslim forces from the Indian Tamils, who placed here and then settled during British rule in the western part of Sumatra .

source : www.wikipedia.org

Supernatural

2010-05-19T14:51:00.001+07:00

Is anything supernatural phenomenon or occurrence that is not common or not common or considered beyond the limits of human ability in general and not in accordance with the laws of nature. Actually, this ability can be obtained by developing the chakras or energy centers in the Javanese tradition tubuh.Dalam Supernatural forces can be dug with a particular tirakat lelaku to obtain an incredible ability beyond reason, like brajamusti / Bondowoso adalaah supernatural science that can have the power and punch mematikan.Salah one instance in my experience brajamusti test time by making a blow to the banana tree that was not nothing, but strangely the next day the dead trees dry out. if it was in the wrong use of a result hitting people very fatal.Daya supernatural Javanese tradition is still a lot of people in hurry, but to get tersebet ability is not as easy as turning the palm of the hand, there must be certain tirakatan that should be lived but that needs attention is the mentor / teacher who really understood in terms of the supernatural. Supervising Teacher job is to lead us to make certain that the redemption lelaku supernatural power that we wish we kuasai.Salah one supranaturalis figures who are experts on the science order is Ajengan Mas Javanese tradition of Han (chairman of the Foundation Alternative Metaphysics "Bhakti Shakti")

Pencak Silat, an Indonesian Original Martial Arts

2010-05-19T14:31:00.000+07:00

Pencak silat is a martial sport that needs a lot of concentration. There are the influence of Chinese culture, Hinduism, and Buddhism in the martial arts. Usually every region in Indonesia have a typical martial arts school. For example, Java famous West Cimande flow and Cikalong, in Central Java and the flow of Merpati Putih in East Java, there is the flow of Shielding Yourself. Every four years there Pencak silat matches in the National Sports Week. Outside of Indonesia also have a lot of fans pencak silat like in Australia, the Netherlands, Germany, and America. At the national level sport through games and sports martial arts became one of the archipelago unifying tool, even for a nation's fragrances, and became the nation's identity. It is well known together that Pencak silat sports and games have competed at an international scale, which means that Indonesia is known one of them is through exercise and martial arts games. In Indonesia, a lot of streams in the martial arts, with much of this flow will show the cultural wealth of society in Indonesia with the values in it. Pencak silat is a very high asset value. To the East is physically smaller, more fragile, its main weapon is the technique. Both techniques martial procedures, as well as techniques to improve physical skill using supernatural powers. That is why the Eastern martial Oran many different forms.

source : www.wikipedia.org

Jaipong Dance, Stay conserved by the Communities in West Java

2010-05-19T14:24:00.000+07:00

Jaipongan is a genre of dance that was born from the creativity of an artist from Bandung, Gugum Gumbira. His attention to folk art that one of them is making Tilu Tap right to know and recognize motion patterns perbendaharan dance traditions that existed at Kliningan / Bajidoran or Tap Tilu. Opening gestures, pencugan, nibakeun and several kinds of motion of several arts mincid above have enough inspiration to develop the dance or the arts that is now known by the name Jaipongan.

Prior to this performing art forms emerged, there was some influence behind the dance form this association. In West Java, for example, is the influence of social dance Ball Room, which is usually in a dance-dance association could not be separated from existence and pamogoran ronggeng. Ronggeng in social dance is no longer functioning for ceremonial events, but for entertainment or a way of hanging out. Ronggeng existence in the performing arts attraction that invites sympathy for the pamogoran. For example on Tilu Tap dance is so well known by the Sundanese people, it is estimated this art popular around the year 1916. As the folk performing arts, this art is only supported by simple elements, such as waditra that includes fiddle, drums, two kulanter, three percussion, and gongs. Similarly tarinya motions that do not have a standard pattern of motion, simple costumes dancer as a reflection of democracy.

Along with the waning of the above art forms, the former pamogoran (audience who actively participate in the performing arts Tap Tilu / Doger / Tayub) switched his attention on the performing arts Kliningan, which in the North Coast region of West Java (Karawang, Bekasi, Purwakarta, Indramayu, and Subang ) known as Kliningan Bajidoran tarinya patterns or events that the show has some similarities with the previous art (Tap Tilu / Doger / Tayub). In the meantime, the existence of mask dances in Banjet quite popular, particularly in Donegal, where several motion patterns Bajidoran taken from the dance in this Banjet Mask. In koreografis dance is still reveals patterns tradition (Tap Tilu) which contain elements of the opening gestures, pencugan, and several kinds of motion nibakeun mincid which in turn become the basis Jaipongan dance creation. Some basic motions other than Tap dance Jaipongan Tilu, Ibing Bajidor and Mask Banjet is Tayuban and Pencak Silat.

The emergence of dance works Gumbira Gugum initially called Tap Tilu developments, which are due to basic dance was developed from Tilu Tap. The first work Gugum Gumbira still very thick with color ibing Tilu Tap, both in terms of choreography and iringannya, who later became a popular dance called Jaipongan.

Evolve

Jaipongan works first began to be known by the public is dance "Leaves Pulus Keser Bojong" and "Rendeng Bojong" both of which are types of dance and dance partner's daughter (son and daughter). From it emerged a few dance dancer Jaipongan a reliable name like Tati Saleh, Yeti Mamat, Eli Somali, and Pepen Dedi Kurniadi. Early emergence of these dances could be discussion, the central issue is the movement of the erotic and vulgar. But from the few print media exposure, starting Gumbira Gugum known to the public, especially after the dance Jaipongan in 1980 staged at the central station TVRI Jakarta. The impact of the popularity of the more increase the frequency of performances, either on television, the celebration and feasts were held by the private sector and government.

Attendance Jaipongan substantial contribution to the activist art of dance for more active types of folk dances that explore previously less attention. With the emergence of dance Jaipongan, used by activists to hold a dance art dance classes Jaipongan, also used by employers as pubs, night-killer invited guests, where the further development of this kind of business opportunities created by actuators business of dance as an economic empowerment Dance Studio's name or groups in some areas of West Java, for example in Subang with Jaipongan style "kaleran" (north).

Jaipongan characteristic style kaleran, namely the fun, erotic, humorous, excitement, spontaneity, and simplicity (naturally, whatever they are). This is reflected in the pattern of presentation of dance on the show, there is a given pattern (Pattern Ibing) as in art Jaipongan in Bandung, also there are also dances that are not cut is (Ibing Saka), for example in art Jaipongan Subang and Karawang. This term can be found in Jaipongan kaleran style, especially in the area of Subang. In its presentation, this kaleran Jaipongan style, as follows: 1) Tatalu; 2) Flower Bluebird; 3) Fruit kawung Gopar; 4) Dance Opening (Ibing Pattern), usually sung by a single dancer or Sinden Tatandakan (sinden attack but can not sing but dance songs sinden / interpreter kawih); 5) Jeblokan and Jabanan, is part performance when the audience (bajidor) sawer money (jabanan) while greeting stickers. Jeblokan term is defined as couples who settled between sinden and the audience (bajidor).

A further development occurred in taahun dance Jaipongan 1980-1990's, where Gugum Gumbira create other dances such as Toka-toka, Setra Sari, Sonteng, Pencug, Egret dazed, convoy, procession Codiaeum variegatum Leaves, Rawayan, and Dance kawung Anten. From these dances appeared several dancers Jaipongan reliable among others Iceu Effendi, Yumiati Mandiri, Miming Mintarsih, Nani, Erna, Mira Tejaningrum, Ine Dinar, Ega, Nuni, Cepy, Agah, Aa Suryabrata, and Asep.

This adult dance Jaipongan quotable as one identity keseniaan West Java, this is apparent on several important events relating to visitors from foreign countries who came to West Java, it was greeted with a dance performance Jaipongan. Similarly, art missions to foreign countries, always equipped with Jaipongan dance. Dance Jaipongan many other art-influenced art in the West Java communities, both in the performing arts, puppets, gamelan, Genjring / flying, Kacapi jaipongan, and almost all public performances as well as on modern dangdut music which is collaborated with the art Jaipong Pong-Dut. Jaipongan has diplopori by Mr. Nur & Leni

Joglo, Traditional House of Java, Indonesia

2010-05-19T14:16:00.001+07:00

Joglo is a traditional house of Javanese society. Consists of two main parts namely Pendapa and dalem. This part is the front Joglo pendapa which have a large room with no insulation, insulation, normally used to receive guests or a playroom where children and families to relax. Part palace is part of a room in the house bedroom, living room and other rooms that are more privacy. The characteristics of the building is at roof Pendapa towering like a mountain.

Variation Type Joglo Building

1. Joglo pyramid jokes or "joglo jokes."
2. Joglo sinom
3. Joglo Jompongan
4. Joglo musicians
5. Joglo Mangkurat
6. Joglo Hageng
7. Semar Joglo Tinandhu

Spread

Because of its cultural affinity this building also prevalent in Madura and Bali island.

Nyale, A Traditional Ceremony which is still preserved in NTT, Indonesia

2010-05-16T22:02:00.000+07:00

Nyale (or called Odor nyale in Lombok) is a ceremony to welcome the hunting of marine worms Pasola. Usually this event diselenggrakan around February and March. To greet the public usually has conducted various rituals of the far-distant days. One was conducted in their homes, the night before the ceremony performed.

Some rituals are carried out usually is cut into the chicken and make a diamond. This is because the ritual is closely related to activities Pasola to see the good and bad fate of someone who will take part in Pasola.

The indigenous leaders or Rato see the results of processed chicken and diamond. If the roast chicken was bled from the intestines, and the diamond that has been cooked, there is a red, or brownish, then this is believed to be a bad sign. Namely Pasola accompanying family members, will have hazards, such as suffering wounds or even death.

As the evening progressed, the Rato on duty watching the emergence of the full moon, soon getting ready to wear oversized clothes Rato (Or commonly called rowa Rato). This ritual is usually done by praying on the tomb stone (grave) and is facing the full moon.

By facing the full moon, the Rato can ensure accuracy and position of the moon, and the state of the ocean waves at the beach. From where will be decided it is time nyale. Once nyale or marine worms have seen, all the residents who had gathered since dawn, began the hunt.

This tradition is usually performed by people of Bali and Lombok but usually not accompanied by Pasola.

source : www.wikipedia.org

Sasando, traditional musical instruments of Nusa Tenggara Timur, Indonesia

2010-05-16T21:52:00.000+07:00

Sasando is a stringed musical instrument. Musical instruments is derived from the island of Rote, East Nusa Tenggara.

Sasando there are similar forms with other stringed instruments like guitar, violin and harp.

The main part of the long tubular sasando usually made of bamboo. Then in the middle, a circle from top to bottom are given lump-lump where the strings (the strings) that stretched across the tube, from top to bottom rests. Lump-lump gives a different tone to each chord passages. Then this sasando tube placed in a container made from a kind of woven palm leaves made out like a fan. This container is where sasando resonance.

source : www.wikipedia.org

Still preserved Kolintang Musical Instruments

2010-05-12T08:26:00.000+07:00

Kolintang or kulintang is a typical musical instrument Minahasa, North Sulawesi. Kolintang made of local wood is lightweight but strong like an egg, bandaran, detention, wood kakinik chrysolite, and which have a parallel fiber construction.

Kolintang name comes from her voice: Tong (low tone), ting (high tone) and pliers (normal tone). In the local language, call "Let's do TONG TANG Ting" is: "Mangemo kumolintang". Call it eventually turned into kolintang said.

Some well-known groups like Kadoodan, Tamporok, Mawenang already exist more than 35 years. Kolintang makers spread in Minahasa and on the island of Java, one of the famous author Peter Kaseke kolintang

Blangkon

2010-05-06T06:01:00.000+07:00

Blangkon is the headgear made of batik, and used by men as part of traditional Javanese clothes. According to its form, blangkon divided into four: blangkon Ngayogyakarta, blangkon Surakarta, blangkon Kedu, and Blangkon Banyumasan. For some types of blangkon there that use a lump on the back blangkon. This bulge of male hair model indicates that era often tie their long hair in the back of the head, so that the protruding section in the back blangkon.

Blangkon iket actual practical form of which is the headgear made of batik and used by men as part of traditional Javanese clothes. For some types of blangkon there that use a lump on the back blangkon called mondholan. Mondholan this indicates that the male hair models who often tie their long hair in the back of the head, so that the protruding section in the back blangkon. Hair coil should be tight so as not easily separated.

Now twist the long hair that becomes mondholan been modified because the people are mostly short-haired with a mondholan sewn directly on the back blangkon. Trepes mondholannya Blangkon Surakarta or Yogyakarta-style sprawl is mondholan round like dumplings.

sourece : www.wikipedia.org

Gatot Kaca, people from Indonesia phenomenal Footnotes

2010-04-16T08:10:00.002+07:00

Gatotkaca (Sanskrit: घटोत्कच; Ghattotkacha) is a character in the epic Mahabharata, which is known as the son of the family Bimasena or Wrekodara Pandavas. His mother named Hidimbi (Harimbi) derived from Rakshasas nation, so he is told to have extraordinary powers. In the great war at Kurukshetra he killed many allies Krishna before finally fall in the hands of Karna.

In Indonesia, Gatotkaca become a very popular puppet characters. For example in Java puppet he is known by spelling Gatutkaca (Javanese: Gathutkaca). Extraordinary miracle narrated, among others, capable of flying in space without using the wings, well-known with the nickname "Muscle bone iron wire."

Etymology

According to the version of the Mahabharata, is the son Bimasena Gatotkaca from keluaga Pandavas born of a woman named Hidimbi Rakshasas. Hidimbi raksasi ruler itself is a forest with his brother named Hidimba.

In Javanese wayang, mother Gatotkaca better known as Arimbi. According to this version, Arimbi not just ordinary forest dwellers, but the princess from the Kingdom Pringgadani, the land of the Rakshasas.

In Sanskrit, Ghatotkacha name literally means "has a head like a pitcher." The name is composed of two words, namely Ghat (tt) pm, which means 'mug' or 'pitcher', and utkacha which means 'head'. This name was given to him because his head at birth is said to resemble a jar or pitcher.

Birth

Gatotkaca birth story is told in isolation in the Javanese wayang. His name is a newborn baby while still Tetuka. Until the age of one year cut the umbilical cord can not even use any weapon. Arjuna (brother Bimasena) went meditating for gods sake get a clue to help his nephew's fate. But at the same time Karna, commander of the Royal Hastinapura are also looking for weapons ascetic heritage.

Because they face similar, Batara Narada as celestial messengers provide weapons Kontawijaya to Karna, not to Arjuna. After realizing his mistake, Narada had actually met Arjuna. Arjuna and Karna pursuit to seize weapons Konta.

The fight ensued. Karna had escaped carrying a weapon Konta, whereas the only Arjuna won the sheath wrapping heritage. But heirloom Konta gloves made from wood Mastaba which turned out to be used to cut the cord Tetuka.

But miracles happen. Mastaba timber destroyed and united in the stomach Tetuka. Krishna who participated witness believes that the effect will add to the strength of wood Mastaba Tetuka baby. But he also predicted that one day Tetuka will die at the hands of gun owners Konta.

Becoming Gods Jago

Javanese puppet version continues, then borrowed Narada Tetuka to be brought to the heaven, who was then attacked by an enemy of the kingdom named Patih Sekipu Trabelasuket. He sent his king named Kalapracona to apply for an angel named Goddess Supraba. Baby faced as opposed Sekipu Tetuka. Strangely, instead of getting beaten to death, Tetuka even more powerful.

Because of shame, Sekipu return to Narada Tetuka to be raised immediately. Narada then threw the body into the crater Candradimuka Tetuka, at Mount Jamurdipa. The gods then threw a variety of types of heirloom weapons into the crater. Moments later, Tetuka to surface as an adult male. All types of inheritance of the gods has been fused and united into itself.

Sekipu Tetuka then battled and killed him using a bite fangs. Krishna and the Pandavas when it came to following to the heaven. Krishna then cut the tusks Tetuka and told him to stop using the properties of the giant.

Guru king of celestial reward heirloom outfit, namely caping Basunanda, Kotang Antrakusuma, and sandals to wear Tetuka Padakacarma, which has since changed its name to Gatotkaca. By wearing clothing such heritage, Gatotkaca able to fly at lightning speed toward the kingdom and kill Kalapracona Trabelasuket.

Marriage

In the version of the Mahabharata, Gatotkaca married a woman named Ahilawati. From this marriage was born a son named Barbarika. Whether or Barbarika Gatotkaca equally large fall in the war in Kurukshetra, but on different sides.

In the puppet version of Java, Gatotkaca married his cousin, the daughter Pregiwa Arjuna. He managed to marry Pregiwa after going through great struggle, ie get rid of his rival, named Lakshmana Mandrakumara Duryudana son of Krishna family.

From marriage Gatotkaca with Pregiwa born a son named Sasikirana. He became commander of the war in the reign of the Kingdom Hastinapura Parikshit, Arjuna's son Abhimanyu or grandchildren.

Another version tells the story, has two wives Gatotkaca more than Pregiwa, namely Suryawati and Sumpaniwati. From each of them born and Jayasumpena Suryakaca.

Becoming King Pringgadani

Gatotkaca Java version is a half-giant, but not the forest giant. His mother was the daughter of Prabu Arimbi Pringgadani Tremboko of the Kingdom. Tremboko died at the hands of their father Pandu Pandavas caused fights waged Shakuni sheep. He was succeeded by his eldest son named Arimba.

Arimba himself eventually died at the hands Bimasena at the time of the Pandavas built the Kingdom Amarta. Pringgadani throne then held by Arimbi who has diperistri Bima. The plan will be submitted to the throne of their son as an adult.

Arimbi had five brothers named Brajadenta, Brajamusti, Brajalamadan, Brajawikalpa, and Kalabendana. Brajadenta appointed as governor and were housed in Kasatrian Glagahtinunu. Shakuni Hastinapura come from the Kingdom of inciting Brajadenta that the throne should be his Pringgadani Gatotkaca not belong.

Due to such incitement, even rebellious Brajadenta to seize the throne from the hands of the newly inaugurated Gatotkaca as king. Gatotkaca Brajamusti pro fight against his brother. Both the twin giants were killed together. Both Spirit and then infiltrate into the respective palms Gatotkaca left and right, so that their niece was manambah miracle.

After the incident raised Gatotkaca Brajalamadan as the new governor, styled Patih Prabakiswa.

Version deaths Mahabharata

Gatotkaca deaths there in the seventh book, entitled Dronaparwa Mahabharata, in part Ghattotkacabadhaparwa. He is reported to fall in the war in Kurukshetra or Baratayuda at night to 14. The big war was a civil war between the Pandava family against Krishna, where Gatotkaca course on the side of Pandavas.

Version of Mahabharata tells the story, as a giant Gatotkaca has incredible power, especially at night. After Jayadratha death at the hands of Arjuna, the fighting should be stopped temporarily because of dusk has arrived. But the troops facing Gatotkaca Krishna returned to their camp.

The battle was continuing. The more nights kesaktian Gatotkaca increasing. Krishna Pvt diminishing in number because many people die in his hand. An ally of the nation Rakshasas Krishna named Alambusa forward deal. Gatotkaca beat cruelly because Alambusa had killed his cousin, the son of Arjuna on the battle Irawan eighth day. Body Alambusa arrested and taken to fly high, then slammed into the ground to smithereens.

Krishna leader Duryodhana was horrified to see Gatotkaca malignancy. He was forced to use weapons of Karna heirloom gift of God Indra Rakshasas named Shakti to kill it. Karna initially rejected because of inheritance could only be used once and will he used to kill Arjuna. However, due to hold pushed, forced throwing pusakanya For penetrating chest Ghatotkacha.

Realizing the end was near, Gatotkaca still had time to think how to kill soldiers Kurawa in large numbers. So Gatotkaca any size to enlarge the maximum size and then collapse upon thousands of soldiers Krishna. Pandavas was devastated by the death of Gatotkaca.

In the Pandava ranks only see the death of Krishna's smiling Gatotkaca. He was happy because Karna had lost its flagship heritage so that Arjuna's life is relatively safe.

Java Version deaths

Kurukshetra War in Javanese wayang called by the name Baratayuda. His story has been adapted and developed from Kakawin Bhāratayuddha manuscript written in 1157 at age Kediri.

Puppet version of the story, Gatotkaca very familiar with his cousin named Abhimanyu son of Arjuna. Abhimanyu married someday Utari Kingdom Virata's daughter, where she admits she still a virgin. Yet that moment was married to Abhimanyu Krishna Sitisundari daughter.

Sitisundari which is deposited in the palace Gatotkaca heard her husband had remarried. Uncle Gatotkaca named Abhimanyu Kalabendana came to take her home. Kalabendana is the youngest brother Arimbi tangible pygmy giant round but be plain and precious. It makes Utari feel jealous. Abhimanyu was forced to swear if it was true he had been married besides Utari, soon he will die beaten enemy.

Kalabendana later meets Abhimanyu Gatotkaca to report attitudes. But instead berated Kalabendana Gatotkaca presumptuous interloper who deems his cousin's household. Being too emotional, Gatotkaca until hitting his head Kalabendana. Mekipun was committed involuntarily, but his uncle was killed instantly.

When war erupted Baratayuda, Abhimanyu actually beaten the Krishna killed on day 13. The next day on day-14 Arjuna managed to avenge the death of his son's beheading by Jayadratha.

Duryudana Jayadratha are saddened by the death, the brother-in-law. He was forced to attack Karna Pandava camp that night. Karna was forced to leave even though it violated the rules of war.

Krishna heard the night attack, the Pandavas were sent Gatotkaca to block. Deliberately chosen Gatotkaca kaarena Kotang Antrakusuma which he used to emit bright light.

The battle lasted horrible night. Gatotkaca allies succeeded in killing Krishna named Lembusa. But he himself had lost two uncles, namely Brajalamadan and Brajawikalpa who died along with their enemies, named Lembusura and Lembusana.

Gatotkaca finally dealing with Karna, owner Kontawijaya weapons. He also created the twin of herself as much as a thousand people making Karna feel confused. Under the guidance of his father, namely Batara Surya, Karna had found Gatotkaca original. He was let go in the direction Gatotkaca Konta weapon.

Gatotkaca tried to escape by flying as high. But the ghost suddenly appeared Kalabendana Kontawijaya while capturing a message from heaven that death has been determined Gatotkaca night.

Gatotkaca resigned over the decision of the gods. But he gave orders that his body can still be used to kill the enemy. Kalabendana agree. He then pierced navel Konta Gatotkaca use weapons. Inheritance that was destroyed together with its scabbard, wood Mastaba is still stored in the stomach Gatotkaca.

Gatotkaca have died instantly. Souls Kalabendana then threw his body into the direction of Karna. For managed to jump so that the escape from death. But the carriage shattered bodies hit Gatotkaca which raced from space. As a result, fractional train sped in all directions and killing the soldiers surrounding Krishna. Countless how many of their dead.

source : www.wikipedia.org

Rencong, Senjata Tradisional Aceh

2010-04-16T07:59:00.000+07:00

Rencong (Bahasa Aceh: reuncong) is a traditional Acehnese dagger sharp weapons, on the Indonesian island of Sumatra resembles the letter "L". Rencong including a dagger in a different category with a knife or sword.

Shape and usage

Rencong have visual similarities with the dagger. Rencong long blade can vary from 10 cm to 50 cm. Matau knife can be arched like a dagger, but in many rencong, can also be as straight as a sword. Rencong dagger inserted into the scabbard made of wood, ivory, horn, or sometimes silver or gold metal. In nature, rencong inserted between the belt in front of the user's abdomen.

In traditional Acehnese

Dagger rencong kingdom, made of gold and ivory sheath with engraved blade holy Quran verses.

Rencong has levels; for a king or sultan sheath usually made of ivory and gold blade and carved sekutip verses from the Koran the holy religion of Islam. While other rencong rencong-usually made of buffalo horn or wood as a sheath, and brass or white metal as a dagger.

As public confidence in the Java keris, a traditional Acehnese community connect with the mystical power of weapons Rencong. Rencong still used and worn as a fashion attribute in the traditional ceremonies of Aceh. Aceh people believe that the shape of the symbol representing the basmalah rencong of Islamic religious beliefs.

Rencong so popular in the people of Aceh so that Aceh is also known as the "Land Rencong."

Phenomenon Kris

2010-04-14T20:44:00.000+07:00

Kris is a typical Indonesian stabbing weapons. Based on ancient documents, a dagger in the initial form has been used since the 9th century. Strong likelihood that the dagger has been used before this period. Indonesian Minister Jero Wacik Culture has brought the keris to UNESCO and requested assurance that this is the cultural heritage of Indonesia.

The use of the keris it self scattered in clumps community Malays. At the present time, a dagger commonly known in the area of Indonesia (especially in the areas of Java, Madura, Bali / Lombok, Sumatra, part of Borneo, as well as some of Sulawesi), Malaysia, Brunei, Thailand and the Philippines (particularly in the Mindanao region). In Mindanao, the form of weapon which is also called the keris has few similarities though also a stabbing weapon.

Keris has a variety of forms, for example, there are winding blade (always an odd they are many) and some are straight bladed. Javanese people assume different forms have different effects esoteri.

Besides being used as a weapon, a dagger is also often considered to have supernatural powers. These weapons are often cited in a variety of traditional legends, like the keris Mpu Gandring in legend of Ken Arok and Ken Dedes.

Procedures for the use of different dagger in their respective regions. In areas such as Javanese and Sundanese, a dagger is placed in the rear waist peacetime but is placed in front on the war. Meanwhile, in Sumatra, Borneo, Malaysia, Brunei and the Philippines, a dagger is placed in front.

In addition to a dagger stabbing weapons, there are a number of others in the archipelago, such as rencong from Aceh, badik from Sulawesi and West Java cleaver. Keris distinguished from other stabbing weapons primarily from the blade. Kris blade is not made from a cast in a single metal but a mixture of various metal layers. Due to this manufacturing technique, a dagger has a specific form of prestige on the blade.

Koteka is A Unique Clothing from the Tribe of Irian

2010-04-10T13:01:00.000+07:00

Koteka is clothing to cover male genitalia in some indigenous cultures of Papua Island. Koteka leather gourds, Lagenaria siceraria. The content and the old pumpkin seeds removed and dried skin. Literally, this word means "clothing", derived from the language of one tribe in Paniai. Some call it tribal mountainous Jayawijaya holim or horim.

Not as common assumption, the size and shape koteka unrelated to the status of the wearer. The size is usually related to user activity, to work or ceremony. Many tribes, there can be recognized from the way they use koteka. Short Koteka used at work, and a long with the ornaments used in traditional ceremonies.

However, each tribe has a different shape koteka. Yali men, for example, like the long form of the pumpkin. While men usually wear two pumpkins Tiom.

Over time, the less popular koteka everyday. Koteka forbidden subject in public transport and schools. If any, koteka only to be traded as souvenirs.

In mountainous areas, such as Wamena, koteka still used. To take pictures with the users, tourists have to reach the pockets a few tens of thousands of dollars. In coastal areas, people find it even more difficult.

Operation Koteka

Since the 1950s, the missionaries promoting use shorts as penganti koteka. It's not easy. Dani Baliem Valley when it was sometimes wear pants, but still maintain koteka.

The Government of Indonesia since the 1960s also seeks to reduce usage koteka. Through the governors, since Frans Kaisiepo in 1964, held antikoteka campaign.

In 1971, the technical term "koteka operation" by distributing clothing to the population. But because there is no soap, clothes were finally not been washed. In the end Papuans even skin disease.

source : www.wikipedia.org

Lion Dance

2010-03-20T18:00:00.000+07:00

Lion dance is a traditional Chinese dance by using gloves that resembled a lion. Lion dance has a history of thousands of years. The first record of this dance can be traced to the Chin Dynasty around the third century BC.

History

Lion dance arts became popular in the era of North-South dynasty (Nan Bei) years 420-589 AD. At that time the troops of King Wen Song overwhelmed by the attack on the elephant king's troops from the country Fan Yang Yi Lin. A warlord named Zhong Que create derivative lion puppet army to expel the king's Fan. Apparently the effort was successful until the end barongsai legendary dance.

Dance and Movement

The lion dance consists of two main types of the North Lions have curly mane and four legs. Northern Lion looks more natural and look like a lion than a South Lions have scales and the number of legs that vary between two or four. Southern Lion head is equipped with horns that are sometimes similar to the animals 'Kilin'.

Movement between the North and the Lions Southern Lions also different. When the famous South Lions head movements hard and bobbing along with the beat of gongs and drums, the North Lions movements tend to be more agile and dynamic because it has four legs.

One major movements of the dance lion Lion Dance is the movement envelope of money to eat, called by the term 'Lay See'. On top of the envelope is usually attached with watercress vegetables that symbolize the gift of the Lion. Consuming process 'Lay See' This lasted for about half a part of the Lion dance.

Chinese Culture

2010-03-20T17:52:00.000+07:00

Chinese traditional norms derived from the orthodox version of Confucianism, which taught in schools and even a part of the imperial civil service examinations in former times. But things are not always so because during the Qing dynasty imperial China for example, consists of a lot of thought such as legalism, which in many ways similar to Confucius, and the rights to criticize the despotic monarchy and the moral sense invididu hindered by thinkers' orthodoxy '. Now, the neo-Confucianism that Wordpress thought the idea of democracy and human rights in line with traditional values Konfuciusme 'Asia'.

The leaders who started the steps to change Chinese society after the establishment of the PRC in 1949 was raised in the old neighborhood and had been taught to live according to norms of the environment. Although they are able to adapt revolutionary in his day, they do not want to change the culture of China on a large scale. As the government directly, the PRC leaders to replace the traditional aspects such as land ownership and education in the village but still leaves other aspects, such as family structure. Most outside observers believe that the time after 1949 is not something different in China compared with before that, in fact a continuation of a way of life holding on to old values of Chinese society. The new government accepted without any protest because the new government considered "a mandate from heaven" to rule, took over the top leadership of the old rule and get pleasure of the gods. As in the past, leaders like Mao Zedong has been praised. Substitution in the PRC are not consistent as charged.

Throughout the reign of the PRC, many aspects of traditional Chinese culture is considered art, proverbs, language, and so the others have been removed by the government's attempt, as happened in the Cultural Revolution because indicted archaic, feudal and dangerous. Since then, China has realized his mistake and tried to restore the original, such as the reform of Beijing Opera to voice their communist propaganda. With time, many aspects of Chinese tradition and has received royal heritage and its people as part of the Chinese identity. Basics government official is now made based on progress and civilization of China as a connecting piece of the nation. Nationalism is also applied to the youth to give legitimacy to the government of the Chinese Communist Party.

Mayan Culture

2010-03-19T19:05:00.000+07:00

Maya is a group of tribes who lived in the Yucatan peninsula, Central America bordering the Pacific Ocean to the west, and the Caribbean Sea in the east.

Interest is in the stone age to reach greatness in the field of technology (250 AD to 925 AD), produces forms and civilization unique works such as construction (Chichen Itza), agriculture (drainage canals), plant corn and latex, the well, called "cenotes".

The way they communicate and document the writing: The writing using pictures and symbols, called "Glyph". There are two kinds of Glyph: namely that display images of the whole thing meant, and the type that describes something in accordance with the tribe said.

For example the word "Balam: jaguar", described by the animal's head, or with three syllables "ba" - "la" - "ma" which consists of three similar images bowls / shell.

These tribes also knew a person's beauty, with a flat skull, tied by the board on the forehead and the back shell at a baby / child birth, so that when they feel graceful adult with a flat forehead bone.

The weapon used is called "Atlatl", which is a kind of bow and arrow.

Their main foods are: Tortilla.

Kecak Dance, Bali

2010-03-16T18:55:00.000+07:00

Kecak (pronunciation: / 'ke.tʃak /, roughly "KEH-chahk", alternate spellings: Ketjak, Ketjack, and Axilla), is a typical Balinese performing arts that was created in 1930 and played mainly by men. This dance performed by many (tens or more) male dancers who sit in a circle and lined with a certain rhythm called "top" and raised both arms, depicting the Ramayana as Rama's line of apes help fight Ravana. However, Kecak sanghyang comes from the ritual, the dancers dance traditions will be in a condition not realized [1], to communicate with God or the spirits of the ancestors and then convey their expectations to the community.

The dancers in the circle is wearing a plaid cloth like a chessboard their waist. Besides the dancers, there were other dancers who portray the characters Ramayana as Rama, Shinta, Ravana, Hanuman, and Sugriva.

Kecak dance songs taken from the ritual dances sanghyang. Also, do not use musical instruments. Kincringan used only imposed on the feet of dancers who portray the characters Ramayana.

Around the 1930s Wayan modulus worked with German painter Walter Spies to create a tradition based Kecak Dance Trance and parts of the Ramayana story. Wayan modulus at popularizing this dance around the world in the entourage of his Balinese dancers.

Nyepi

2010-03-16T17:54:00.000+07:00

Nyepi is a Hindu holiday that is celebrated each new year of Saka. This day falls on a count of Tilem Kesanga (IX) which is a day of purification believe the gods who are in the center of the ocean water Amrita brings the essence of life. For that Hindus worship sacred to them.

Understanding Nyepi
Nyepi comes from the quiet (silent, silent). Nyepi is a Hindu New Year celebration on the calendar / Saka calendar, which began in 78 AD. Unlike the Gregorian New Year, New Year of Saka in Bali begins with the retreat. There are no activities as usual. All activities eliminated, including public services, such as the International Airport was closed, but not for the hospital.

The main purpose of Nyepi is pleading to the presence of Almighty God, to purify Buwana Alit (human nature / microcosmos) and the Great Buwana / macrocosmos (universe). Before Nyepi, there are several ceremonies that Hindus do, particularly in the areas of Bali.

Melasti, Tawur (Pecaruan), and Pengrupukan
Three or two days before Nyepi, Hindus perform ritual cleansing with Melasti or called Melis / Mekiyis. On this day, all existing facilities prayers at Temple (shrine) in the procession to the beach or lake, because the sea or lake is a source of holy water (Tirta Amerta) and can cleanse all leteh (gross) in man and nature.

The day before Nyepi, namely the "Tilem Sasih Kesanga (month of the dead 9)", Hindu ceremony Yadnya Blind in all levels of society, starting from each family, banjar, villages, districts and so on, by taking one from the types of caru (such offerings) according to his ability. Blind Yadnya respectively called Panca Sata (small), Panca Kinsman (was), and Tawur Great (large). Tawur or pecaruan itself a purification / pemarisuda Buta Kala, and all leteh (impurities) are expected to vanish all. Caru performed at home each consisting of rice overseas (five) has 9 colors match / package along with side dishes, like chicken brumbun (colored) tetabuhan with wine / wine. Yadnya blind is addressed to The Blind King, Blind and Kala Kala, by pleading that they not disturb people.

Mecaru followed by pengerupukan ceremony, which is spread spread Tawur rice, torch-obori house and all the yard, house and yard menyemburi with gunpowder, and hitting objects whatever (usually wide band) to quiet noisy / rowdy. This stage is to expel Buta Kala from the home environment, yard, and my surroundings. Particularly in Bali, pengrupukan usually enlivened by a parade of ogoh-ogoh Buta Kala embodies that paraded around the neighborhood, and then burned. The goal at the Blind Kala drive from the neighborhood.

The Summit of Nyepi
The next day, ie on Kedasa Purnama (full moon to-10), comes the real Nyepi. On this day like a dead atmosphere. There is no rush as usual activities. On this day Hindus perform "Catur Brata" Penyepian which consists of observing geni (no berapi-api/tidak use and / or the fire), observed the work (not working), observed lelungan (not traveling), and observed lelanguan (not listening entertainment). And for those who can also perform tapas, Brata, yoga and semadhi.

So for the new, truly began with a new page white. To start a new life in Caka any year, this base is used, so everything we do starts with nothing, pure and clean. Each of the men of knowledge (jnana Tattwa the wruhing) implement Brata (curbing the passions), yoga (connecting people with paramatma (God), tapas (suffering endurance training), and contemplation (unity of God, the ultimate aim is the sanctity of inner and outer).

All of it becomes imperative for Hindus to have an inner readiness to face any challenge life in the new year. The habit of celebrating holidays with spree, gambling, drinking habits is something wrong and must be changed.

Ngembak Geni (Ngembak Fire)
Final series of the Saka New Year celebration is the day that falls Ngembak Geni on "pinanggal ping kalih" (July 2) Sasih kedasa (moon X). On this day the Saka New Year is entered a second day. Hindus stay in touch with family and neighbors, I'm sorry forgive each other (ksama) one another.

Saman Dance, Aceh

2010-03-08T12:24:00.003+07:00

Saman dance is a tribal dance display Gayo usual to celebrate important events in the customs. Saman dance poem uses the Arabic and Gayo. Besides this dance usually also displayed to celebrate the birth of Prophet Muhammad. Dance name "Saman" derived from one of great scholars of NAD, Syech Saman.

Meaning and Function

Saman dance is one of the media for the achievement of the message (Da'wah). This dance reflects the Educational, Religious, manners, heroism, solidarity and togetherness.

Before the start of a warrant mukaddimah or opening, appears a wise old man or a traditional leaders to represent the local community (keketar) or advice that is useful to the players and spectators.

Songs and poems together disclosure and continuous, the players consist of men who are still young by wearing traditional clothes. Presentation of the dance can also be staged, the group dipertandingkan guests with sepangkalan group (two groups). Ditititk assessment focus on the ability of each group in following the movements, dance and song (poetry) presented by the opposition.

Choir

Saman dance is usually presented not with the accompaniment of musical instruments, but using the voice of the dancers and their applause is usually combined with hitting the chest and groin them as synchronization and threw the body into various directions. This dance is guided by a leader who is usually called Syech. Because of the uniformity and timeliness of information is a necessity in this dance show, the dancers are required to have a high concentration of serious training in order to perform perfectly. This particular dance danced by the men.

In ancient times, this dance performances in certain customary events, including in the ceremony commemorating the birthday of Prophet Muhammad. In addition, particularly in the context of today, this dance is also performed on special occasions that are formal, such as guests visit the Inter-County and State, or the opening of a festival and other events.

Song

Song of the dancers add dynamism of the dance saman. How to sing songs in the dance saman divided into 5 types:

1. Rengum, which is preceded by the roar of the lifter.

2. Dering, Regnum is immediately followed by all dancers.

3. Redet, namely a short track with a short sound sung by a dancer in the middle of the dance.

4. Syek, the song sung by a dancer with long, high-pitched voice, usually as a sign of change in motion

5. Saur, the song that is repeated along the whole dancer when sung by a solo dancer.

Movement

Saman dance movements using two elements of the basic elements of dance saman: Clap clap hands and dada.Diduga, when spreading the religion islam, sheikh summons wilt learn the ancient dance, and then to re-pass the motion, along with poems by Islamic missionary preaching memudakan . In the present context, dances are religious rituals that are still used as a medium to convey messages preaching through the shows.

Saman dance including one dance that is quite unique, because they only show the motion of applause other movements, such as shaking movements, kirep, lingang, surang-filtering (all of this motion is Gayo language)

Dancers

In general, Saman Dance performed by a dozen or dozens of men, but the amount must ganjil.Pendapat Others say this dance is danced more or less than 10 people, with details of 8 dancers and 2 as cue givers while bernyanyi.Namun, in the development in the modern era that demands that a dance that will be more lively when danced by dancers with higher numbers. To adjust the various movements ditunjuklah a leader called sheikh. In addition to regulate the movement of the dancers, Sheikh also served sing songs, poems warrant.

History of Sanskrit

2010-02-23T00:08:00.000+07:00

Sanskrit is one of the Indo-European language of the oldest are still well known and include the longest history. Language that can match the 'age' of this language from the family of languages Indo-European Hittite language only. Sanskrit words, in Sanskrit means Saṃskṛtabhāsa is the perfect language. That is, the opposite of Prakrit, or vernacular.

Sanskrit is a classical language of India, a liturgical language of Hinduism, Buddhism, and Jainism, and one of 23 official languages of India. This language also has the same status in Nepal.

Position in the culture of South Asia and Southeast Asia similar to the position of Latin and Greek in Europe. Sanskrit evolved into many modern languages in India anakbenua. This language appears in the pre-classical forms as the Vedic language. Contained in the book of the Rigveda is the oldest phase and most arkhais. This text comes from ditarikhkan approximately 1700 BC and Vedic Sanskrit are Indo-Aryan language of the oldest found, and one member of the family of Indo-European language of the oldest.

Sanskrit literature which includes poetry has a rich tradition, drama and scientific texts, technical, philosophical, and religious. Currently Sanskrit is still widely used as a ceremonial language in Hindu rituals in the form of stotra and mantra. Languages spoken Sanskrit is still used in some traditional institutions in India and even some efforts to revive Sanskrit.

Which will be discussed in this article is the Classical Sanskrit as reviewed in the article Panini Sanskrit grammar, in about the year 500 BC.

Saṃskṛta-adjective meaning "civilized". The language referred to as saṃskṛtā profession "cultured language" by definition is always the language of "high", used for religious and scientific purposes and contrary to the language used by the commoners. The language is also called deva-bhāṣā which means "language of the Gods". Sanskrit Grammar oldest surviving compositions is Panini and berjudulkan Aṣṭādhyāyī ( "Eight-Chapter Grammar") which more or less ditarikh from the 5th century BC. This grammar is primarily a normative or prescriptive grammar is primarily regulate the use of a standard way rather than descriptive, although it also includes grammar sections mainly descriptive of Vedic forms that are no longer in use at the time of Panini.

Including Sanskrit Indo-Aryan branch of the family of Indo-European languages. Along with the Iranian language, Sanskrit language families including Indo-Iranian, and with this part of the group Satem languages Indo-European, which also includes Balto-Slavic branch.

When the term appeared in Sanskrit in India, this language is not viewed as a distinct language from other languages, but mainly as a form of subtle or cultured in the talk. Knowledge of Sanskrit was a marker of social class and language are taught mainly to members of higher castes, through careful analysis of such tatabahasawan Panini Sanskrit. As the language of Sanskrit scholars in India are in addition to the languages that are Prakreta vernacular and eventually evolved into the languages of modern Indo-Aryan (Hindi, Assamese language, Urdu, Bengali and so on). Most of the Dravidian languages of India, although part of different language families, they are heavily influenced Sanskrit, especially in the form of loan words. Kannada, Telugu and Malayalam has a number of words as the largest collection of Tamil language has the lowest. The influence of Sanskrit on languages is recognized by Tat same discourse ( "equal") and Tat bhava ( "root"). Meanwhile Sanskrit itself is also a language of Dravidian substratum influence from the very beginning.

(source)

Gamelan, Javanese Traditional Musical Instruments

2010-02-22T23:46:00.000+07:00

Gamelan is a musical ensemble that usually highlight metallophone, xylophone, drums, and gongs. The term gamelan refers to the instrument / tool, which is a unified whole that is realized and pounded together. The word gamelan comes from the Javanese language, which means gamel hitting / beating, followed by a suffix that makes the noun. Gamelan orchestra are mostly in Java, Madura, Bali, and Lombok in Indonesia in a variety of sizes and shapes of ensembles. In Bali and Lombok today, and in Java through the 18th century, the term gong is more considered synonymous with gamelan.

Emergence of gamelan preceded by Hindu-Buddhist culture that dominated Indonesia in the early days of recording history, which also represents the original art of Indonesia. Instrument was developed to shape up like this in the time of Majapahit Kingdom. In difference to the music of India, the only impact of the Indian music of the gamelan is how menyanikannya. In Javanese mythology, the gamelan created by Sang Hyang Guru in Saka era, the god who ruled the land of Java, with palaces on the mountain Mahendra in Medangkamulan (now Mount Lawu). Sang Hyang Guru first create a gong to summon the gods. For a more specific message and then create two gongs, and finally formed set of gamelan.

The description of the first ensemble of musical instruments found in the temple of Borobudur, Magelang, Central Java, which has stood since the 8th century. Musical instruments such as bamboo flute, bells, kendhang in various sizes, lute, musical instruments and berdawai who swiped learned, is found in these reliefs. However, some elements in the metal instrument. However, relief of the instrument said to be the origin of the gamelan.

And making Penalaan gamelan orchestra is a complex process. Gamelan penalaan using four ways, namely slendro, pelog, "Degung" (special Sunda region, or West Java), and "madenda" (also known as the diatonic, the same as the original minor scale widely used in Europe.

(source)

Angklung, Traditional Music Sunda

2010-02-15T14:34:00.000+07:00

Angklung is a traditional musical instrument which comes dar Indonesia Sunda Land, made of bamboo, which sounded shaken by (the sound caused by the impact of bamboo pipe body) that produces a sound that vibrates in the composition of tones 2, 3, and 4 tones in every size, both large and small. Barrel (tone) angklung instruments as Sundanese traditional music is mostly Salendro and pelog.

In a grove of art that uses musical instruments from bamboo known type of art called angklung. The type of bamboo used as the instrument is awi wulung (black bamboo) and awi temen (white bamboo). Purwa way angklung instruments; each note (barrel) produced from the sound of bamboo-shaped tube wilahan (bars) of each segment of bamboo from small to large sizes.

Angklung is a musical instrument from West Java. Angklung gubrag in Jasinga, Bogor, is one who is still alive since more than 400 years ago. Rite begins with the emergence of rice. Angklung created and played to attract Dewi Sri, down to earth people that rice plants flourish.

Sunda community known since the time of the Sunda kingdom, of which as penggugah spirit in battle. Angklung function as a pump kept the spirit of the people still felt until the period of colonization, that's why the Dutch Government had banned the use angklung, this ban could make angklung popularity declined and only played by children at that time.

The origin of the bamboo musical creation, such as angklung based view of Sundanese people who live with the source of the agrarian life of the rice (pare) as the food is. This gave rise to the myth of trust in Nyai Sri Pohaci as a symbol of life-giving Goddess of Rice (breathe-Hurip).

Reflection Sundanese people used in processing agricultural (tatanen) especially in the fields and huma has spawned the creation of poetry and song as a tribute and an offering to Sri Pohaci Nyai, as well as efforts nyinglar (starting reinforcements) to fit their crops did not invite disaster, both pests and disasters other nature. Buhun song to honor those Nyi Sri Pohaci example:

The next offering songs of Dewi Sri is accompanied by the sound of percussion accompaniment made from bamboo stems simple packed structures which later emerged the bamboo musical instrument we know today called angklung. Further development in the tradition of the game Angklung accompanied by elements of motion and ibing (dance) rhythmic (to wirahma) with patterns and rules = rules in accordance with the needs of a memorial service at the time of paddy rice paraded to the barn (ngampih pare, nginebkeun), also at times mitembeyan, began planting rice in some places in West Java called ngaseuk.

Similarly, when the harvest party and dedicated seren taun angklung game. Especially in the presentation related Angklung rice ceremony, this art became a nature show or pageant helaran, even in some places into the convoy Dongdang and Rengkong and Jampana (stretcher food) and so on.

In the process, Angklung to develop and spread throughout Java, then to Kalimantan and Sumatra. In 1908 recorded a cultural mission from Indonesia to Thailand, among others, marked the transfer of angklung, and bamboo music of this game could also spread there.

In fact, since 1966, Udjo Ngalagena angklung figures who developed the technique based on the barrel-game pelog, Salendro, and madenda-start teaching how to play angklung to many people from various communities.

Angklung Baduy

Angklung Baduy area (we often call them Baduy) is used primarily because of its relationship with the rites of rice, not solely for the entertainment of people. Angklung is used or is sounded when they grow rice in huma (fields). Angklung beat when planting rice than just blowing free (dikurulungkeun), especially in Kajeroan (Tangtu; Baduy Jero), and there is a certain rhythm, which is in Kaluaran (Baduy Overseas). However, still can be displayed outside the rice rites but still have the rules, for example, may only beaten to the ngubaran pare (treating rice), about three months from the time planted rice. After that, during the next six months all the arts should not be played, and can be played again on the next rice planting season. Closes angklung implemented with event called musungkeun angklung, namely nitipkeun (left, save) angklung after use.

In serving the entertainment, Angklung usually held during a full moon and no rain. They play in the game angklung (yard in rural area) while singing various songs, among others: Javan Kasarung, Yandu Aunt, Yandu Sala, Ceuk Arileu, Oray-orayan, Dengdang, Yari Gandang, Oyong-Oyong Kuhl, Kula Agency, Kokoloyoran, Sway-swing, Pileuleuyan, Gandrung Manggu, Rojak Bluebird, mulung MUNCANG, giler, Ngaranggeong, Aceukna, Marengo, Salak Sadapur, Rangda Ngendong, Celementre, Keupat Reundang, Papacangan, and Culadi Dengdang. The drummers angklung eight people and three drummers drum small size makes the standing position while walking in a circle formation. Meanwhile, the other one ngalage (dancing) with certain movements that have been fixed but simple. Everything is done only by men. This is different from the community Daduy in, they are limited by the customary rules pamali (abstinence; taboo), should not be doing things too much worldly pleasures. Art made solely for the purposes of ritual.

Angklung names in Baduy of the biggest is: ovarian, ringkung, Dongdong, gossip, engklok, ovarian leutik, torolok, and Roel. Roel which consists of 2 pieces held by a angklung. The names of the longest drum are: drum, talingtit, and tap. The use of drum instruments there are differences, namely in the villages they used drum Kaluaran of 3 pieces. In Kajeroan; Cikeusik village, just use the drum and talingtit, without a knock. In Kajeroan, Cibeo village, just use the drum, without talingtit and beats.

In Baduy the right to make angklung are Kajeroan (Tangtu; Baduy Jero). Kajeroan consists of 3 villages, namely Cibeo, Cikartawana, and Cikeusik. In these three villages not everyone can make it, only to have offspring and the right to do just that in addition to the ritual requirements. Angklung makers in the famous Cikeusik Father Amir (59), and in Cikartawana Father Tarnah. Kaluaran People buy from people in three villages Kajeroan it.

Angklung Dogdog Lojor
Dogdog arts are in public lojor Kasepuhan Pancer Pangawinan or customs union Banten Kidul is scattered around the Mountain Mist (adjacent to Jakarta, Bogor and Lebak). Although this art is called dogdog lojor, the name of one of the instruments in it, but there is also used angklung for rituals related to rice. Once a year, after harvesting the whole community held a ceremony or Seren Year Year in traditional village center. Traditional village center as a place of residence kokolot (elder) where always on the move as directed supernatural.

Honor the tradition of rice in this community is still carried out because they include people who still adhere to old customs. By tradition they claim to be descendants of the officers and soldiers in the palace baresan Pajajaran Pangawinan (soldiers armed with a lance). This Kasepuhan community has embraced the Islamic religion and somewhat open to the influence of modernization, as well as entertainment things to enjoy worldly pleasures. This attitude also affects the function of art in terms that since around 1970, dogdog lojor has experienced growth, which is used to enliven a child circumcision, marriage, and other festive events. Instruments used in the art dogdog lojor is 2 pieces and dogdog lojor angklung 4 large pieces. These four fruit angklung has a name, the largest so-called bark, then panembal, kingking, and inclok. Each instrument is played by one, so that a total of six people.

Songs of dogdog lojor Bale Agung, Side Hideung, shaky-shaky Papanganten, Si Tunggul Kawung, Adulilang, and Adu-complaint. These songs form the rhythmic vocal angklung dogdog and tend to stay.

Angklung Gubrag
Gubrag Angklung Cipining there in the village, district Cigudeg, Bogor. Angklung has old and used to honor the goddess of rice in pare perform activities (planting rice), ngunjal pare (carrying rice), and ngadiukeun (put) to leuit (barn).

In the myth was started gubrag angklung there was a time when Cipining village had a bad season.

Angklung Badeng
Badeng is a kind of art that emphasize the musical aspect with angklung as the main instrument. There Badeng Sanding village, district Malangbong, Garut. Used to serve as entertainment for the sake of Islam to them. But Badeng allegedly been used since the time of the period before Islam for events related to the rice-planting rituals. As an art to preaching believed Badeng developed since Islam spread in the area around the 16th century or 17th. At that time the population Sanding, Arpaen and Nursaen, studying the religion of Islam to the kingdom of Demak. After returning from Demak they preach the religion of Islam spread. One of the means it uses the spread of Islam is to Badeng art.

Angklung is used as many as nine pieces, which angklung Roel 2, 1 angklung intelligence, GTA 4 and Angklung Angklung father, 2 angklung children; 2 pieces dogdog, 2 fruit fly or gembyung, and 1 kecrek. Sundanese language text is mixed with Arabic. In its development is now also used Indonesian. The contents of the text contains Islamic values and good advice, and according to the purposes of the event. In addition to presenting the show tunes, also presented testimony attractions, such as cutting the body with a sharp weapon.

Badeng Songs: Lailahaileloh, Ya'ti, Kasreng, Yautike, Lilimbungan, Solaloh.

Beans
Beans is a performance art that is entertainment, of which there are at Baros (Arjasari, Bandung). At first the beans used in agricultural events associated with the rice. But at the present time beans are used as entertainment art. This is related to the changing view of society that began less attention to the things smelled old beliefs. In the 1940s can be regarded as the end of the ritual function in respect of rice green beans, green beans since it turned into entertainment. In line with that place any rice storage (leuit; barn) began to disappear from people's homes, replaced by sacks places a more practical, and easy to carry everywhere. Rice are now many direct sale, not stored in the barn. Thus, art that had bean used for events ngunjal (with rice) is not needed anymore.

Name beans art associated with a famous song texts among the people, namely the cis nyengcle ... beans, and so on. The text is set in the arts beans, so the art is called beans.

Instruments used in the art beans is angklung 2 ovarian, 2 angklung ambrug, angklung panempas, pancer angklung 2, 1 angklung enclok. 3 fruit dogdog then, consisting of 1 talingtit, panembal, and badublag. In its growth, coupled with tarompet, kecrek, and goong. Angklung Salendro barreled beans with vocal tracks can barreled madenda or gamelan. Beans Songs include: Badud, Beans, Renggong, Senggot, Jalantir, Jangjalik, Ela-ela, Mega Beureum. Now the songs have been using the same beans songs from the gamelan, with the singer who was a man angklung players, now by a special lady to sing.

From several types of music tainted in West Java (Angklung) above, are just some examples of performance art angklung, which consists of: Angklung Beans (Priangan / Bandung), Angklung Badud (East Priangan / Ciamis), Angklung Bungko (Indramayu), Angklung Gubrag (Bogor), Angklung Ciusul (Banten), Angklung Dog Dog Lojor (Sukabumi), Angklung Badeng (Malangbong, Garut), and Padaeng Angklung Angklung is identical to the National with diatonic scales, developed since 1938. Angklung Indonesia typically comes from the development of Sundanese angklung. Angklung Sundanese pitched five (Salendro or pelog) by Guest Sutigna aka The Etjle (1908-1984) changed his tone became Western scales (solmisasi) that can play a variety of other songs. The results of development and then taught to school students and played a big orchestra.

traditional music from sunda :
1. Budak Jalanan
2. Budak Saha

Barong Landung, Bali

2010-02-10T08:22:00.002+07:00

Balinese Agama Hindu is full of wild creations, monsters, demons and manifestations of Gods. One of the exhibits at the Bali Museum is the Barong Landung, which means, ‘tall Barong’. These figures are about 7ft tall and a person inside the outfit is able to walk around with it. The Barong Landung is made of plaited bamboo, covered with cloth, fiber and a wooden mask. There is always a male and female, performing together, in an act that helps to exorcise evil spirits.

The male character is Jero Gede, a mythological character from Nusa Penida. He is always black, with fierce eyes and mouth. His female counterpart is Jero Luh, who is always pale faced, with a certain Chinese appearance. You have to admire the effort the Balinese make to keep their mythology lively and interesting.

Ondel-ondel is the tradition of the Betawi, Jakarta

2010-02-10T08:17:00.000+07:00

Ondel-ondel is Betawi folk performance forms that often appear in people's parties. It seems playing ondel-ondel ancestor or ancestors who always keep their grandchildren or a resident of a village.

Ondel-ondel the form of a large doll that is about ± 2.5 m with a diameter of ± 80 cm, made of woven bamboo is prepared in such a way that easily carried from dalarnnya. Part of the face mask or a mask, with a head of hair made from palm fiber. Ondel-ondel faces of men in red paint, while the women painted in white color. These forms show many similarities to those in several other areas.

In Pasundan known as Badawang, in Central Java Beans called Barongan, while in Bali is known as Barong Landung. According to estimates of the show's been around since before the spread of Islam in Java.

Ondel-ondel original function as a repellent reinforcements or interruption of wandering spirits. Today ondel-ondel is usually used to add colorful folk festivals or for welcoming guests of honor, misainya at the inauguration of the new building completed. No matter how swift currents of modernization, ondel-ondel still survive and become trimmer face the Jakarta metropolitan city.

Music accompanist

Music that accompanied ondel not ondel-specific, tergantug of each group. There tanjidor accompanied, as a group ondel-ondel pimpian Gejen, kampong Setu. There are accompanied by such party pencak Betawi "Beringin Sakti" Duloh leader, Yasin sekarag leader, from Rawasari. There is also a diirig Bende, "Kemes", ningnong and Rebana ketimpring, as rombogan ondel-ondel leadership Lamoh, Kalideres. Betawi Ondel-ondel basically survived and became trimmer in the face of the Jakarta metropolitan city.

The Dohyo

2010-02-08T14:09:00.000+07:00

The dohyō (土俵) is the ring in which sumo wrestling bouts are held. A modern dohyo is a circle of rice-straw bales 4:55 meters in diameter, mounted on a square platform of clay 6.7m on a side, and 34 to 60 cm high. The surface is covered by sand.

A new dohyō is built prior to each tournament by the yobidashi, who are responsible for this activity. The dohyō is removed after each tournament, and in the case of Nagoya, pieces are taken home by the fans as souvenirs. The yobidashi also build the dohyō for training stables and sumo touring events.
Layout of, and placement of sumo participants around, a dohyō

The diameter of the ring is 15 Shaku (4:55 meters), which increased from 13 Shaku (3.94 meters) in 1931. [1] The rice-straw bales (Tawara (俵)) which form the rings are one third the standard size and are partially buried in the clay of the dohyō. Four of the Tawara are placed slightly outside the line of the circle. In Olden times this was to allow rain to run off the surface, when sumo tournaments were held outdoors in the open. Today a wrestler under pressure at The Edge of the ring will often try to move himself round to one of these points to gain leverage in order to push back more effectively against the Opponent who is trying to force him out.
An outdoor dohyō

At the center are two white lines, the shikiri-sen (仕切り線), behind which the wrestlers must position themselves at the start of the bout. Around the ring is finely brushed sand called the do-no-me (蛇の目 snake's eye), which can be used to determine if a wrestler has just touched his foot, or another part of his body, outside the ring. The yobidashi Ensure it is clean of any previous marks immediately prior to each bout. [2]

A roof resembling that of a Shinto shrine is suspended above the dohyō. Colored tassels (fusa) are suspended from the corners, Representing the four spirits of directions:

Azure Dragon of the East (青龙)
Vermilion Bird of the South (朱雀)
White Tiger of the West (白虎)
Black Tortoise of the North (玄武)

Sumo

2010-02-08T14:02:00.000+07:00

Sumo is a competitive contact sport where a wrestler (rikishi) attempts to force another wrestler out of a circular ring (dohyō) or to touch the ground with anything other than the soles of the feet. The sport originated in Japan, the only country where it is practiced Professionally. The Japanese consider sumo a Gendai Budo [citation needed] (a modern Japanese martial art), though the sport has a history spanning many Centuries. The sumo tradition is very ancient, and even today the sport includes many ritual elements, such as the use of salt purification, from the days when sumo was used in the Shinto religion. Life as a rikishi is highly regimented, with rules laid down by the Sumo Association. Professional sumo wrestlers are required to live in communal "sumo training stables" known in Japanese as heya where all aspects of their daily lives-from meals to their manner of dress-are dictated by strict tradition.