Thursday, December 31, 2009
Wednesday, December 23, 2009
Santa Came a Little Early
We really weren't looking for another dog but this sweet face showed up on Petfinder.com and needed a good home for the holidays. Her name is Roxy and she is a German Shepherd and Rottweiler Mix. She is the sweetest thing!! Even her big brother was smitten by her :)
Even her little feet are cute!! Polka dot toes!
Her BIG brother Mo :)
Even her little feet are cute!! Polka dot toes!
Her BIG brother Mo :)
Monday, December 21, 2009
Monday, December 14, 2009
Sunday, December 13, 2009
DIY Ceremony Festival 2009
Sacred rituals can not be separated from Dearah Istimewa Yogyakarta (DIY). Sacred rituals has become a tradition that can not be separated in the daily lives of the people of Yogyakarta.
Various traditional arts and culture of Java is a very valuable asset than can be used as tourism assets to attract tourists both foreign tourists and local tourists visited the Special Region of Yogyakarta (DIY) We as the younger generation is very necessary to maintain and preserve a variety of traditional arts and Javanese culture in order to not become extinct, and claimed by other nations.
One tradition in customary ceremonies DIY festival that took place in 2009 not long ago was that Nguras Enceh tradition is a tradition in order to replace the water contained in the 'Kong' king buried Imogiri, Bantul, Yogyakarta. Dewi Sri Boyong Dance is a dance that tells of a woman who was planting rice and a man was digging in the field, and later emerged as a goddess sri pegusir rice pests like rats.
Besides the two mentioned above the traditional arts are still many more arts, traditional arts and regional culture festival presented in traditional ceremonies such as the 2009 DIY Thuk Sibedhug ceremonies, customs Tripe Dalan, Tumuruning Mahesasuro, cat-fishing Goling, Merti Code, which helped enliven Bekakak event DIY Ceremony Festival 2009.
Various traditional arts and culture of Java is a very valuable asset than can be used as tourism assets to attract tourists both foreign tourists and local tourists visited the Special Region of Yogyakarta (DIY) We as the younger generation is very necessary to maintain and preserve a variety of traditional arts and Javanese culture in order to not become extinct, and claimed by other nations.
One tradition in customary ceremonies DIY festival that took place in 2009 not long ago was that Nguras Enceh tradition is a tradition in order to replace the water contained in the 'Kong' king buried Imogiri, Bantul, Yogyakarta. Dewi Sri Boyong Dance is a dance that tells of a woman who was planting rice and a man was digging in the field, and later emerged as a goddess sri pegusir rice pests like rats.
Besides the two mentioned above the traditional arts are still many more arts, traditional arts and regional culture festival presented in traditional ceremonies such as the 2009 DIY Thuk Sibedhug ceremonies, customs Tripe Dalan, Tumuruning Mahesasuro, cat-fishing Goling, Merti Code, which helped enliven Bekakak event DIY Ceremony Festival 2009.
Monday, December 7, 2009
Goodbye Old Friend
Kefora (Key Dog)
1994 - 2009
This is a very sad day for me as my sweet dog Key past away this morning. My heart is breaking but I know she is in a better place and playing in heaven with her mate Bantock who past away 2 years ago. I will miss you with all my heart girl.
This is a very sad day for me as my sweet dog Key past away this morning. My heart is breaking but I know she is in a better place and playing in heaven with her mate Bantock who past away 2 years ago. I will miss you with all my heart girl.
Thursday, December 3, 2009
Saturday, November 28, 2009
Thursday, November 26, 2009
Monday, October 26, 2009
Batik From the Courts of Java and Sumatra
Batik From the Courts of Java and Sumatra
Rudolf G. Smend (Author), Brigitte Khan Majlis (Author), Harmen C. Veldhuisen (Author), Leo Haks (Author)
Batik occupies a special position in Indonesia's history and culture. The extraordinary photographs of cloths and prints in this book demonstrate why batik is the stuff of textile legend. These 71 batik designs, taken from the collection of famed dealer Rudolf G. Smend, date from 1880-1930, a time still considered batik's golden age. Complementing these extraordinary cloths are 16 vintage photo prints from the Leo Haks collection, which demonstrate how batik was worn at court and in other settings.
Thursday, October 22, 2009
Tuesday, October 6, 2009
Batik as a World Cultural Heritage
UNESCO) Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization last Friday (2/10/2009) set batik as Indonesia's cultural heritage. And on that day was used as a day of batik.
Inauguration of Indonesian batik by UNESCO plans to do in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates.
President of the Republic of Indonesia (RI) Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono (SBY) called on all Indonesian people to wear batik on October 2 at once as an expression of gratitude for the achievements and the grace that has been achieved by the Indonesian people.
Problem batik will be the official property of these premises, which also claims Malaysian batik is derived from neighbor countries are also not remain silent. UNESCO will strengthen heard batik as Indonesia's cultural heritage, Deputy Prime Minister of Malaysia, Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin said that his party would study the decision of UNESCO. But until this moment not yet known whether the intention Malaysia successfully.
Indonesian batik confirmation process is quite long. Beginning on September 3, 2008 which was subsequently accepted officially by UNESCO on January 9, 2009. The next stage is testing closed by UNESCO in Paris on 11 to May 14, 2009.
Inauguration of Indonesian batik by UNESCO plans to do in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates.
President of the Republic of Indonesia (RI) Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono (SBY) called on all Indonesian people to wear batik on October 2 at once as an expression of gratitude for the achievements and the grace that has been achieved by the Indonesian people.
Problem batik will be the official property of these premises, which also claims Malaysian batik is derived from neighbor countries are also not remain silent. UNESCO will strengthen heard batik as Indonesia's cultural heritage, Deputy Prime Minister of Malaysia, Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin said that his party would study the decision of UNESCO. But until this moment not yet known whether the intention Malaysia successfully.
Indonesian batik confirmation process is quite long. Beginning on September 3, 2008 which was subsequently accepted officially by UNESCO on January 9, 2009. The next stage is testing closed by UNESCO in Paris on 11 to May 14, 2009.
Sunday, September 20, 2009
Musical Art ( Seni Karawitan )
Indonesia is one country that has the art of diverse cultures. One of them is of Javanese culture. Javanese culture is well known and recognized by other nations as high culture and teachings contain many sublime to form character, noble character and morals.
Javanese culture is very diverse, one of whom is a musical art. This musical art is one example of traditional art which is a tourism asset so valuable that we need to maintain and preserve. In the musical art is the element of patience, simplicity, familiarity, but also dynamic. This is a mirror of the personality of our community and provide a sense of good for society, and therein is contained a philosophy that gives meaning to our lives everyday.
Globalization and technological progress is very rapid communication significantly affect the less interested in the art of Javanese culture, including musical art. Current musical art as less demand, especially the younger generation. If this condition is left, then worry about getting old musical art will increasingly eroded and marginalized by the modern cultures and even foreign culture.
We as a nation next generation should be able to care for and preserve traditional arts and cultural heritage so as not to become extinct, disappear swallowed by the development of this modern era by way of knowing, experiencing, feeling and ultimately could love Javanese culture, particularly the musical arts. This effort is one way to keep the musical arts that still exist as part of the Javanese cultural treasures
Javanese culture is very diverse, one of whom is a musical art. This musical art is one example of traditional art which is a tourism asset so valuable that we need to maintain and preserve. In the musical art is the element of patience, simplicity, familiarity, but also dynamic. This is a mirror of the personality of our community and provide a sense of good for society, and therein is contained a philosophy that gives meaning to our lives everyday.
Globalization and technological progress is very rapid communication significantly affect the less interested in the art of Javanese culture, including musical art. Current musical art as less demand, especially the younger generation. If this condition is left, then worry about getting old musical art will increasingly eroded and marginalized by the modern cultures and even foreign culture.
We as a nation next generation should be able to care for and preserve traditional arts and cultural heritage so as not to become extinct, disappear swallowed by the development of this modern era by way of knowing, experiencing, feeling and ultimately could love Javanese culture, particularly the musical arts. This effort is one way to keep the musical arts that still exist as part of the Javanese cultural treasures
Wednesday, September 16, 2009
FOLLOW NEW DEVELOPMENTS
In addition to these new developments, we are also creating exciting opportunities for teachers to participate more fully in our work programmes.
Teachers can:
Access new sites. Visit http://ephemeralarts-teachers.blogspot.com/ to examine a new support programme for teachers.
Join “Ephemeral Arts Innovators” a network on http://ephemeralarts.ning.com/ It can be accessed via a bloglink.
GOOD NEWS FOR TEACHERS
The new blogs also extend the scope for celebrating Ephemeral Arts to include other subject areas in the schools cirriculum.
Ephemeral Arts for Teachers is a continuation of Mirador Cuilture's support programme for teachers who are interested in integrating the use of Ephemeral Arts in the teachnign of Arts, Anthropology, Sociology and Geography.
Ephemeral Arts Teachers is designed to become a Networking Site for Teachers of Ephemeral Arts!
In addition:
Follow general debate and discussion on Culture and Arts in the United Kingdom by visiting DIVERSE VIEW at http://diverseview.wordpress.com
We look forward to hearing from you.
Teachers can:
Access new sites. Visit http://ephemeralarts-teachers.blogspot.com/ to examine a new support programme for teachers.
Join “Ephemeral Arts Innovators” a network on http://ephemeralarts.ning.com/ It can be accessed via a bloglink.
GOOD NEWS FOR TEACHERS
The new blogs also extend the scope for celebrating Ephemeral Arts to include other subject areas in the schools cirriculum.
Ephemeral Arts for Teachers is a continuation of Mirador Cuilture's support programme for teachers who are interested in integrating the use of Ephemeral Arts in the teachnign of Arts, Anthropology, Sociology and Geography.
Ephemeral Arts Teachers is designed to become a Networking Site for Teachers of Ephemeral Arts!
In addition:
Follow general debate and discussion on Culture and Arts in the United Kingdom by visiting DIVERSE VIEW at http://diverseview.wordpress.com
We look forward to hearing from you.
Friday, August 28, 2009
Saman Dance
Indonesia country rich in cultural arts. From Sabang to Merauke, diverse arts and cultural treasures of this country decorating. With the motto Bhineka Tunggal Ika all be one in the Indonesian culture.
Until not surprising that in many cultures ahkirnya flourished areas outside the homelands, one example is Tari Saman Traditional Art.
Traditional Dance from Aceh or often also called Nanggroe Aceh Darussalam Province (NAD) is also growing in other regions with the studio Dance Studios-emerging Saman.
Saman Dance performed more often during major holidays such as the Islamic Prophet Muhammad Mawlood, Isra Mi `raj and so on. It is also often displayed during the opening of a show or event with the intention of pleading prayer to the Almighty, so that everything can proceed smoothly and successfully.
Through the unity of the Indonesian culture easily realized because the culture teaches about manners, etiquette, manners and mutual respect.
Various arts and culture in Indonesia other than as a means of unifying the nation is also a tourist asset is extremely valuable, so we need to maintain and preserve, so as not to become extinct and disappeared into the development era.
Until not surprising that in many cultures ahkirnya flourished areas outside the homelands, one example is Tari Saman Traditional Art.
Traditional Dance from Aceh or often also called Nanggroe Aceh Darussalam Province (NAD) is also growing in other regions with the studio Dance Studios-emerging Saman.
Saman Dance performed more often during major holidays such as the Islamic Prophet Muhammad Mawlood, Isra Mi `raj and so on. It is also often displayed during the opening of a show or event with the intention of pleading prayer to the Almighty, so that everything can proceed smoothly and successfully.
Through the unity of the Indonesian culture easily realized because the culture teaches about manners, etiquette, manners and mutual respect.
Various arts and culture in Indonesia other than as a means of unifying the nation is also a tourist asset is extremely valuable, so we need to maintain and preserve, so as not to become extinct and disappeared into the development era.
Saturday, August 8, 2009
Panjat Pinang (pinang climb)
Panjat pinang (Pinang climb) is the traditional games played since the era of Dutch colonialism. Panjat pinang (Pinang climb) competition held by the Dutch out if events such as weddings. Who is taking this indigenous people. Gifts are usually diperebutkan food such as cheese, sugar, and clothing such as shirt, because at that time for the people indigenous goods including luxury like this. while the indigenous people take pains to seize the prize, the Dutch people watch while laughing. rite this game has not changed since first.
Panjat pinang (Pinang climb) is a game using a traditional areca nut trees and a high stem dilumuri by the lubricants prepared by the race committee. At the top of the tree, and prepared a variety of interesting gifts. Participants compete for the prizes with a swarm trees.
Because trees are so slippery that swarm trees often fall and it became the attraction that is a very interesting and entertaining for the audience.
The length of areca nut was one of a variety of traditional games which is a tourism asset that is very interesting to be one of the attraction for foreign tourists, so we need to maintain and preserve, not to disappear and be swallowed by the lost time.
Panjat pinang (Pinang climb) is a game using a traditional areca nut trees and a high stem dilumuri by the lubricants prepared by the race committee. At the top of the tree, and prepared a variety of interesting gifts. Participants compete for the prizes with a swarm trees.
Because trees are so slippery that swarm trees often fall and it became the attraction that is a very interesting and entertaining for the audience.
The length of areca nut was one of a variety of traditional games which is a tourism asset that is very interesting to be one of the attraction for foreign tourists, so we need to maintain and preserve, not to disappear and be swallowed by the lost time.
Thursday, July 30, 2009
Traditional Arts Ketoprak
Ketoprak is one of the various traditional art and culture and it also ketoprak assets is one of the tour which is very valuable, because ketoprak than as a means of entertainment for the community is also an attraction for the foreign tourists who come to Yogyakarta and Java to the island in general.
Ketoprak is a traditional art performance art or art boards that came from Java. In a staging ketoprak usually depict an event, story or legend that is packed and be directly above the stage played by a few people or artists. Staging or performance ketoprak usually accompanied by songs, and accompanied by a gamelan orchestra.
Theme of the story in an ketoprak is very diverse and manifold. Usually taken from the story or the history of Javanese legend. Many stories are taken from abroad.
Various traditional art and culture of Java is a tourism asset that is valuable, so we need to keep and develop one of them is a traditional art ketoprak, not to disappear and be swallowed by the lost time.
Ketoprak is a traditional art performance art or art boards that came from Java. In a staging ketoprak usually depict an event, story or legend that is packed and be directly above the stage played by a few people or artists. Staging or performance ketoprak usually accompanied by songs, and accompanied by a gamelan orchestra.
Theme of the story in an ketoprak is very diverse and manifold. Usually taken from the story or the history of Javanese legend. Many stories are taken from abroad.
Various traditional art and culture of Java is a tourism asset that is valuable, so we need to keep and develop one of them is a traditional art ketoprak, not to disappear and be swallowed by the lost time.
Friday, July 17, 2009
Tradistional Art "Wayang"
Wayang (puppet) not just performance art as it is a wayang (puppet) expression values of the community that formed the identity of a cultural community, particularly Java. Wayang (puppet) in a certain limitation for the Java community is the second religion.
Wayang (puppet) art has charm and the value of a fixed current. However, it does not mean that the wayang (puppet) can play a role in the present time. Therefore, it should be thought how to make a wayang (puppet) people still watch.
wayang (puppet) actually provide strategic thinking about the wisdom in providing a local solution of problems faced by the world at this time and the future
Wayang International Conference (KWI) with the theme Traditional Yogyakarta Wayang As held in the Cultural Identity Grha Permana Sabha on 15-18 July 2009 and had been experiencing a series of 15 long-time director since 2007 wayang (puppet).
Wayang (puppet) art has charm and the value of a fixed current. However, it does not mean that the wayang (puppet) can play a role in the present time. Therefore, it should be thought how to make a wayang (puppet) people still watch.
wayang (puppet) actually provide strategic thinking about the wisdom in providing a local solution of problems faced by the world at this time and the future
Wayang International Conference (KWI) with the theme Traditional Yogyakarta Wayang As held in the Cultural Identity Grha Permana Sabha on 15-18 July 2009 and had been experiencing a series of 15 long-time director since 2007 wayang (puppet).
Saturday, July 11, 2009
Mask The Message
We are pleased to announce the continuation of this work programme! However, every idea has its day and new projects sometimes also help people to access current as well as old work. So, without going on and on about the changes, the concept of EPHEMERAL ARTS will be continued but new "interfaces" will be added!
The first of these interfaces is MASKS. We will be developing a new festival of Masks. People use a mask to acquire a new identity or to hide one! Sometimes, the only "mask" that a person has is their face! How many times have you failed to read someone's face?
The first of these interfaces is MASKS. We will be developing a new festival of Masks. People use a mask to acquire a new identity or to hide one! Sometimes, the only "mask" that a person has is their face! How many times have you failed to read someone's face?
Thursday, June 25, 2009
Traditional Arts Ludruk
Ludruk is one of the traditional art of East Java. Ludruk is a traditional art of drama is played by a group of arts degree and above take the stage with stories about people's lives every day, the story of the struggle, and so is filled with jokes and accompanied by the gamelan music.
Dialogue / monologue in ludruk are entertaining and make audiences laugh, using language typical of Surabaya, although sometimes there are guest stars from other regions such as Jombang, Malang, Madura, Madiun with different dialects. Simple language that is used on ludruk, making him easily absorbed by the non-intellect.
Ludruk with different ketoprak of Central Java. Ketoprak stories are often taken from the first days of the story (history and myth), and convey a certain message. While ludruk recounts the story of daily living (usually) the wong cilik.
Ludruk is one of the local cultural diversity and traditional arts that need to be guarded in order not to disappear and disappear swallowed by the development of the modern era and keep the preservation of art and culture java
Dialogue / monologue in ludruk are entertaining and make audiences laugh, using language typical of Surabaya, although sometimes there are guest stars from other regions such as Jombang, Malang, Madura, Madiun with different dialects. Simple language that is used on ludruk, making him easily absorbed by the non-intellect.
Ludruk with different ketoprak of Central Java. Ketoprak stories are often taken from the first days of the story (history and myth), and convey a certain message. While ludruk recounts the story of daily living (usually) the wong cilik.
Ludruk is one of the local cultural diversity and traditional arts that need to be guarded in order not to disappear and disappear swallowed by the development of the modern era and keep the preservation of art and culture java
Saturday, March 21, 2009
Solo - Central Java
This centre of Javanese culture has old colonial charm, the best of Southeast Asian warmth and the wide streets and well-planned squares of a small European town. Crumbly old-Dutch buildings and the two keratons of Kasunan and Mangkunegaran dominate the old town, surrounded by quaint streets lined with small houses with proudly manicured gardens.
Why, such a lovely name for such a close-knit and affable town. Solo, previously known as 'Surakarta' was indeed, living by its namesake, until recently. A result, 99.9% of the population of Solo, a naturally halus or well-mannered people, are not only extremely friendly to visitors but also free of the 'hello mister' attitude that comes with big tourist traps. People in Solo love a visitor.
This is a town made for the open-air. Sit in a becak or hop on the back of an ojek or motorbike taxi, stop for nasi liwet at a small side-street or sing your heart out at one of the obscure karaoke shacks and bars, open until dawn. Though many places are open all night, Solo affectionately goes by the old moniker 'So-slow,' precisely what gives it such lovable appeal.
Triwindu Antiques Market
Nestled in a labyrinthian market selling ball-bearings and car parts, the gems at Triwindu antiques market, appear even more dramatic and blissfully cheap compared to anywhere in Bali or Jakarta. On the fringes, next to a small stall selling greasy knobs and bolts, sunlight streams through Morrocan ceiling lamps saturated with color. There are venetian mirrors and transistor radios. A stall sells reproduction antique, hefty stone Buddha heads and brushed brass ganeshas of all sizes, next to a small case containing three, silk 1930s clutch-purses with delicate crystal embellishment (except that now there are two).
There are hip 1960s cocktail sets, straight from the pages of interior design magazines and about a tenth of the price of the same set in NYC or London. There are silver peacock-shaped door handles in painted wrought iron, gold vintage brooches and limestone elephants.
Because most of the goods from Triwindu are superior-quality, reproduction antiques and the rest genuine bric-a-brac from the last 60 years, prices are low. Sellers from all over come to Triwindu to sell their handiwork. It is worth a weekend trip to Solo just to furnish ones house with goods from Triwindu, or get a year's worth of gift-buying over in one morning. The sellers never harass and are open to bargaining.
Pasar Klewer
According to the tourism board, Pasar Klewer is the biggest batik and textile market in Indonesia. This may not be wholly true but it could possible be the friendliest. Ask to see a sarong and a podgy old lady will roll out the whole bunch and happily put them back when one walks away. Prices here are low. Expect to pay Rp 30.000 for a printed soft-cotton sarong or Rp 50.000 for a silk ready-made top.
Pasar Klewer (Klewer market)
Keraton Kasunanan
Javanese culture, dance, and music permeate the lives of the timeless occupants of the palace, from the guards to the royal orchestra. there are few things to see here, save for a few random artefacts and a large canoe. The palace is far more haphazard than the smaller mangkunegaran. It's unconventional charm, however, calls for a romantic stroll with the sand in one's toes. Gamelan practice is from 9am - 2pm daily.
Keraton Kasunanan
Istana Mangkunegaran
Mangkunegaran is perhaps the more cosmopolitan of the two Karatons of Surakarta. Mangkunegaran shares close ties with political powers of the past few decades.
Istana Mangkunegaran
Around the time of the Chinese rebellion against the Dutch, Raden Mas Said, the first Mangkunegaran Sultan, born in 1725, persuaded the powers that be to stop the war by signing the Salatiga treaty, during which time he became a sultan. He was like his successors to date, entitled to have his own city square, establish a women's centre, sit upon the throne and raise a pair of sacred banyan trees.
Though modelled on a typical keraton with fortress walls and a ceiling with a fire motif (each color represents a positive attribute and brings peace to the palace) Mangkunegaran went through major architectural changes during the colonial period and exhibits European decorative features typical of the period.
Why, such a lovely name for such a close-knit and affable town. Solo, previously known as 'Surakarta' was indeed, living by its namesake, until recently. A result, 99.9% of the population of Solo, a naturally halus or well-mannered people, are not only extremely friendly to visitors but also free of the 'hello mister' attitude that comes with big tourist traps. People in Solo love a visitor.
This is a town made for the open-air. Sit in a becak or hop on the back of an ojek or motorbike taxi, stop for nasi liwet at a small side-street or sing your heart out at one of the obscure karaoke shacks and bars, open until dawn. Though many places are open all night, Solo affectionately goes by the old moniker 'So-slow,' precisely what gives it such lovable appeal.
Triwindu Antiques Market
Nestled in a labyrinthian market selling ball-bearings and car parts, the gems at Triwindu antiques market, appear even more dramatic and blissfully cheap compared to anywhere in Bali or Jakarta. On the fringes, next to a small stall selling greasy knobs and bolts, sunlight streams through Morrocan ceiling lamps saturated with color. There are venetian mirrors and transistor radios. A stall sells reproduction antique, hefty stone Buddha heads and brushed brass ganeshas of all sizes, next to a small case containing three, silk 1930s clutch-purses with delicate crystal embellishment (except that now there are two).
There are hip 1960s cocktail sets, straight from the pages of interior design magazines and about a tenth of the price of the same set in NYC or London. There are silver peacock-shaped door handles in painted wrought iron, gold vintage brooches and limestone elephants.Because most of the goods from Triwindu are superior-quality, reproduction antiques and the rest genuine bric-a-brac from the last 60 years, prices are low. Sellers from all over come to Triwindu to sell their handiwork. It is worth a weekend trip to Solo just to furnish ones house with goods from Triwindu, or get a year's worth of gift-buying over in one morning. The sellers never harass and are open to bargaining.
Pasar Klewer
According to the tourism board, Pasar Klewer is the biggest batik and textile market in Indonesia. This may not be wholly true but it could possible be the friendliest. Ask to see a sarong and a podgy old lady will roll out the whole bunch and happily put them back when one walks away. Prices here are low. Expect to pay Rp 30.000 for a printed soft-cotton sarong or Rp 50.000 for a silk ready-made top.
Pasar Klewer (Klewer market)Keraton Kasunanan
Javanese culture, dance, and music permeate the lives of the timeless occupants of the palace, from the guards to the royal orchestra. there are few things to see here, save for a few random artefacts and a large canoe. The palace is far more haphazard than the smaller mangkunegaran. It's unconventional charm, however, calls for a romantic stroll with the sand in one's toes. Gamelan practice is from 9am - 2pm daily.
Keraton KasunananIstana Mangkunegaran
Mangkunegaran is perhaps the more cosmopolitan of the two Karatons of Surakarta. Mangkunegaran shares close ties with political powers of the past few decades.
Istana MangkunegaranAround the time of the Chinese rebellion against the Dutch, Raden Mas Said, the first Mangkunegaran Sultan, born in 1725, persuaded the powers that be to stop the war by signing the Salatiga treaty, during which time he became a sultan. He was like his successors to date, entitled to have his own city square, establish a women's centre, sit upon the throne and raise a pair of sacred banyan trees.
Though modelled on a typical keraton with fortress walls and a ceiling with a fire motif (each color represents a positive attribute and brings peace to the palace) Mangkunegaran went through major architectural changes during the colonial period and exhibits European decorative features typical of the period.
Sunday, March 8, 2009
Sedudo Traditional Bathing Ceremony
Nganjuk Map, East Java - IndonesiaSedudo Waterfall is situated about 27 kilometers south of Nganjuk, located at the foot of Mount. Wilis, at Ngliman, Sawahan district. This location is often visited by many of people especially during Suro, one of the months in the Javanese year.
This ritual bathing ceremony dates back to the time of the Majapahit Kingdom in the 14th and 15th centuries. According to the juru kunci (key keeper) of the Sedudo waterfall, based on the legend story, Ki Ageng Ngaliman - who spread Islam in Nganjuk - was used to meditate in the area. To regard his retribution, the district government and the public around, always held a traditional ceremony every Suro (Muharam). Also according to popular belief, Sedudo Waterfall was used to bath statue in Parna Prahista ceremony then the water spattered to the body of the family in order to grant eternal youth and safety.
The form of The traditional ceremony of taking up Sedudo sacral water is begin with 5 (five) sacred women bringing klenting, traditional water jars, dressed in Java traditional clothes, walk slowly to the pool under Sedudo waterfall. The 5 sacred women is following by 10 women with longhair. The 15 women are called Putri Tirtosasi (Tirtosari Princess). Five boys, called Jejaka Taruna, also dressed in Java traditional clothes are waiting for them under the waterfall. The procession is accompanied with Jidor, traditional drum and Sekar Mijil song. After the Tertosari Princesses gave klenting to them, they will take the water from the waterfall which is believed have savour. Then the water will dedicate as sacrifice.
This procession is led by the Regent of Nganjuk and followed by the local and the visitors who come from the whole Java. The form this procession is taking a bath together in the pool under Sedudo waterfall.For information, contact:
East Java Provincial Tourist Office at +62 31 853 1814/853 1815.
Sunday, February 22, 2009
Queen of the South - Parangtritis, Central Java
Queen of the South Sea - Ratu KidulJava's south coast is shrouded in mystery and legend, and nowhere is this more alive than in the heartland of Javanese culture and lore, Yogyakarta. The special province of Yogyakarta is remarkable for many reasons. It is home to a still-functioning royal court with a widely-loved monarch. Just to the north of the city is the legendary volcano, Merapi, also known for being the most active volcano in the world!
Parangtritis beach - Yogyakarta
Sunset in Parangtritis with andong - traditional trasportation in YogyakartaAnd directly to the south, forming the third element in this spiritual triumvirate is Parangtritis beach - where the Indian Ocean pounds against rugged, windswept shores, located about 27 km. from Yogyakarta. This is not the setting for your usual kind of beach holiday. Gone are the gently swaying palms and white sands - they are replaced with black volcanic sands and a sparse tumultuous environment of tossing seas and jagged rocks. The spirituality and vitality of Parangtritis is immediately apparent. This is no ordinary beach, it is the realm of ghosts and goddesses - it is the realm of queen Ratu Kidul or Nyai Loro Kidul.
Nyai Loro Kidul has many different names, which reflect the diverse stories of her origin in a lot of sagas, legends, myths and traditional folklore. Other names include Ratu Laut Selatan ("Queen of the South Sea," meaning the Indian Ocean) and Gusti Kangjeng Ratu Kidul. Many Javanese believe it is important to use various honorifics when referring to her, such as Nyai, Kangjeng, and Gusti. People who invoke her also call her Eyang (grandmother). In mermaid form she is referred to as Nyai Blorong. The Javanese word loro literally means two - 2 and merged into the name of the myth about the Spirit-Queen born as a beautiful girl/maiden. (Wiki)Nyai Loro Kidul is often illustrated as a mermaid with a tail as well the lower part of the body of a snake. The mythical creatures are claimed to take the soul of any who are wished for.
Sometimes Nyai Loro Kidul literally can be spoken of as a "naga", a mythical snake. This idea may have been derived from some myths concerning a princess of Pajajaran who suffered from leprosy. The skin disease mentioned in most of the myths about Nyai Loro Kidul might possibly refer to the shedding of a snake's skin.
Legends of Ratu Kidul and her tragic, demise abound. According to one account she was the great aunt of Raden Joko Suruh, an orphaned prince of the Pajajaran kingdom. It is said that she appeared to him as a hermit and instructed him to establish the Majapahit Empire in east Java. Many generations later, a descendant of Joko Suruh, came to the shores of Parangtritis to meditate in preparation for a great battle with the kingdoms of the north. He was visited by Ratu Kidul who took him to her underwater kingdom where he studied the arts of war and love. After three days he emerged at Parangkusumo. To this day, she is said to be in communion with each of the sultans of this line to aid them when they come and pray for her assistance. Parangkusumo also remains a place of great spiritual significance and constantly attracts pilgrims who leave offerings and pray for Ratu Kidul's help. Another regular visitor is the sultan himself. At his coronation ceremony in 1989, a sudden gust of fragrant wind was noted not only by the sultan but by many others in attendance. It is believed that this wind signified the spiritual presence of Ratu Kidul.
Ratu Kidul's favourite color is a special shade of pale yellow-green known as gadung melati. Local folklore warns visitors not to wear the colour green, or the Queen will entice the wearer into the ocean to drown. And that is why you will rarely see anyone wearing green near the beach. If you happen to be in the wrong place at the wrong time, Ratu Kidul or her one of her ministers, may just claim you as another subject in her underwater court. Each year the treacherous waters here take a few more lives, each year Ratu Kidul's watery court grows a little larger, and those who survive fo on whispering the legends of the ghostly queen.
Sunday, February 8, 2009
The Village of Tenganan in Bali
The village of Tenganan in Bali carefully preserves a cultural legacy dating back to the Majapahit Empire, and offers a unique glimpse into the lives of the first Balinese.Midway through each year, an undercurrent of intense excitement surrounds the unique Baliese village of Tenganan. A buffalo is ceremoniously slaughtered, while beautiful textile heirlooms are displayed in the open. An ancient wooden ferris wheels is specially constructed. And, perhaps most ominously, strips of thorny pandanese leaves are piled up, ready for the combat to begin.
All the action is in preparation for the village’s fifth-month celebrations. For hundreds of years, Tenganan has maintained its cultural authenticity through daily, weekly and monthly ritual and ceremony according to strict customary law. For the visitor, a visit to one of Bali’s most pristine villages is a glimpse of Bali as it once was – a time capsule preserving the lives of the original Balinese.
Ancient CultureTenganan is a walled communal village that has preserved its animistic cultural practices for hundreds of years. The village lies at the head of a narrow valley at the base of Bali’s sacred Mount Agung, about 3km into the hills from the eastern coastal holiday resort of Candi Dasa.
Locals call the Tenganese Bali Aga, or Bali Mula, meaning original Balinese. As such, their culture predates the Majapahit Empire (1294 to 1478) from which most mainstream Balinese claim cultural and spiritual descent. The 300 or so members of Tenganan communally own land that spreads far beyond the surrounding hills. They are reputed to be among the riches tribes on Bali.
You might not think Tenganan was so wealthy and socially complex at first sight. In this non-descript walled village, there are no streets or cars, merely two rows of houses doubling as shops, which face each other across an ancient village green.
Magical cloth
Tenganan is best known for its traditional cloth, called Kamben Gringsing, which transpates as both “flaming cloths” and “against sicknesses”. This peculiar double-ikat cloth – only woven elsewhere in Patola, India and Guatemala, Central America – is characterized by its distinctive colors. A group of four gringsing cloths takes up to eight years, and each piece can fetch as much as Rp 32 million (US$3,494). However, certain gringsing heirlooms are not for sale.
An element of mystique surrounds gringsing. In the 1930s, Miquel Covarrubias wrote in Island of Bali that kamben gringsing was once dyed in sacrificial human blood and possessed magical powers. In turn, the wearer was said to be protected from black magic. Many mainstream Balinese still avoid Tenganan today, fearing black magic.Clearly defined social structures forbid outsides marrying into the Tenganan community. Until 1925, marriage in Tenganan was only permitted within the village. Upon relaxation of this law, a village man could marry a single woman from one of the mainstream Balinese high castes without losing his right to live in the village. A villager breaking any of Tenganan’s laws is considered to be breaking divine law. The result is banishment for life to the outer village, to become a member of the organization of the fallen.
More than any other village in Bali, Tenganan performs rituals on a daily basis, to guarantee the spiritual purity and balance of the entire community. The most popular by far and highlight of the fifth Tenganan month is the thrilling mekare-kare (shiled) pandanas fighting.
Battle for blood
On the second day of the Usaba Sambah even from June 13 to 15 each year, Tenganan’s excitement reaches an electric and infectious climax. The atmosphere is tense as hundreds of local and foreign visitors armed with cameras edge forwards. Each strains to witness open combat, Tenganan style – combat between pairs of male villagers, boys and men alike, each armed with rattan shields and strips of thorny pandanas leaf.
Steadily, the rhythmic melody of the ancient gamelan orchestra builds, together with shouts of encouragement, as one combatant after another drinks rice wine, or tuak, before pairing off for battle.
Thwak! Thwak!This is no play fight. Males of all ages participate in mekare-kare combat – and the aim is to draw blood. When bleeding does occur, fighting is supposed to cease. But sometimes the head and fervor of the moment gain the upper hand, forcing elders to step in to separate combatants.
The fight’s main skill is in attacking and dodging. Attacking is done by scratching or hooking parts of the opponent’s body with strips of thorny pandanus leaf. Anything between the neck and the waist is considered fair game. By and large, most scratches occur on the back.
Remarkably, the fight’s rules demand blood. Fights averaging two-to-three minutes may take longer, because the referee won’t stop the fight until blood is drawn. Afterwards, injured parties are treated with traditional medicine called bareh, which repairs the skin in a matter of days.
Maintaining harmony
Villagers see this bloodletting ritual with no winners or losers as a healthy reinforcement of masculinity. Village elder, I Putu Suarjana, says that according to Tenganan tradition, the blood-letting helps maintain a harmonious village: “When someone is fighting in the mekare-kare, anger will rise within him. However as soon as the fight is over this anger will vanish involuntarily.”
As the males assert their virility, young girls reinforce their culture ties too, observing the combatants while wearing gringsing, family heirlooms handed down by generations.
Aside from these public displays of cultural continuity, other key actions are take to safeguard Tenganan, including limiting the spread of capitalism. When concerns arose that the integrity of the village was being eroded as more houses were used as shops, the village council decreed these be restored to their original structure. I Nyoman Sadra, another village elder, explains: “Over the next few years, all our shops will have moved to the parking lot outside the front gate. But visitors will still be able to come into our homes where the old arts, including the making of gringsing are practiced.”
While acknowledging the outside world, Tenganan continues to draw its strength from its traditions. Parts of Bali may be radically transformed by tourism and change, but Tenganan village is intent on remaining an island unto itself.
Words by Ed Bailitis - mandala mgz
