;

Translate

Saturday, August 24, 2013

AN EVENING IN THE LAND OF THE "RENCONG." (ACEH) and PRESENTING THE GROOM (SOUTH SUMATRA)

Saturday, August 24, 2013

AN EVENING IN THE LAND OF THE "RENCONG." (ACEH)

Tonight we introduce you to some of the unique arts of this region commencing with a parade of wedding costumes from 8 of these sub-regions.
"Rencong" is a traditional dagger with ornamentation and is a feature of the Aceh region. Our display of "Ren¬cong" this Evening includes several unique and exquisitely made examples. Rencong made from ivory, or even from gold, — may be encrusted with valuable gems.

This evening we will also offer a display of local handi¬craft for sale including samples of sought-after gold-threaded Acehnese woven fabrics.
"Seruni Kale", a traditional religious musical style with a distinct piped rhythm, is characteristically Acehnese music_ Songs praise God.(Rabana) and His works or are drawn from the stories of the Prophet Mohammad.

The God-fearing nature of the Acehnse is further re¬flected in the next item on this evening's program: the Rampai Aceh and"Hu" dances. Body movements produce sounds that combine with the voices of the dancers to create a unique and memorable experience.

Finally join us as we witness the Acehnese art of "P'mtoh". A single performer sings a story to his own hand drum accompaniment where spontaneity and improvisation add to real communication between the entertainer and his audience.

PRESENTING THE GROOM (SOUTH SUMATRA)

Wedding ceremonies throghout the Indonesian archipae¬ligo are enriched with local rituals and ceremonies that offer a unique window on local life and customs. Join us as we look in on a unique tradition at South Sumateran weddings known locally as Mangarak Pacar (Presenting the Groom).
Even after the exchange of wedding vows, the groom is not allowed to move in with his wife. 

He must bide his time until the day of "Munggah" (climax of the wedding ceremo¬nies) when the"Mengarak Pacar" ceremony is performed. This ceremony, performed up to several days after the official exchange of vows (akad nikah), takes place in the evening and involves the presentation of a "kris"- a delicately forged traditional dagger imbued with spiritual significance and powers - by the groom's family to the bride.

The"kris"is carried in an elaborate parade along with variousflowers to the bride's home.. The groom’s brother, who usually heads this family group, presents the “kris” and flowers to the bride who accepts the kris into her care as a symbol of the manner in which she undertakes to take the groom  into her life.

The bride, in the presence of her whole family, receives the kris and then kisses and venerates the “kris” as if to say "you are my husband and as of this instantI accept and receive you into my home and life and herewit undertake to fulfill all the duties associated with being queen of our house  hold,"
South Sumaterans are not only sharp when it comes to getting married but have also used their talents to prepare a whole host of Sumateran arts for your enjoyment this evening.


TRIMA KASIH ATAS KUNJUNGANNYA

SEJARAH BUDAYA - 11:45 PM