Get to Know Central Java's Cultural Arts
Ditulis pada: July 02, 2021
Central Java is the capital city of Semarang. The majority of the people of Central Java consist of the Javanese, the largest ethnic group in Indonesia. Not only living in Central Java, but the Javanese are also scattered throughout Indonesia.
Therefore, the culture of Central Java is widely known by the people of Indonesia. Culture includes various aspects, such as dances, folk songs, food, traditional houses, and also language.
This province, which is located in the middle of Java Island, is also the center of Javanese culture because in this province many royal government centers have been established since the VII century. Starting from the Kaingga Buddhist Kingdom located in Jepara and led by Queen Sima in 674.
Then, there was also a Hindu kingdom led by King Sanjaya under the reign of Rakai Pikatan who came from the Sanjaya Dynasty. At that time, Rorojonggrang Temple was built, known as Prambanan Temple.
After that, the Buddhist Mataram Kingdom was also established which was under the reign of the Syailendra Dynasty. At that time, a temple was built which until now is known as a wonder of the world, namely Borobudur Temple. Long after that, the Hindu-style Majapahit Empire collapsed in the sixteenth century and an Islamic kingdom was established in Demak.
Among the most well-known Central Javanese culture are various dances. The dances originating from this province include the following.
Gambyong Dance
Gambyong lived during the time of Sinuhun Paku Buwono IV in Surakarta from 1788 to 1820. Gambyong was known as a beautiful dancer and had a beautiful dance.
Therefore, the Gambyong Dance was created. This dance is a social dance in society. If there is a Gambyong Dance performance, it will be opened first with Gendhing Pangkur. This dance is accompanied by the sound of drums, bonang, and gongs.
Serimpi Dance
The four elements symbolize the creation of man by involving the four winds. While the names of the four roles are Batak, Gulu, Dhada, and Buncit. The composition of this dance symbolizes the pillar of the pavilion which consists of four sides.
Serimpi dance consists of various names. Among them is the Srimpi Anglir Mendhung which is the Serimpi Dance which is considered sacred or sacred.
Bondan Payung Dance
Bondan Payung dance is a dance originating from the Surakarta area. This dance is danced by women. In this dance, a girl is depicted carrying a doll in her arms. In addition to the doll, the woman also brought an open umbrella.
Then, the woman danced happily on the jug. The jugs are stepped on and cannot be broken. This dance symbolizes a mother who always takes care of her child very carefully.
Peacock Dance
The Peacock Dance is a dance that is known in all corners of Java. This is because this dance is not only owned by the people of Central Java but also belongs to the people of West Java and East Java. However, each Peacock Dance originating from each of these provinces has a different version.
As shown in the name, this dance follows the movements of the peacock. This dance can be danced alone or in groups. The dancers will wear a scarf tied around their waist.
The shawl is then spread out like a peacock. In addition to scarves, dancers also wear a crown with the shape of a peacock's head.
Goose Dance
One of them plays a goddess who is considered majestic, while the other six act as swans that surround the goddess.
In addition to dances, the culture of Central Java also includes traditional houses. The Javanese traditional houses consist of four types, namely the form of the roast, the form of the village, the form of the pyramid, and the form of the joglo.
However, the joglo form is a traditional house that is widely known by the community. The house was then known as the joglo house. However, the joglo house is only owned by some people.
Only people who can afford a joglo house. Therefore, the joglo house was originally a symbol of certain social strata in Central Java society.
In general, the joglo house consists of three main parts, namely the pavilion, pringgitan, and omah ndalem (omah njero). The pendopo is the outermost part of the joglo house. The function of the pavilion is usually to receive guests who come to the house. Pringgitan is the central room of the joglo house.
Pringgitan comes from the word "ringgit" which means wayang kulit. Therefore, this room has a function to show wayang kulit. While Omah ndalem is the innermost part of the joglo house. Its function is a family gathering place. Omah ndalem has three senthong (rooms), namely senthong right, center, and left.
The joglo house is a square with four pillars in the middle. The four pillars are called sakaguru. The number of sakaguru is adjusted to the four cardinal directions. In the sakaguru there is a supported arrangement called intercropping.
Along with the development of the times, the shape of the joglo house is no longer square because of the addition of rooms that are tailored to the needs of people at this time. Although it looks simple, this joglo house was originally used as a palace, government office, to the house of priyayi.
Then, the culture of Central Java also includes a variety of traditional dishes. Until now, the traditional food of Central Java is growing and known throughout Indonesia, even starting to be introduced to the international community.
The famous traditional food of Central Java is spring rolls. Lumpia, which is a specialty of Semarang, is a fried snack that contains chicken, eggs, bamboo shoots, or shrimp. Spring rolls are usually served with a sweet thick sauce.
Another famous traditional food from Central Java is tempe mendoan. Tempe Mendoan comes from the Purwokerto area. Tempe mendoan is tempeh that is fried using flour. The cooking method is unique because the tempe mendoan is fried in very hot oil in a short time.
Thus, the tempe mendoan is not cooked properly when removed. Although not completely ripe, Mendoan tempeh has good nutritional content because tempeh is a healthy source of protein. Other typical foods include solo rice liwet, gandul pati rice, and holy Soto.
Thus, some of the typical cultures of Central Java include dances, traditional houses, and traditional food. There are still many cultural treasures originating from Central Java that is known by the public.
Therefore, the culture must always be protected and preserved by the whole community.
Watch this video of Serimpi Kandha Dance (credit to chanel Jogja Archieve)
