tari Seblang - film dokumenter Tari Seblang - Banyuwangi

Summary

Seblang is a traditional dance of the Osing people in Banyuwangi, Indonesia, performed to express gratitude and ward off misfortune. Originating in 1930 during a devastating epidemic, the dance involves possession by ancestral spirits to determine its execution. Distinct performances occur in two villages: Olehsari, featuring younger female dancers, and Bakungan, showcasing older women. Rituals surrounding Seblang emphasize community engagement, health, and spirituality. This cultural heritage, enriched by music and traditional practices, fosters communal harmony and reflects the Osing people's identity, making it a vital part of their heritage.

Takeaways

• 😀 Seblak is a traditional dance from the Osing people of Banyuwangi, Indonesia, used for village rituals and to express gratitude.
• 🎉 The term 'seblang' means 'losing misfortune' and is performed during specific rituals, particularly in the villages of Bakungan and Olehsari.
• 💃 Seblang dance involves participants entering a trance state, believed to be induced by ancestral spirits.
• 📅 The ritual takes place once a year in the month of Syawal, as a form of village celebration and to commemorate past hardships.
• 👵 There are two distinct styles of Seblang dance: one performed by young women in Olehsari and the other by elderly women in Bakungan, showcasing generational differences.
• 🕊️ The dance is characterized by the use of specific props; for example, Olehsari dancers use a broom, while Bakungan dancers wield a keris (dagger).
• 🔮 During the performance, dancers are believed to be possessed by different ancestral spirits, which guide their movements.
• 🎶 The music played during Seblang has reduced in number over the years, with only 31 out of the original 44 melodies currently performed.
• 🧘‍♀️ After the dance, participants undergo a cleansing ritual known as 'ngelusur,' which involves bathing in water that has been blessed during the performance.
• 🌿 The Seblang ritual is seen as a cultural heritage that promotes health, prosperity, and harmony within the Olehsari community.

Q & A

What is Seblak and its cultural significance?

Seblak is a traditional dance of the Osing tribe in Banyuwangi, performed as a ritual for village cleansing and as a form of gratitude. It is characterized by a trance state among the dancers.

What does the term 'Seblang' mean?

'Seblang' is derived from the words 'sebili' and 'ilang', meaning 'to make misfortunes disappear'. It symbolizes the removal of negative influences from the village.

How is the Seblang dance performed?

The Seblang dance is performed by individuals who enter a trance, often guided by ancestral spirits. The performance is accompanied by traditional music and specific rituals.

What is the historical context of Seblang?

The Seblang ritual has its origins in 1930 and was initially performed to combat a plague affecting the village, allowing communication with ancestors for guidance.

How do the Seblang dances in Bakungan and Olehsari differ?

The Seblang dance in Olehsari is performed by young women using a sweeping motion to symbolize the removal of illness, while in Bakungan, older women use a kris to ward off evil and disease.

What role do ancestral spirits play in the Seblang ritual?

Ancestral spirits are believed to possess dancers during the performance, guiding the rituals and determining the timing and participants of the dance.

What rituals precede the Seblang dance?

Before the Seblang dance, various rituals are conducted, including offerings at seven water sources in the village of Olehsari to seek blessings and guidance.

How many traditional melodies are used in Seblang, and how has this changed over time?

Originally, 44 melodies were used in Seblang, but this has decreased to 31 due to challenges in mastering some of the traditional gending among musicians.

What is the significance of the 'ngelusur' ritual after the Seblang performance?

'Ngelusur' is a cleansing ritual performed for seven days after the Seblang dance, involving water infused with offerings, which is then used by the villagers for various household purposes.

Who assists the dancers during the Seblang ritual, and what is their role?

An elder, known as 'Mbah', assists the dancers by guiding them into a trance, helping them connect with ancestral spirits, and overseeing the preparation of the rituals.