SEJARAH SEKATEN

Summary

This video provides an insightful exploration of Sekaten, an annual cultural celebration held at the Kraton Yogyakarta to honor the birth of Prophet Muhammad. The event, originating from Majapahit and later adopted by the Demak Sultanate, features traditional rituals, including the iconic Sekaten gamelan and symbolic offerings like food and religious symbols. The video details the rich ceremonies, such as Numplak Wajik and the Grebeg Maulud procession, which involve the preparation of ritual foods, ceremonial performances, and a symbolic distribution of blessings to the community. The celebration is a symbol of gratitude and cultural heritage for the people of Yogyakarta.

Takeaways

• 😀 Sekaten is a traditional event held in Yogyakarta's Kraton, celebrated from the 5th to the 12th of Maulud to honor the birth of Prophet Muhammad.
• 😀 The word 'Sekaten' derives from 'Sekat' which refers to a gamelan set originating from Majapahit and later owned by the Demak Kingdom, and is used as a sacred item in the Yogyakarta Kraton.
• 😀 The event includes a series of rituals, such as the preparation of gamelan, coins, and a script about the Prophet Muhammad, followed by the sounding of two gamelan sets: Kanjeng Kyai Guntur Madu and Kyai Nogo Wilogo.
• 😀 The Sultan participates in the ceremony by reading the Prophet Muhammad's biography and distributing 'udik-udik' (blessed items) before returning to the Kraton.
• 😀 Traditional foods are sold during Sekaten, each with symbolic meaning, such as 'hilang' (betel leaves symbolizing truth), 'endhog abang' (eggs symbolizing controlling anger), and 'nasi gurih' (rice believed to be favored by Prophet Muhammad).
• 😀 Sekaten also includes the ritual of numplak wajik, where a ceremonial offering in the form of a 'gunungan' (a mountain-shaped offering) is made, symbolizing the king's charity to his people.
• 😀 Numplak wajik is marked by the preparation of various traditional foods like jenang (sweet porridge), rujak (fruit salad), and tumpeng (rice cone) to be offered during the ritual.
• 😀 The gunungan prepared for the numplak wajik ceremony is made of wood and bamboo, decorated with offerings such as sweet rice and fruits, and eventually distributed to the public.
• 😀 The Grebeg Maulud is the grand finale of Sekaten, where large 'gunungan' representing various royal figures, such as the king, queen, princes, and royal descendants, are carried around and distributed to the public for blessings.
• 😀 The Grebeg ceremony symbolizes the Sultan's generosity and protection for his people, with the public receiving parts of the gunungan, believed to bring prosperity and ward off misfortune.

Q & A

What is the main purpose of the Sekaten celebration?

Sekaten is held to commemorate the birth of Prophet Muhammad (Shallallahu Alaihi Wasallam) and is an annual event celebrated at the Keraton Yogyakarta.

Where is Sekaten celebrated and during which time of the year?

Sekaten is celebrated at the Kraton (Palace) of Yogyakarta, typically from the 5th to the 12th of Maulud (the Islamic month).

What is the origin of the term 'Sekaten'?

The term 'Sekaten' comes from 'Sekaten', a traditional gamelan set originating from Majapahit, later passed to the Demak kingdom and used during the Sekaten ceremony.

What is the significance of the two gamelan instruments, Kanjeng Kyai Guntur Madu and Kyai Nogo Wilogo?

These gamelan instruments are played during Sekaten as sacred objects and are part of the cultural and religious rituals, with deep historical ties to the Yogyakarta Kraton.

What ritual follows the playing of the gamelan during Sekaten?

After the gamelan is played, it is moved to the grounds of the Great Mosque, where a special recitation of the Prophet Muhammad's life story is read by the Sultan, followed by the spreading of offerings.

What are some symbolic foods sold during Sekaten and their meanings?

During Sekaten, foods like hilang (betel leaves), endhog abang (red eggs), nasi gurih (savory rice), and pecut (whip) are sold. Each food carries symbolic meanings, such as speaking the truth, controlling desires, and following the path to purity.

What is the purpose of the Numplak Wajik ceremony in Sekaten?

Numplak Wajik is a ritual marking the start of creating gunungan, a symbol of the king's charity to the people. It involves preparing various food offerings and is a crucial part of Sekaten.

How are the food offerings arranged during the Numplak Wajik ceremony?

Food offerings like jenang (traditional desserts), various types of rice, and rujak (fruit salad) are arranged in specific patterns and used in the Numplak Wajik ceremony, symbolizing prosperity and harmony.

What is the significance of the Grebeg Maulud celebration in Sekaten?

Grebeg Maulud is the peak of Sekaten, a procession of symbolic offerings (gunungan) made from agricultural products that are paraded around and then shared with the community, symbolizing blessings and protection.

What are the different types of gunungan used during the Grebeg Maulud ceremony?

There are several types of gunungan during the Grebeg Maulud: Gunungan Kakung (representing the king), Gunungan Estri (representing the queen), Gunungan Dhara (representing the princes and princesses), and others symbolizing the royal family and prosperity.