Budaya Unik Kota Tangerang

Summary

Tangerang, the largest city in Banten Province, is known for its industrial significance, but it also boasts a rich cultural heritage. This includes the Betawi wedding tradition of 'Palang Pintu,' a symbolic ritual to gain approval for marriage, and the 'Keramas' ritual at the Cisadane River, where locals cleanse themselves before Ramadan. The Peh Cun Festival celebrates dragon boat races and the eating of bakcang, while the Lenggang Cisadane Dance blends local cultural influences. Finally, the Sedekah Bumi Kirab is a thanksgiving ceremony for the harvest. These traditions highlight the deep cultural values of Tangerang’s community.

Takeaways

• 😀 Tangerang is the largest city in Banten province and the third-largest city in the Greater Jakarta area (Jabodetabek).
• 😀 Despite its industrial reputation, Tangerang is home to diverse cultural traditions that are worth exploring.
• 😀 The Palang Pintu tradition, a Betawi wedding custom, involves a series of events to symbolize the groom's determination to win the bride's family’s approval.
• 😀 During the Palang Pintu, the groom faces challenges like pantun (poetry contests), pencak silat (martial arts), and religious readings to prove his worthiness.
• 😀 The cleansing ritual in the Cisadane River before Ramadhan symbolizes both physical and spiritual purification, as well as community bonding.
• 😀 The Peh Cun festival, celebrated annually on May 5th, features dragon boat races and eating *bakcang* to honor Chinese heritage in Tangerang.
• 😀 Peh Cun has historical significance, originating in 1900 when a local Chinese leader donated a boat to the Boen Tek Bio temple.
• 😀 The Lenggang Cisadane dance, created in 2011, merges Betawi, Sundanese, Chinese, and Arab cultural influences to celebrate local traditions.
• 😀 The dance was created by Muhammad Yunus Sanusi to preserve local culture and address the decline of cultural appreciation among youth.
• 😀 The Sedekah Bumi Kirab is an agricultural festival that celebrates gratitude for harvests, features food offerings, and includes traditional performances.

Q & A

What is the meaning behind the Palang Pintu tradition in Betawi culture?

The Palang Pintu tradition is a Betawi wedding custom where the groom must prove his determination and commitment to marrying the bride. The groom faces challenges from the bride's family, including a poetry battle (pantun), traditional martial arts (pencak silat), and religious readings, symbolizing his readiness to become a good leader for the family.

Why do people in Tangerang participate in the Keramas di Sungai Cisadane ritual?

The Keramas di Sungai Cisadane ritual is performed by residents of Tangerang to cleanse themselves physically and spiritually before the month of Ramadhan. It is also a way to foster good relationships within the community, symbolizing the cleansing of both body and heart.

What is the significance of the Peh Cun Festival in Tangerang?

The Peh Cun Festival is a traditional Chinese celebration held annually in Tangerang, marked by dragon boat races and the consumption of bakcang (a type of dumpling). The festival originated from a donation of a boat to the Boen Tek Bio Temple in the early 1900s and became a significant community event in the region.

How did the Peh Cun Festival move from Jakarta to Tangerang?

The Peh Cun Festival originally took place in Jakarta but was moved to Tangerang in 1900 due to the shallow rivers in Jakarta. This change allowed for better dragon boat races on the Cisadane River, where the event continues to be celebrated today.

What is the purpose of the Tari Lenggang Cisadane dance?

The Tari Lenggang Cisadane dance was created to preserve local culture, especially among the youth. It combines elements from Betawi, Sundanese, Javanese, and Arab cultures and was designed to promote cultural pride and understanding in Tangerang.

Who created the Tari Lenggang Cisadane dance and when was it established?

The Tari Lenggang Cisadane dance was created by Muhammad Yunus Sanusi, a teacher of arts and culture, in 2011. It was designed as a cultural expression that blends multiple cultural influences to celebrate the local heritage.

What is the Sedekah Bumi Kirab festival about?

The Sedekah Bumi Kirab festival is a harvest celebration in which the community expresses gratitude for the bountiful harvest. It involves a parade of agricultural products and traditional foods, accompanied by performances of traditional dances and mask theater.

What is the significance of the Sedekah Bumi Kirab festival to the people of Tangerang?

The Sedekah Bumi Kirab festival is significant to the people of Tangerang as it symbolizes thanksgiving to the creator for a successful harvest and a peaceful, harmonious life. It also reflects the diverse cultures and traditions coexisting in the region.

What role do traditional performances like dance and mask theater play in the Sedekah Bumi Kirab festival?

Traditional performances such as dance and mask theater enhance the celebration of the Sedekah Bumi Kirab festival by providing entertainment and cultural expression. These performances help convey the community’s gratitude and appreciation for the harvest while preserving local artistic traditions.

What impact does the preservation of cultural traditions have on the younger generation in Tangerang?

The preservation of cultural traditions, like the Tari Lenggang Cisadane, has a significant impact on the younger generation by fostering a sense of pride in their heritage. It also helps maintain cultural continuity and prevents the loss of local values, particularly in a rapidly modernizing city like Tangerang.