Perkawinan Tradisional Adat Dayak Ngaju. Kalimantan Tengah

Summary

This script offers a detailed look into the sacred and culturally rich Dayak Ngaju wedding ceremony. It describes various stages, including the groom's journey to the bride's house, symbolic rituals like the Lawang Sakepeng (gateway ceremony), and the ceremonial purification process. The traditions emphasize unity, mutual respect, and overcoming challenges together in marriage. Rituals such as the exchange of vows, signing of marriage agreements, and blessings by elders reinforce the deep cultural significance of the union. The ceremony concludes with well-wishes, highlighting the community’s shared values of harmony and prosperity.

Takeaways

• 😀 The Dayak Ngaju ethnic group has a sacred and meaningful cultural marriage tradition.
• 😀 Marriage in Dayak Ngaju society follows a series of ceremonial stages, starting with a ritual known as 'mamangul majami'.
• 😀 The marriage process includes a symbolic act of breaking threads as a representation of overcoming obstacles together in life.
• 😀 The 'Lawang sakepeng' ceremony involves the bridegroom's entourage being stopped by a barrier, symbolizing the challenges that must be overcome for a successful marriage.
• 😀 The meaning of 'Lawang sakepeng' is to protect the couple from negative influences or misfortune in their marriage.
• 😀 The 'Mama Pas' ceremony is a symbolic purification ritual to cleanse the couple and their environment from evil spirits.
• 😀 At the groom's house, the couple is greeted with a scattering of rice and flowers, signifying the prosperity and purity of the marriage.
• 😀 The 'HP Lex Talung' ritual involves dialogue between representatives of both families to discuss marriage terms, including obligations and sanctions.
• 😀 The wedding ceremony culminates in the 'Hatatai' or 'Pengantin Khas Sakit' ceremony, which formally seals the marriage according to Dayak Ngaju tradition.
• 😀 The final step includes the couple signing a marriage contract with witness signatures, which confirms the mutual commitments and responsibilities in the marriage.

Q & A

What is the significance of the Dayak Ngaju marriage ceremony?

The Dayak Ngaju marriage ceremony holds deep cultural and spiritual value. It involves several steps that are symbolic and are passed down through generations, reflecting the community’s traditions and sacred practices.

What is the first major step in the Dayak Ngaju marriage ceremony?

The first major step is the 'penganten haggai,' where the groom, along with his entourage, travels to the bride’s house, marking the beginning of the marriage process. This is preceded by a prayer or simple thanksgiving ceremony.

What is the meaning of 'Lawang sakepeng' in the ceremony?

The 'Lawang sakepeng' is a symbolic barrier created using coconut palm leaves and decorated with flower petals. The groom and his entourage must break this barrier to enter the bride's house, representing overcoming obstacles together in their married life.

How does the 'Lawang sakepeng' ceremony contribute to the couple's life together?

This ceremony symbolizes that the couple will face and overcome challenges together in their marriage, ensuring a harmonious and cooperative relationship. It also wards off bad omens and obstacles that might hinder their union.

What is the purpose of the 'mama pas' ritual in the Dayak Ngaju wedding?

The 'mama pas' ritual involves a symbolic cleansing to ensure that both the bride and groom, as well as the wedding environment, are free from evil spirits or negative energies, ensuring a blessed and prosperous life together.

What does the 'mama pas' ritual include?

During this ritual, the bride and groom are sprinkled with rice and flower petals. This act signifies purification and protection from bad spirits, ensuring the home and marriage are kept safe and free from harm.

What is the significance of the 'HP Lex Talung' ceremony?

The 'HP Lex Talung' ceremony is a dialogue between the representatives of the groom and bride’s families. This exchange is an important part of the marriage agreement, ensuring that both parties agree to the terms and conditions of the marriage.

What does the 'sakit' ceremony symbolize in the Dayak Ngaju wedding?

The 'sakit' ceremony, which marks the official acknowledgment of the marriage, symbolizes the union of the couple according to traditional Dayak Ngaju customs. It is a sacred ritual that reinforces the commitment to each other.

What is the significance of the marriage contract ('surat perjanjian kawin') in the ceremony?

The 'surat perjanjian kawin' is a marriage contract where the couple pledges their commitment to uphold the marriage's duties, obligations, and responsibilities. It is signed by both parties and witnessed by their families, ensuring that both sides agree to the terms.

What happens after the 'sakit' ceremony in the Dayak Ngaju wedding?

After the 'sakit' ceremony, the marriage proceedings continue with a festive celebration that includes the 'Marwah' ritual and welcoming the new family member into the groom’s household. This signifies the formal union of the couple and the integration of the bride into the groom’s family.