Tradisi Mawolai atau Ba Yaki Orang Ranomea

Summary

The video showcases the vibrant tradition of 'Bazaki' in Kelurahan Ranomea, South Minahasa, Indonesia. This unique cultural celebration involves people dressing up and painting their bodies black, resembling monkeys, and performing traditional dances and songs in gratitude for the new year. The community, ranging from children to adults, visits homes, sings spiritually uplifting songs, and receives offerings in return. The event emphasizes the preservation of local customs and highlights the importance of protecting monkeys, which are often seen as pests but also symbolize a message of environmental care and cultural heritage.

Takeaways

• 😀 Kelurahan Ranomea is a village in South Minahasa Regency, North Sulawesi, where local traditions are still strongly preserved.
• 😀 One of the prominent local traditions is called 'Bazaki,' which involves the community dressing up and painting themselves black to resemble monkeys.
• 😀 The tradition takes place every New Year's, specifically in early January, and is celebrated after church services on Sundays.
• 😀 The New Year's celebration in Ranomea lasts from the first to the last Sunday in January, unlike other villages which celebrate it on the fourth Sunday of the month.
• 😀 The term 'Bazaki' refers to this tradition, where groups of 15 or more people perform the ritual of painting themselves and singing spiritual songs.
• 😀 Participants dress in black, mimicking the appearance of monkeys, and wear yellow decorations made of palm leaves to enhance their costumes.
• 😀 The community sings songs of gratitude to God for the blessings of the past year, using traditional instruments like glass bottles, bamboo, and stones.
• 😀 After singing and dancing, the villagers receive offerings from homeowners, such as money, soap, or drinks like Fanta and Coca-Cola.
• 😀 The tradition is not limited to Ranomea but is also performed in neighboring villages such as Kondang, Bitung, and Pinaling, and even at the South Minahasa Regent's office.
• 😀 The ritual symbolizes the people's gratitude for a bountiful life, with an underlying message of protecting monkeys and not hunting them due to their declining population.

Q & A

What is the cultural tradition described in the transcript?

The cultural tradition is called 'Sima Walay' or 'Bayak,' which takes place in the village of Ranomea, Minahasa Selatan, Sulawesi Utara, and involves people dressing up and performing a unique ritual during the New Year celebration.

When does the 'Sima Walay' tradition occur?

The tradition takes place during the New Year, specifically starting from the first week of January and continuing until the last week of the month.

What makes the 'Sima Walay' tradition unique?

The uniqueness of the tradition lies in the costumes worn by participants, who paint their bodies black to resemble monkeys, and the use of traditional instruments like glass bottles and bamboo sticks for musical accompaniment.

How do participants in the 'Sima Walay' tradition perform their ritual?

Participants, ranging from children to adults, sing religious songs and dance while visiting homes. They are rewarded with money or drinks such as soda, after which they perform a unique dance in return.

What is the cultural significance of the 'Sima Walay' tradition?

The tradition symbolizes gratitude to God for the blessings of the past year, and it also represents a form of community celebration and the preservation of local culture and heritage.

What do the participants wear during the 'Sima Walay' ritual?

Participants wear costumes that include black paint covering their bodies, resembling monkeys, and adorn their costumes with 'parunduk' or yellow coconut leaves to enhance the appearance.

How is the 'Sima Walay' tradition different from other villages in the region?

Unlike other villages that celebrate the New Year at the end of January, Ranomea celebrates the 'kunci tahun' (New Year festival) from the first Sunday of January until the last Sunday of the month.

What message does the 'Sima Walay' tradition convey regarding monkeys?

The tradition also carries a moral message about the preservation of monkeys, highlighting their significance and urging the community not to hunt them, as monkeys are sometimes seen as pests to agriculture.

What role does music play in the 'Sima Walay' tradition?

Music plays a crucial role in energizing the celebration. Traditional instruments like bamboo, glass bottles, and wooden sticks are used to accompany the songs, which are sung to express thanks for God's blessings.

Where else is the 'Sima Walay' tradition observed aside from Ranomea?

The 'Sima Walay' tradition is also practiced in nearby villages like Kondang, Bitung, and Pinaling, and sometimes even at the official residence of the Bupati (regent) of Minahasa Selatan.