Jakarta, IO – Various traditions are carried out by people from various regions on the night of the first Suro which falls on Tuesday (18/7). The celebration, based on Javanese calendar, was held to welcome the Islamic New Year, Wednesday (19/7).
Most of the traditions that are carried out are plays passed down from generation to generation since tens or hundreds of years ago. Even though it is identical to the event in Javanese palaces, the celebration of the Satu Suro night is still carried out by people who believe in traditions, per pikiran-rakyat.
The celebration was carried out as a form of prayer for personal safety. The night of Satu Suro is also usually filled with self-reflection to open a new chapter in life.
One of the most familiar Satu Suro traditions is the Kirab Pusaka Keraton Kasunanan Surakarta. There are 10 heirlooms belonging to the palace which are washed and paraded by the royal family to the royal courtiers.
Meanwhile, in Cirebon, the night of Satu Suro has a special meaning for the Kanoman Palace. The events include the reading of Babad Cirebon or Cirebon history, and accompanied by various other traditions such as a pilgrimage to the tomb of Sunan Gunung Jati in Astana Village, Gunung Jati district, Cirebon regency.
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Another Satu Suro tradition that is no less interesting is Topo Bisu in Yogyakarta Palace. The ritual is performed without uttering a single word. This tradition is marked by walking around the Yogyakarta Palace.
This ritual was attended by hundreds of people, from the royal family and courtiers of the Yogyakarta Palace. It signifies introspection and a closer personal relationship with God the Almighty. (un)