Giving thanks for water

Mon, November 11, 2019 / 06:47 pm

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Offerings shaped into cones to express gratitude by the farmers in Pluneng, Klaten regency, Central Java. JP/ Magnus Hendratmo
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Residents carry clay water jugs, as well as offerings, through paddy fields and Pluneng village. JP/ Magnus Hendratmo
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The jugs are filled with filled with water from the Tirto Mulyono and Tirto Mulyani springs. JP/ Magnus Hendratmo
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Teenage girls carry “klenting” (small clay water jugs). JP/ Magnus Hendratmo
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Residents carry offerings through the alleys of Pluneng village. JP/ Magnus Hendratmo
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Murals adorn the wall at the Tirto Mulyono spring. JP/ Magnus Hendratmo
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Residents sit in front of murals at the Tirto Mulyono spring. JP/ Magnus Hendratmo
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A participant enjoys the spring after the ceremony. JP/ Magnus Hendratmo

Magnus Hendratmo

The livelihoods of farmers depend on water. Those in Pluneng village in Klaten regency, Central Java, use water from the Tirto Mulyono and Tirto Mulyani springs.

The abundant water was seen as a blessing from God and residents held a ceremony called Syukuran Banyu (Thanksgiving for the Water) on Sept. 29. This year’s theme was “Sedulur Banyu” (We are all brothers and sisters held by water).

That day, residents carried clay water jugs around the village and through paddy fields to express gratitude. Offerings shaped into cones were also carried.

Afterward, they gathered on the edge of Tirto Mulyono and enjoyed lunch together.

The ceremony aimed to remind the residents to preserve the springs, as they protect their livelihoods. (wng)