'Nyadran', a tradition of self-cleansing for the Holy Month

Sun, 08/31/2008 10:33 AM  |  Lifestyle

It is fasting time again. One to two weeks prior to the arrival of this Islamic holy month, we can easily find in the rural areas of Java a sadranan rite, which is locally known as nyadran or ruwahan (a visit to a holy place) as it is carried out in the month of Ruwah according to the Javanese calendar.

These rites are unique and have a mystical/religious nuance. Nyadran usually occurs at places considered sacred and holy, particularly the graves of one's ancestors or those of great figures who have done much to propagate religion in the past.

The community lay down tenong before congregating in prayer. (JP/Ganug Nugroho Adi)

This tradition, which is still observed by the rural people, symbolizes the relationship between a Javanese and his ancestors as well as between human beings and their fellow beings and, of course, between human beings and God. The nyadran tradition, which is essentially a visit to a graveyard in the month of Syaban (in the Arabic calendar) or Ruwah in the Javanese calendar, has become almost an obligation for the Javanese.

Visiting the graveyards of ancestors while at the same time cleaning them and praying, asking for forgiveness, is a symbol of devotion and an expression of respect as well as gratitude to the ancestors. This tradition's significance in preparation for fasting during Ramadan is to ensure you will receive God's blessing and also that God accepts your religious devotion.

To the Javanese, nyadran is a means of self-purification. They visit the graves of their ancestors, remove weeds from the gravestones and hold a ritual feast.

Although nyadran and a visit to the grave both entail visiting a cemetery, the former is different in meaning from the latter. For instance, the time for a nyadran rite is determined by the party who has authority over the area where the rite is practiced. In nearly all the villages, it is the caretaker of a cemetery/sacred place -- a village elder or someone considered most senior in the community.

Also, unlike a visit to the graveyard, the nyadran rite is conducted collectively and involves all village members.

Various foods are given as offerings. After the prayers, the offerings are eaten. (JP/Ganug Nugroho Adi)

A nyadran rite usually takes place at two rural centers, a graveyard and a mosque. After the grave is cleaned, a ritual feast is then held in a mosque or in a rural cemetery. As is a ritual feast in general, the feast in the context of a nyadran rite consists of prayer and eating ceremonial rice, namely the yellow-colored rice cone with ingkung (roasted) chicken, urapan (vegetables mixed with grated coconut and spices) plus fruit and snacks.

In villages with a strong nyadran tradition, the locals will place various offerings on a tenong (a round tray made of plaited bamboo, covered with banana or teak leaves). A tenong is intended for several people. When the prayer is over, it is a communal meal.

The nyadran rite is performed not only in the rural cemetery where the ancestors are buried but also at the graves of eminent Muslims who have made significant contributions to the spread of Islam, or in locations which in the past served as Islamic centers.

-- Ganug Nugroho Adi

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