Hundreds of Christians attended Christmas Mass on Friday morning at a wooded spring in Ngandong village in Magelang regency, Central Java, on the slopes of Mt. Merapi.
Led by Catholic priests Singgih Guritno and Kirjito, the mass was chosen to be held at the Tuk Kethek (Monkey Spring) to highlight the message of preserving nature as part of Christian values.
"We want to show that monkeys are not the farmers' enemies; they are creatures that live side by side with other creatures, including human beings," Father Kirjito told The Jakarta Post.
Christmas in this particular region has for years been celebrated in nature, and messages of the importance of preserving nature are given through dialogues and performances.
The mass was also given in Javanese, and accompanied by the traditional Javanese gamelan music of the slendro and pelog types.
"We came in a group of 35 to celebrate Christmas here," said worshiper Voni Budiarto from Surabaya, East Java.
"It's really unique and touches directly the grassroots community. It's not an imported way of celebrating Christmas."
On Thursday night, masses were also held at the four churches in the district, Father Kirjito said.
At the St. Yusuf Church in Juwono village, Wates subdistrict, Father Singgih began the Javanese-language mass at 5 p.m., again to the accompaniment of the slendro.
Father Singgih also held mass at the St. Maria Lourdes Church in Sumber village, Sumber subdistrict, to the strains of the pelog.
Over in Gubug Selo Merapi, Grogol village, Mangunsoka subdistrict, Christmas Eve mass began at 7 p.m., led by Father Kirjito.
"We held the mass this year in a humble way," he told the Post.
At the Javanese Christian Church (GKJ) in Gledek village, Podosoko subdistrict, Candimulyo district, also in Magelang, Santa Claus made an appearance in uniquely Javanese attire.
Instead of his trademark red outfit with white trim, this black-bearded Santa rocked up in brown lurik cloth, a sarong and blangkon cap, riding a rickshaw.
He was accompanied by midgets, also decked out in Javanese dress.
Together they distributed presents while singing Christmas carols in the local dialect.
"We always celebrate Christmas with humanitarian activities, helping others regardless of the group they belong to," said event organizer Wardoyo, as quoted by Antara.
He added that because the village was rich in culture and arts, Christmas there was also celebrated with nuances of local creativity, which did not detract from the meaning of Christmas itself.
Local resident Stevanus Fardi, 58, said he appreciated Santa stopping by his house and giving him a present.
"Have a peaceful Christmas, and thanks for your help," he told Santa.
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