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Tulude marks Sangihe regency's anniversary
Letâs get the party started: A youth marching band parades in Sangihe Islands, North Sulawesi, is reflected in the water, in the run up to the Tulude celebration
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span class="inline inline-center">Let's get the party started: A youth marching band parades in Sangihe Islands, North Sulawesi, is reflected in the water, in the run up to the Tulude celebration.
As an expression of gratitude to Mawu Ruata Ghenggona Langi, or Almighty God, the Sangir people held a New Year's ritual called Tulude on the grounds of the Sangihe Islands regent's office in North Sulawesi on Jan. 31.
During the annual tradition, which also marked the 590th anniversary of Sangihe Islands regency, people are invited to bring their own food to join in the party.
The practice has led the festival to be given another name: Saliwangu Banua, or people's feast.
Prior to this year's observation of Tulude, the regency administration declared Sangihe Tourism Year 2015 and opened a Sangihe Cultural Week at the old port of Tahuna.
Historically, Tulude was first observed in Manuwo (Salurang), South Tabukan district, during the rule of Kulano Manentonau in the early 16th century.
The religious ritual, handed down through generations, has become part of the local culture and gradually observed throughout North Sulawesi, due to the presence of Sangir people throughout the area.
Observed long before the nation was formed, Tulude traditionally marked the turn of the year on Dec. 31. The date was later shifted to coincide with the Sangihe Islands regency's birthdate on Jan. 31.
In 1995, the Sangihe Regency Legislative Council agreed to make Jan. 31 an anniversary feast holiday, clearing the whole day for Tulude ceremonies.
The program started in the morning with the sounding of tagonggong drums in a parade that passed through the residential areas and proceeded in a crescendo with the Tulude ritual in the afternoon and evening.
No Tulude is complete without a tamo cake, which following a procession and dance performances, is ceremonially cut by a community elder. Tamo is made of glutinous rice mixed with brown sugar and coconut milk and takes the form of a cone garnished with fruit.
The cake must be prepared in the house of mayore labo, a community chief who is a descendant of the royal family. It is the most prominent of all the dishes served and a nationalist symbol, as shown by banners fixed on top of the cake.
After the tamo was cut, Sangihe Islands Regent Hironimus Rompas Makagansa accompanied North Sulawesi Governor Sinyo Harry Sarundajang to the tents in the yard to savor various dishes districts in the regency, while asking those present to join the party.
' Words and Photos by JP/P.J. Leo
