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Sragen village goes back in time to preserve cultural heritage
Previously celebrated in 2006, Merti Umbul Bayanan returned as not only an expression of gratitude but also as an effort to preserve the local culture and promote tourism in the village.
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The "gunungan" (offerings) are placed inside the hot spring. (JP/Stefanus Ajie)
T
raditional ceremonies held as an expression of gratitude for the blessings of abundant natural resources have long been part of cultural practices observed throughout the archipelago.
In Jambeyan village, Sragen regency, Central Java, such a tradition named Merti Umbul Bayanan was observed for three days starting from Thursday.
Previously celebrated in 2006, Merti Umbul Bayanan returned as not only an expression of gratitude but also as an effort to preserve the local culture and promote tourism in the village.
The ceremony began on Thursday afternoon with the men of Jambeyan village cleaning up the area around the Bayanan hot spring pool.
Located at the southeast hilly part of Mount Lawu, the hot spring is considered a punden (shrine), or a historical place where the neighborhood of Jambeyan originated.
Meanwhile, the women of the village were busy cooking various dishes to be served at the kenduri (a ritual of blessing or remembrance) event at the Bayanan hot spring.
Once the cleaning process was complete, the Jambeyan villagers gathered at the hot spring to join the kenduri procession. The elders led prayers of gratitude and hoped that Friday’s peak event of the Merti Umbul Bayanan ceremony will proceed smoothly.
