Ritual Jamasan Pusaka in Batang Regency, Preserving the 1 Suro Night Tradition

GalaPos ID, Batang-Central Java

The Javanese New Year’s Eve, or the 1 Suro Night, coinciding with the 1 Muharram 1446 Hijriyah, is celebrated with profound sacredness by the Muslim community in Java. An integral part of this celebration is the ritual of "jamasan," a sacred cleansing ceremony of heirlooms symbolizing purification and respect for ancestral heritage.

In Batang Regency, the jamasan ritual was solemnly conducted at the Batang Regency Pendapa. The focal point of this ritual was the Kyai Abirawa Heirloom Spear, an artifact from the era of Islamic Mataram rule. The ceremony began with a procession of the Kyai Abirawa Spear and the Sungsung Tunggul Naga Umbrella, accompanied by 70 other heirlooms, including 55 spears, 14 keris (daggers), and one sword.

The procession circled the Pendapa, enveloped in the fragrant aroma of incense and floral water, creating a sacred atmosphere. Raden Susanto Waluyo, the heir of the Kyai Abirawa Spear, initiated the ceremony with prayers to Allah Ta'ala. Subsequently, the Acting Regent of Batang, Lani Dwi Rejeki, led the purification ritual by washing the spear’s tip, symbolizing the cleansing and preservation of cultural heritage.

“This is not just about cleaning; it’s an effort to preserve culture and remind the younger generation that Batang has an ancestral heirloom spear symbolizing the struggles of the Islamic Mataram era,” emphasized Lani Dwi Rejeki after the ritual at the Batang Regency Pendapa on Saturday, July 6, 2024.

Bambang Suryantoro Sudibyo, Head of the Batang Regency Education and Culture Office, mentioned that the procession has traditionally been confined to the Pendapa area but might extend beyond it in the future.

Ibnu Kharis, Chairman of the Tosanaji Abirawa Association, highlighted the special significance of the 1 Suro Night for the Javanese people. "It symbolizes that humans must possess a pure soul, just as heirlooms must be kept clean," he said.

The jamasan ritual is not a task for just anyone. It requires specific prayers and ceremonial offerings, including fragrant oils, floral water, incense, coconut water, and lime. These elements are essential to the purification process. Additionally, Javanese gending (traditional music) was played throughout the ceremony to enhance the sacredness of the 1 Suro Night.

By performing the jamasan ritual, the people of Batang Regency not only preserve their ancestral heirlooms but also maintain a cultural practice rich in spiritual and historical values. The 1 Suro Night celebration serves as a reminder to the younger generation of the importance of upholding traditions and honoring cultural heritage passed down through the ages.

Writer: Viz
Editor: Fin