Have you ever heard about Banten? Banten is one of the provinces in Indonesia that is located not too far from Jakarta, the capital city of Indonesia.
Similar to other provinces in Indonesia, Banten has the richest culture from their tribe. That makes the tradition in Banten commonly different from other traditions in Indonesia.
Tradition in Banten is commonly influenced by the Banten tribes, Baduy tribe, some Javanese, and some Sunda tribes. Most of them bring many variant traditions, which are mostly influenced by local myths and Islamic culture.
If you are wondering what kind of traditions in Banten, here we have some of them on the list below. Let’s check them out!
1. Seren Taun
Seren Taun is one of the traditions in Banten that is annually held every year in Kenakes village of Lebak Regency. Seren Taun represents the gratefulness of locals to the god for a successful harvest.
Locals will give the harvest, mostly rice, and save them in the Leuit or rice bank. Indonesian is commonly known as Lumbung padi. The tradition is commonly held within specific rituals.
The Seren Taun tradition is already held since the Padjajaran Kingdom. It heirs into the Bantenese until now. Some locals also call it as Ngawalu tradition as the first tradition for celebrating the harvest.
2. Ngalaksa
Ngalaksa is one of the traditions in Banten commonly held after the Seren Taun tradition. Some locals call it the complete custom culture ceremony after the Ngawalu tradition.
Ngalaksa tradition is a unique tradition that brings locals to make Laksa noodles. They will be cooking the Laksa together and then eating together as well. The togetherness among the tribe in Banten brings harmony and peace.
During the Ngalaksa tradition, almost all of the tribes that live in Banten should attend and follow the ceremony. Even the Baduy tribe that isolates themselves from the outside world also comes to follow the tradition.
3. Seba
Seba is one of the traditions in Banten that is commonly held by the Baduy tribe. This kind of tradition becomes the most unique tradition in Banten.
The Baduy tribe is famous for its conservative life. They even draw a line towards the outside area, including rejecting modernization. During the Seba tradition, most of them are going outside of the village.
The Baduy tribe will take a long march from the Kenakes village to the Banten Province. They will bring some harvest and give them to the regent.
4. Ngolotkeun
Ngolotkeun is one of the traditions in Banten, which means the bride-to-be proposing to the groom-to-be. This tradition is pretty unique because most Indonesian have a proposing tradition held by the groom-to-be who proposes to the bride-to-be.
During Ngolotkeun tradition, the bride-to-be will bring many gifts for the groom-to-be. If the groom is to be turned down the proposal, the bride-to-be is allowed to bring back the gifts home.
When the groom accepts the proposal, they will decide the date of the marriage. After that, there is another tradition that should be followed as part of the wedding tradition in Banten.
5. Debus Surosowan
Debus Surosowan is one of the traditions in Banten that contains myth and magic. The tradition is pretty popular among tourism visits in Indonesia.
Debus Surosowan represent the invulnerability of the human body from fire attack, weapon attack, including sharp one, and other dangerous weapons. The tradition is commonly followed by the sacred ceremony led by the shaman.
Locals believe that Debus Surosowan contains sacred magic. Most of the Debus men commonly feel unconscious when they are doing dangerous things.
6. Rudat
Rudat is one of the traditions in Banten that bring so much joy to the audience. This kind of tradition is like performing the traditional music of Banten, which is called Rudat.
Rudat tradition commonly involves some traditional musical instruments such as Rebana, Ganjring, and Kecrekan. The music commonly played out loud and the song that followed the music contained Islamic culture.
Rudat tradition is commonly held for a specific celebration. It can be held for welcoming guests, wedding traditions, and custom cultural ceremonies in Banten.
7. Patingtung
Patingtung is one of the traditions in Banten that is commonly popular as Pencak Silat. This kind of tradition is similar to the martial arts in common Indonesian tradition of martial arts.
Patingtung contains the beauty of the movement of Pencak Silat, which is followed by the traditional music instrument of Banten. The music will start from the low into the loudest one.
Patingtung brings the spirit of the martial arts player that exhibits their capability in martial arts. It leads the audience amazed by their performance and blow their mind with their agile movement.
8. Ketimpring
Ketimpring is one of the traditions in Banten that involves the traditional musical instrument from Banten. Ketimpring is a kind of music performance that uses 12 music instruments contains Terbang Besar and Terbang Kecil.
Ketimpring is commonly followed by an Arabian song that attaches to Islamic culture. Most of them also bring knowledge of Islamic culture that share with the audience. Most locals love this show the most as it brings the value of Islamic culture.
Ketimpring is commonly held for wedding celebrations, Khitanan ceremonies, Banten culture festivals, welcoming guests, and many more.
All of those traditions in Banten commonly involve every tribe that lives in Banten. Most of those traditions influence by Islamic culture and Banten culture as well.
Are you ready to see one of the traditions in Banten above? Let’s pack your bag and make a plan to explore the province.
