Thursday, 18 July 2013
Balimau TRADITION OF WEST SUMATRA
Balimau is a word that contains the activities of nuanced religious traditions in Minangkabu the old days to the present. This tradition is usually done every other day before the coming of the month of Ramadan. Balimau in the terminology of the Minang people are bathing purify themselves (obligatory bath, shower junub) with lime (lemon), plus natural herb scented fragrance of fragrant pandan leaves, ylang flower, and plant roots gambelu, which are soaked in lukewarm water . Then, dibarutkan (applied) to the head. "Traditional ingredients for balimau is hereditary heritage since the former, since tens of years ago even supposedly since hundreds of years ago. Even though this tradition has begun lost or intentionally omitted, since there among scholars diranah Minang itself, considers tradition "balimau" as an act of heresy, but for us any reproach against this tradition, should "Tradition balimau" maintained and preserved.
Balimau meaning of tradition is for probity and the human body in order to prepare yourself for fasting. Traditional Minangkabau society in ancient times, applying a form of probity and soul in a way the whole body flushed or washed accompanied by a ritual that provides comfort and spiritual effects as well as emotional and physical readiness when implementing Worship fasting.
Balimau procession beginning in the early-positive and the support of religion. "Because the truth balimau at first that tradition, not only performed at the time of entering the month of fasting, but as ahead-ahead between two or more relatives. As usual, the newly married, before the parents / in-laws. Requirements are usually included in the show, in the form of lime lotion (herb balimau), because first there is no kind of shampoo as it is now. The goal is that people who attended can clean yourself, purify yourself. But its place is not in place to do public baths, but baths in each. "
Balimau the core of the tradition in order to tighten the rope silaturrahmi. Then, purify themselves in line with the teachings of Islam. Islam is very fond of cleanliness. Is not it part of faith hygiene?.
"Balimau silaturrahmi is an event, where children usually slathered concoction balimau nephew to head the mamaknya. This tradition is still attached to a portion of the up to now in Minangkabau. This information submitted by Datuk Suhendri Maharajo Siri, ninik-Balingka Mamak in Nagari, District IV Koto, Agam regency
"Only by some people, balimau mischaracterized as a rah-rah, shower together to places of public baths, such as rivers and lakes, the sea also. So that the core of the spiritual purification was clean and religion did not meet again, "
Now, in practice, due to the influence of the law Syarak deemed no longer be maintained, given according to the religion and customs, now this has happened silting meaning and misguided in balimau in most societies.
Balimau position in the customs and traditions of the culture:
Balimau tradition is not included in the custom category, even though he had been there long ago. "Once the meaning of" balimau "is a symbol of self-purification, which is believed by the people for traditional ritual. As a cultural treasure, this tradition is fine, as well as the implementation of the procedures and the marriage ceremony, performed the ceremony before the bride and groom. Is not a wide variety of wedding ceremony as it is not more well entrenched culture in community life.
Eligible balimau tradition maintained?
Actually, if the negative or misguided excesses of balimau tradition, as practiced by the young sinner in places central bathhouse, surely must be annihilated. Remember not to be a shift in culture, because we emulate what is on someone else. Also do not also occur religious superficiality. But remember "that have been entrenched tradition balimau the villages and dinagari in Minang, it can not be removed balimau tradition for granted. This tradition will continue to run throughout the ages. The duty of the family, ninik-mamak, scholars and intellectuals that can reduce the negative excesses of the balimau tradition.
When a traditional society in Indonesia in general, including Minangkabu not familiar soap or shampoo, a hair and body cleanser, originally they use natural ingredients available, which is believed to give the net effect on the body and hair of men and women. Just call a straw, or noni fruit musk lime, we often hear that the material body cleanser containing substances. With the times, where cleaning materials are ready for use, then when it's ahead of the Ramadan tradition has changed in such a balimau with materials made in pabric. They do not do any more in the public baths, but enough from their homes, while installing the intention to carry out a full month of fasting with a clean heart.
As cultural heritage, the tradition is for some people balimau would still retained. Who will defend? surely he padusi Minang covering the Mande-mande, Amai-Amai and bundokanduang are always present in every activity Minang culture.
Notwithstanding the provisions of religion, which erodes any act of heresy among the community, then we do not need to worry about saving that will have an effect pedangkalan balimau tradition religion, but merely as a mere manifestation of sheer pelesatrian khzanah Minang culture.
The natural ingredients used in balimau traditions, among others:
- A few strands of pandan leaves, chopped fine,
- Some ylang flowers,
- Some rosebud,
- Handful of cape flowers,
- Handful of jasmine flowers,
- Some citrus musk,
Combine all the ingredients, then pour in the hot water lukewarm.
Clean body beforehand to scrape the dirt on the body, purify the liver with the intention mentally and physically will perform fasting Worship wholeheartedly because Allah SWT. After that guyurlah body with ingredients above.
Believe in yourself that you do not do things that are contrary to religion, but simply want to realize the cultural treasures that exist in the realm of Minang
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Assalamu'alaikum, whilst your intention is good to explain the virtues of Balimau practiced by Minang society, your English needs to be clear. Check up and use suitable words. You have the time in the world rather than writing hastily.
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