Heirloom Washing Ritual of Keraton Mangkunegara

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A. Overview

Kejawen, or Javanese tradition, is always exotic and mysterious. Any of its ceremonial events is always mystical and arousing curiosity. Jamasan or the ritual of washing heirloom of Mangkunegara monarch in Selogiri District, Wonogiri, Central Java, has all the aforementioned characteristics.

In the ritual, two krises and a spear of Raden Mas Said or Mangkunegara I which are kept in Selogiri are washed. The two krises are Kyai Koriwelang and Kyai Jaladara, while the spear is called Kyai Totok.

People say in the colonial era, when the Dutch got into Mount Wijil, Selogiri, Raden Mas Said used these weapons to fight them. With the help of Selogiri people, they managed to drive the Dutch out. After that, Raden Mas Said went back to Mangkunegaran Palace along with the krises and the spear. Then in 1935, when Mangkunegara VII was on the throne, as an expression of gratitude to Selogiri’s people, Raden Mas Said’s krises and spear were given to the people to be kept there. Among the people, there were relatives of Rara Rubiah or Raden Ayu Patah Aji, Raden Mas Said’s wife.

Today, the heirlooms are still kept in a box and put upon a 7 x 7 m tower of 6 m high. The people of Selogiri annually hold jamasan ritual in order to honor and maintain the power and sacredness of the heirlooms.

Selogiri people believe that the heirlooms have supernatural powers that could bring them good fortune if kept well. However, regardless the belief, the washing ritual can actually keep the weapons away from corrosion.

B. Features

The heirloom washing ritual is a special occasion for it contains historical values. History lovers would not want to miss this because it allows them to get knowledge or interpret the history of Selogiri people in particular.

This ritual features series of processes or steps. Each step requires full traditional ceremony with unique ubo rampe (equipments and materials), such as the offerings which contains gecok pecel itik (a kind of salad with peanut sauce), jenang putih (literally, white porridge), jenang abang (red porridge), jenang boro-boro (a particular kind of porridge), bananas, rice, betel vines, peanut brittles, tinto (a kind of sweet compote), and tiny cuts of fried soybean cake. This is very interesting especially in the study of culture and symbol.

For those who come to just enjoy the ritual, it will not be disappointing at all for there are usually traditional art performances of Wonogiri from the morning until afternoon.

C. Location

The main ritual is held in Selogiri District, Wonogiri Regency, Central Java. But the whole process is actually carried out in different places, starting from the tower to Gadjah Mungkur Lake for the washing ritual.

D. Access

It is relatively easy to get to the location, either by private or public transportation. Taking a bus, you may start from Tirtonadi Bus Station, Solo. Take a bus heading for Wonogiri and you can get off at Selogiri. If departing from Giwangan Bus Station, Yogyakarta, you can also take a bus heading for Wonogiri.

E. Ticket

There is no admission ticket applied for the ritual.

F. Accommodations and Other Facilities

This ritual features many art performances and cultural attractions, such as the heirloom procession and the washing process itself. There are very affordable lodgings around the location. There will usually be food and drink peddlers during the ritual.

Text: Yusuf Efendi
Photo(s): Collection of Jogjatrip.com
Translation: Reza Daffi
(Primary data and various sources)

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If you are from outside Yogyakarta and want to visit this place by travel agency services,
please contact:

Maharatu Tour and Travel

Jl. Sisingamangaraja No. 27 Yogyakarta.
Telp. +62 274 8373005. Fax. +62 274 379250
Email : maharatu@maharatu.com -maharatu257@yahoo.com
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