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| torch war ceremony |
The torch used in this traditional ceremony is in the form of a roll or bundle of 2 pieces or 3 (three) dried coconut midribs, then the inside is filled with dried banana leaves (Javanese: Klaras). Torches that are ready to be lit, will be used together to serve as a tool to attack each other. In this activity there is often a collision or contact so that it will cause the torch to emit large flames. So it will be very beautiful seen in the dark at night.
The Torch War Ceremony is held once a year, namely on every Monday Pahing (Tuesday Pon night) in the month of Dzullijah (Javanese: Besar). This ceremony is held on the basis of the belief of the people of the village of Tegal Sambi, District of Tahunan, towards events or events in the past, and has become a culture that has been preserved until now by the local community.
Why do people call it the Torch War, this is the short story. It is said that the story begins in the XVI century AD. In one of the villages in Jepara, namely Tegalsambi Village, there is a very rich farmer named Mbah Kyai Babadan. He has many pets, especially buffalo and cows. It was clearly impossible to shepherd him himself, so he looked for and found a shepherd by the name of KI GEMBLONG.
Ki Gomblong is very diligent in caring for Mbah Kiai Babadan’s pets. Every morning and evening Ki Gemblong always bathes him in the river, so that his pet looks fat and healthy too. Of course the owner, namely Kyai Babbadan, was pleased and praised Ki Gemblong for his diligence and obedience in caring for these animals.
But finally a problem came. It is said that once upon a time, Ki Gemblong was herding on the banks of the Flower River while engrossed in watching the many fish and shrimps in the river, and without wasting time he immediately caught the fish and shrimp, which were caught and then grilled and eaten in the cage. After this incident, almost every day Ki Gemblong caught the fish and shrimp, so he forgot his duties as a shepherd. And after a long time, finally the buffalo and cows became thin and finally fell sick and some even started to die. This situation caused Kyai Babadan to be confused and worried, so he tried to treat him with herbs and anything for the sake of healing his pets. But things didn’t get any better, and the animals didn’t get better either.
Finally Mbah Kyai Babadan knew the reason why her pets became thin, fell ill, and some died. This is none other than because Ki Gemblong no longer wants to take care of the animals but is more engrossed in catching fish and shrimp to be burned and eaten. Seeing such things, Kyai Babadan was furious, when he was found Ki Gemblong was busy burning the fish he caught. Kyai Babadan immediately beat Ki Gemblong with a torch from a coconut frond. Seeing the unfavorable behavior, Ki Gemblong did not remain silent, by taking the same torch to face Kyai Babadan so that the “Torch War” ensued. The war made the fire scattered everywhere and had time to burn the haystack next to the cage. The fire caused the cows and buffaloes that were in the cage to run wild and unexpectedly the animals that had been sick finally recovered and even the animals were able to stand up straight while eating grass in the fields.
Torch War Ceremony as a Tourist Destination
This unexpected and very dramatic incident was finally accepted by the people of Tegal Sambi village as a miracle, that the torch war would cure all kinds of diseases. At present the traditional ceremony of the Torch War is used for the Earth Alms as an expression of gratitude to God Almighty for the abundance of His grace and guidance. And the ceremony was able to suck up a lot of local residents who were curious to see it, so it deserved to be used as a tourist destination in Jepara.
