Holiday Ayo - In Javanese culture, one of the traditions that has been preserved until now is Selametan or Thanksgiving.

Selametan is a ritual tradition that still preserved by most Javanese people. This is one of the traditional Javanese ceremonies is carried out as a form of gratitude for the gifts and gifts given by God.

The term 'selametan' itself comes from the Arabic language, namely 'salamah' which means safe or happy.

It is done by inviting some relatives or neighbors. Traditionally, this thanksgiving look alike event begins with a prayer together, by sitting cross-legged on a mat, circling the tumpeng rice with side dishes and then continuing to enjoy the tumpeng rice together.

The religious history of the Javanese people long before the arrival of Hinduism and Islam began in Pre-Historic times. The Javanese people's need for safety, security, welfare, tranquility and peace of life creates a belief system (Animism and Dynamism).

The belief system of Animism and Dynamism is inherent in the life of Javanese society. They assume that every place in this world has a guardian who has supernatural powers (spirit) and character (good and bad).

From here created a mixture or acculturation between immigrant religions with ancestral beliefs. In this case, the selametan ritual is one of the traditions resulting from cultural acculturation that is still preserved today.


Usually this ceremony is led by a local religious leader followed by a small meal together. And, it is intended to get salvation and protection from God Almighty.

Because the main purpose of holding this ritual is for gratitude, the tradition of selametan in practice is carried out in almost every event that is considered important by the Javanese community. For example, birth, death, marriage and if you are going to hold a big event.

In the Selametan Ritual, there will mainly be red, white porridge, whose function is to resist misfortune. This component is a reflection of the early union of Cosmic Dualism, namely Kama Bang and Kama Putih.

In Sundanese, this eating together called 'botram', the people will eat with banana leaf mats. In Central Java, the people there usually refer to the tradition as Kembulan.

In Minangnese, eating together tradition called 'bajamba', this tradition usually carried out by the Minangkabau people on religious holidays, parties or traditional ceremonies, and other important days.