Ondel Ondel Serem: A Spooky Tradition of Betawi Culture

admin 5 Maret 2023pendidikan71 Views

Betawi culture is one of the unique cultures of Indonesia that deserves to be preserved. One of the most iconic traditions of Betawi culture is the Ondel Ondel. This giant doll is usually found in Betawi festivals, especially during the Jakarta anniversary celebration. However, have you ever heard of the Ondel Ondel Serem? This is a special version of the Ondel Ondel that is believed to have supernatural powers. In this article, we will discuss the Ondel Ondel Serem in relaxed Indonesian language.

What is Ondel Ondel Serem?

The word “serem” means spooky or scary in Indonesian. Therefore, Ondel Ondel Serem can be translated as spooky Ondel Ondel. This version of the Ondel Ondel is different from the regular one because it is designed to look scary and intimidating. The color of the Ondel Ondel Serem is usually dark, and it is decorated with scary ornaments such as skulls, bones, and snakes. The aim of this special version of the Ondel Ondel is to scare away evil spirits and protect the village from harm.

The Legend of Ondel Ondel Serem

There are several legends related to the origin of Ondel Ondel Serem. One of the most popular legends is the story of Ki Buyut Trusmi. According to the legend, Ki Buyut Trusmi was a Betawi shaman who had supernatural powers. He was famous for his ability to communicate with spirits and protect the village from harm. One day, the village was attacked by evil spirits, and Ki Buyut Trusmi decided to create a special version of the Ondel Ondel to scare the spirits away. He decorated the Ondel Ondel with scary ornaments and performed a ritual to infuse it with supernatural powers. The plan worked, and the evil spirits were driven away from the village.

The Role of Ondel Ondel Serem in Betawi Culture

Ondel Ondel Serem is an important part of Betawi culture. It is usually used in traditional ceremonies such as weddings, circumcisions, and funerals. The Ondel Ondel Serem is believed to have the power to scare away evil spirits and protect the village from harm. Therefore, it is considered as a symbol of protection and safety. The Betawi people also believe that the Ondel Ondel Serem can bring good luck and prosperity to the village. That is why it is always present in Betawi festivals and celebrations.

The Making of Ondel Ondel Serem

The making of Ondel Ondel Serem requires special skills and knowledge. Only a few people in Jakarta know how to make this scary version of the Ondel Ondel. The process of making Ondel Ondel Serem usually starts with the creation of the body frame. The frame is made of bamboo and rattan and shaped like a giant doll. Then, the body is covered with a layer of fabric that is painted with scary images such as skulls, snakes, and demons. The final touch is the decoration of the Ondel Ondel Serem with scary ornaments such as bones, feathers, and horns.

The Ondel Ondel Serem Dance

The Ondel Ondel Serem dance is a traditional dance that is usually performed during Betawi festivals and celebrations. The dance is performed by two people who wear the Ondel Ondel Serem costume. The dance is accompanied by traditional Betawi music such as the gambang kromong and the tanjidor. The Ondel Ondel Serem dance is a symbol of the Betawi people’s bravery and strength in facing supernatural threats.

The Meaning of Ondel Ondel Serem

Ondel Ondel Serem has a deep meaning in Betawi culture. It represents the Betawi people’s belief in the power of supernatural forces and their determination to protect their village from harm. The scary ornaments on the Ondel Ondel Serem symbolize the fears and anxieties of the Betawi people in facing the unknown. The Ondel Ondel Serem dance is a manifestation of the Betawi people’s courage and bravery in facing the supernatural threats that surround them.

The Preservation of Betawi Culture

The Ondel Ondel Serem is a unique tradition that deserves to be preserved. It is a symbol of Betawi culture and identity. However, the tradition of Ondel Ondel Serem is in danger of extinction due to the lack of interest from the younger generation. Therefore, it is important to promote and preserve Betawi culture, including the tradition of Ondel Ondel Serem, through education and cultural events. By preserving Betawi culture, we can keep our cultural heritage alive and pass it on to future generations.

The Fascination of Ondel Ondel Serem

The Ondel Ondel Serem is a fascinating tradition that attracts the attention of many people. The scary appearance of the Ondel Ondel Serem and the mystical aura that surrounds it make it an intriguing cultural artifact. Many people come to Jakarta to witness the Ondel Ondel Serem dance and experience the unique culture of Betawi. The fascination of Ondel Ondel Serem is not only limited to Indonesians but also to foreigners who are interested in Indonesian culture.

The Challenges of Preserving Betawi Culture

Preserving Betawi culture is not an easy task. There are several challenges that need to be addressed. One of the biggest challenges is the lack of interest from the younger generation. Many young Betawi people are more interested in modern culture and tend to neglect their cultural heritage. Another challenge is the rapid development of Jakarta, which has caused many traditional Betawi neighborhoods to be demolished. Therefore, it is important to raise awareness of the importance of preserving Betawi culture among the younger generation and to protect Betawi neighborhoods from destruction.

The Future of Ondel Ondel Serem

The future of Ondel Ondel Serem depends on the efforts of the Betawi community in preserving their cultural heritage. If the tradition of Ondel Ondel Serem is not promoted and preserved, it will eventually be forgotten. Therefore, it is important to continue to promote and preserve Betawi culture through education and cultural events. The Betawi people should also be proud of their cultural heritage and pass it on to future generations. By doing so, the tradition of Ondel Ondel Serem can continue to exist and be appreciated by future generations.

The Importance of Cultural Diversity

The tradition of Ondel Ondel Serem is an example of the cultural diversity of Indonesia. Indonesia is a country with a rich and diverse cultural heritage. Each region has its unique traditions and customs that deserve to be preserved. Cultural diversity is an important asset for Indonesia because it reflects the richness of its history and identity. Therefore, it is important to promote and preserve cultural diversity through education and cultural events.

The Significance of Ondel Ondel Serem in Indonesian Tourism

The tradition of Ondel Ondel Serem has the potential to become a tourism attraction in Indonesia. The unique appearance of the Ondel Ondel Serem and the mystical aura that surrounds it can attract tourists who are interested in Indonesian culture. By promoting the tradition of Ondel Ondel Serem, Indonesia can increase its tourism revenue and promote its cultural heritage to the world.

The Conclusion

In conclusion, Ondel Ondel Serem is a spooky tradition of Betawi culture that deserves to be preserved. It represents the Betawi people’s belief in the power of supernatural forces and their determination to protect their village from harm. The tradition of Ondel Ondel Serem is in danger of extinction due to the lack of interest from the younger generation. Therefore, it is important to promote and preserve Betawi culture through education and cultural events. By doing so, we can keep our cultural heritage alive and pass it on to future generations.