Development of Traditional Arts in Traditional Javanese Marriage Ceremony in Surakarta

Abstract

Nowadays, traditional arts in Traditional Javanese marriage ceremony are increasingly replaced by other forms of art. This is partly caused by the lack of appreciation by the society to traditional arts, and also by efforts to increase efficiency in the ceremony organization by eliminating several processions usually conducted in the ceremony.This condition raises concern to traditional art performers and the Javanese culture enthusiasts. Therefore, an effort to resurrect traditional arts in Traditional Javanese marriage ceremonyhas been initiated. To give new atmosphere and feels, new dances are choreographed and new gending songs arecomposed, in which these new creations are expected to be more interesting. Moreover, dances, karawitan songs, and traditional songs are also composed to suit the contexts and atmosphere of the ongoing event. By creativity and new innovation, songs are composed for every processions of the ceremony, namely for pasrah pengantin (handover and receiving of the bride), atur pambagyo (welcoming speech), and donga (prayers). Furthermore, dances of romance theme, such as Loro Blonyo, and gendings for the newlywed couple’s reception (pahargyan). The effort has been conducted in Surakarta, primarily by the civitas academica of Indonesia Institute of the Arts Surakarta. It, as a form of conservation of Javanese traditional arts of dance and karawitan, has been well-appreciated, proven by the numerous performances in many occasions of wedding ceremonies in Surakarta. The development itself has not been fully maximized, since the performers should have a fine ability in singing and dancing. Therefore, a continuous effort is necessary to socialize traditional arts in Traditional Javanese marriage ceremony.

Keywords: traditional arts, dance, tembang, marriage ceremony.

DOI: 10.7176/ADS/76-06

Publication date:September 30^th 2019