Culture Dance in Madura Island

Culture Dance “Muang Sangkal” in Madura

What is Dance Muang Sangkal?

Muang Sangkal dance is one of the traditional Madura dances performed for reinforcement ritual or away from danger. This dance is often featured in various events such as large guest reception, wedding events, and various other traditional events. Muang Sangkal dance is a very famous traditional dance and became one of the traditional art icons from Madura, East Java.

Muang Sangkal dance was created by an artist from Sumenep Madura named Taufikurrachman. The name Dance Muang Sangkal it self is taken from the word "Muang" and "Sangkal". The word "Muang" means throwing away, while the word "Sangkal" means darkness or something related to the devil. But the rejected word for Sumenep society can be interpreted as rejection or karma, for example what if a parent has a daughter and is proposed by a man then it should not be rejected because it makes the girls become unsold forever. So this dance can mean havoc.

For the Madurese, Muang Sangkal dance is considered to keep away from danger or to dispose of bad luck. Appropriate function, this dance is often displayed in various events such as traditional events, weddings and also welcome the big guests who come there.

In this Muang Sangkal dance performance, performed by female dancers. The number of dancers displayed must be odd, one, three, five and so on. In addition, since it is a sacred dance, the dancers are displayed in holy conditions. In this Mangkal Sangkal dance performance is accompanied by a typical music court Gamelan. Gendhing used to accompany this Muang Sangkal Dance like gendhing sampak, gendhing oramba' and the other gendhing.

Clothing used in Muang Sangkal dance is a typical wedding dress Sumenep, with a distinctive blend of colors that is red, yellow and black. At the head using a crown with a variety of flower ornaments flowers. There are also some additional accessories such as belts, bracelets and bowls.

In this development, this dance is still featured in various events there such as traditional events and welcoming guests. In addition, this dance is also often displayed at various cultural festivals, both in the region and outside the region. This is done as an effort to preserve and introduce to the wider community of Muang Sangkal dance.

 

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One of Madura Culture (Sapi Sonok)

Competition “Sapi Sonok” in Madura Island

The island of Madura is so famous for its cultural heritage of the "Kerapan Sapi" or bull racing. This international event is able to attract thousands of spectators to come. Cattle rafting has been held in four districts in Madura to get representatives who will return at the Presidents Cup.

In addition to the cattle-racing culture in Madura there is also a match involving cows, but not "Kerapan Sapi", but the culture of "Sapi Sonok". "Sapi Sonok" is a beauty contest of a cow. This cultural tour has been around for 50 years. But apparently this tradition is not as well known as bull racing.

In contrast to the bull racing, that rely on speed cows to run fast in the field arena. A pair of female cows in the cultural carnival more highlight the beauty and compatibility of the pair of cows. Cultivated in a cow like a pair of brides, then waddle to follow the traditional music from Gong, Trumpet and Kenong.

Every year always held content "Sapi Sonok" by bringing the best cows from all regions of Madura Island. Cow also became the identity of Madura Island which is very famous everywhere. The "Sapi Sonok" contest is almost simultaneous with bull racing that are regularly held.

"Sapi Sonok" also has its own history story, starting from the habits of farmers in Pamekasan Regency in caring for their cattle. Every afternoon the cows were bathed after it was ditali on a wooden pole and then neatly lined up. Apparently this became the fad of the peasants to make a selection of the prettiest, finest and finest cows. Gradually, these small contests have evolved into village, sub-district and district contests and since then the contestant's cows are named after the sonok cow contest.

In the "Sapi Sonok" contest it does use a female cow because bulls are mostly used in bull racing. If the initial "Sapi Sonok" contest is only assessed in terms of physical course, but with the passage of time changes in the assessment. In addition to the physical aspect, a pair of cows will also be assessed from the appearance of accessories used and harmony. Not much different from bull racing, apparently content "Sapi Sonok" is a show of prestige among participants. The winner of this contest is also not inferior to Cattle Kerapan with a high selling price. The prices of "Sapi Sonok" can reach hundreds of millions and can become more expensive again depending on the level of quality.

So do not be surprised if the "Sapi Sonok" is also called with elite cattle in Madura because of the selling price of the hundreds of millions. For everyday care problems apparently this cow not much different from bull racing. To be able to produce a pair of "Sapi Sonok" is best required patience, a long time in training and certainly not too little cost.

Before being able to perform in the "Sapi Sonok" contest, the cows have been trained since the age of 3 years with special treatment and quality food nutrition. Every week once cows are routinely given herbs that have been mixed with about 15 eggs. You can imagine besides beautiful dazzling pair of "Sapi Sonok" is also strong.

In addition there are other special treatment that these cows get, they are bathed with shampoo and soap. No responsibility - the cattle owners also often bring in vets once every 3 months to check the health of their cows. Not only that, apparently the accessories used in "Sapi Sonok" contest can reach the price of hundreds of thousands.

More and more no doubt if the island of Madura save the beauty and exotic beauty of an island. Let's visit Madura Island, discover its natural beauty, community friendliness and a strong sense of spiritualism.

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