Perang Obor – Jepara community traditions

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17 Agustus 2024

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PERANG OBOR is a unique tradition originating from Tegalsambi Village, Jepara, Central Java. This tradition is usually held every year as part of a traditional ceremony to pray for safety and prosperity for the village. In Torch War, participants use torches made from burned dry coconut leaves. They then face each other and “fight” with the torch. Although it looks dangerous, this tradition is carried out with great care and supervision to ensure the safety of all participants.

History Perang obor

According to legend,this tradition began with the story of two community figures, namely Kiai Babadan and Mbah Gemblong. Kiai Babadan entrusted his cattle and buffalo to Mbah Gemblong. However, Mbah Gemblong was busier catching fish and shrimp in the river than taking care of the cattle, so many of the cattle got sick and died.

When Kiai Babadan found out about this, he was angry and hit Mbah Gemblong with a torch that was usually used to repel mosquitoes. Mbah Gemblong, who could not accept this, retaliated, and a fight broke out using a torch. Strangely, after the fight, the cattle that were previously sick became healthy.

Since then, the Torch War tradition has been carried out as a ritual to ward off disaster and as an earth charity, with the hope of bringing blessings and health to the community and their cattle. This tradition has also been recognized as an Intangible Cultural Heritage by the Ministry of Education and Culture.

meaning and spirituality

The Torch War in Tegalsambi Village, Jepara, has a deep spiritual meaning and value for the local community. Here are some important aspects of the meaning and spirituality of this tradition:

Tolak Bala: Perang Obor is believed to be an effort to ward off disaster or expel evil spirits that can bring disaster to the village. This tradition is carried out as a form of protection and a request for safety for all villagers.
Expression of Gratitude: This tradition is also an expression of gratitude to God Almighty for the abundance of sustenance and abundant harvests. Through the Torch War, the community hopes that blessings and prosperity will continue to flow to their village.
Symbol of Courage and Fighting Spirit: Brightly burning torches are considered a symbol of courage and fighting spirit. This tradition reflects the spirit of togetherness, courage, and solidarity of the community in facing various challenges in life.
Respect for Ancestors: perang obor is also a form of respect for ancestors and traditions that have been passed down from generation to generation. These spiritual values help the community maintain a harmonious relationship with their ancestors.
Tolerance and Empathy: This tradition teaches the values of tolerance and empathy towards others. Although it looks like a fight, the Torch War is carried out with great care and mutual understanding, showing a sense of togetherness and solidarity.

Perang Obor is not only a cultural attraction, but is also full of deep spiritual meaning, which is continuously preserved by the people of Jepara as part of their identity and cultural heritage.

photo story perang obor

Along the road in Tegalsambi village, it is filled with people and tourists who come to watch Perang Obor, The local community took advantage of the crowd to sell while waiting for the torch war event to begin.

The torch war players have prepared themselves and are waiting for the signal from the traditional shaman figure to start the ritual process. Praying together to the Almighty God, then bringing offerings and heirlooms in the middle of the intersection and reciting prayers together is part of the proof of devotion to the ancestors.

the lighting of the first torch marks the end of the ritual event PERANG OBOR at the start.

at this moment the adrenaline starts to rush when taking photos The risk of being burned is certain, because even watching will also carry the risk of being hit by sparks. the sound of cheers made the atmosphere even more exciting, maybe you should try it, because this feeling is hard to express, it’s like taking pictures of war

without realizing it, the torch war procession had been going on for 2 hours, my body was sweating and being hit by sparks. The shaman had provided a miracle oil for burns, the oil had been prayed over and there was a mixture of flower essence. I was hit by the torch, my head and back were burned, but it was true, the oil really relieved the heat on my skin.

Many residents and torch war players were covered in this medicinal oil.