THE rich Lombok tradition of Bisoq Beras (washing the rice) reflects society’s philosophy of mutual support and assistance and provides an opportunity for romance to blossom without formal introductions.
Bisoq Beras takes place in conjunction with important events such as weddings, circumcisions and ceremonies at which thanks is given to God. Rice is placed in containers made from woven bamboo and taken to a river or spring for washing, usually by teenagers in the community.
The rice is washed at night, from 8pm, and the process is accompanied by Lombok’s traditional Gendang Beleq (Big Drum) music.
No-one seems to know the origin of Bisoq Beras, but it clearly is an important and meaningful ritual that has maintained its strength and significance over time.
“As an element of native Lombok culture that reflects the belief in mutual help and cooperation, the Bisoq Beras tradition should be preserved,” said North Lombok cultural observer Datu Tashadi Putra.
Bisoq Beras, he said, served a specific purpose at weddings. “All members of the family and community are expected to be present to witness a marriage ceremony. However, it is human nature to be forgetful and sometimes even close family members forget that they should attend.
“The Bisoq Beras tradition, usually performed in the village in front of a crowd and with the Big Drum music, serves to remind family members that they are expected to attend the marriage ceremony.” In this way, the tradition is an alternative to a system of formal invitations.
For young men and women, the Bisoq Beras ritual provides an accepted opportunity for a young man to approach a young woman whom he likes, as she is washing the rice, in the hope that she is responsive and that they will be brought together through the rice.
Providing the young man is not rejected, he is invited to visit the girl’s home to get to know her family, said Tarpiin, a young man from North Lombok’s Tanjung village.
Couples who formally met and agreed to a relationship through the Bisoq Beras ritual, at the weddings of relatives or neighbours, would in turn invite those people to their own wedding which also would involve the Bisoq Beras.
source:enchanting-lomboksumbawa.com
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