Indonesian Culture - Lilin Dance

Indonesia Culture can be defined as the local culture that existed before the national form Indonesia in 1945. The entire local culture from diverse cultural ethnic groups in Indonesia is an integral part of Indonesian culture.

Culture Indonesia although varied, but basically formed and influenced by other great cultures such as Chinese culture, Indian culture and Arab culture. Indian culture, especially coming from the spread of Hinduism and Buddhism in the archipelago long before Indonesia was formed. Kingdoms of breath Hinduism and Buddhism could dominate the archipelago in the 5th century AD marked the founding of the oldest kingdoms in the archipelago, Kutai, until the end of the 15th century AD.

Chinese culture and influence the culture entered Indonesia because of the interaction of intense trade between Chinese merchants and Nusantara (Sriwijaya). In addition, many of them entered with Chinese nomads, nomads who came from southern China and settled in the archipelago. They settled and married local residents produced a mix of local Chinese culture and unique.Culture like this that later became one of the root rather than a modern local culture in Indonesia such as Java and the Betawi culture.

Arab culture entered along with the spread of Islam by Arab traders who arrive in the archipelago on their way to China.

The arrival of European explorers since the 16th century to the archipelago, and the subsequent ongoing occupation, bring the various forms of Western cultures and forms of modern Indonesian culture as can be found now. Technological, organizational and political systems, social systems, various cultural elements such as catering, clothing, economy, and so on, are adopting Western culture are gradually integrated into society.

"Lilin" dance in principle is a dance presented by a group of dancers accompanied by a set of pemuzik. The dancers will bring the lit candles on a plate held in each of their hands. These dancers will dance in area with dizzying plate having a lit candle to be careful that the sentiasa flat plates, and candles are not calmed.

The origin of the dance is believed to originate from Sumatra Candles. Purportedly a girl has been abandoned by the fiance is going to trade looking for treasure. During the relics tunangnya girl has lost engagement ring. The girl looked for the ring until late at night by using a candle placed on the plate. Movement of body swerve, membongkok, mengadah (praying) that gave birth to the beauty of this event has spawned "lilin" Dance among the village girls.

"Lilin" dance is a kind of art Palaces and danced at night to cause wax nyalaan. This kerana candle dances require dancers to practice diligently in order to escort the movement with a burning candle without misfortune

Posted in: Culture