Journalist Report East Java Tribune Network, Haorrahman
TRIBUNJATIM.COM, BANYUWANGI – The mystical dance of Seblang Bysari, Banyuwangi, always the main attraction.
Hundreds of visitors thronged the cultural traditions that were held at Bysari village, Glagah District, Banyuwangi, the.
Seblang Rituals in Bysari village, Glagah District, held from Monday (24/4/2023) up to the next seven days.
Seblang is a mystical dance, where the dancers are selected women.
The selection of dancers is determined supernaturally by local traditional elders who still have blood relations with the former Seblang ancestors.
This dance also involves mystical activities, because the dancer will be possessed by a spirit so he can dance.
A handler will fumigate the Seblang dancers with incense smoke while chanting certain spells.
The reading of the mantra aims to let the ancestral spirits enter the dancer's body, so that you can dance with your eyes closed following the instructions of the charmer and the rhythm of the dance.
“It feels mystical, had goosebumps but ended up being exciting because I got a shawl throw, so asked to dance,” said Rahmalia Wulan (22), student of Master of Communication Science, University of Indonesia (UI), who is directly researching Seblang Bysari.
Wulan admitted that he was interested in the ethnic wealth that existed in Banyuwangi.
According to him, Banyuwangi managed to bring the tradition into popular culture, so that it can be felt by all levels of society.
“Be unique because usually the tradition is exclusive to one particular community. Here all traditions become inclusive, not only Seblang, but like Barong Ider Bumi, Stupidity and others too,” said the student from Palangkaraya.
This traditional ritual, believed by the Olehsari community to cleanse the village and repel reinforcements, is held for seven consecutive days.