The night of 1 Suro for the Javanese is not just a change of day in the calendar, but also a moment full of meaning, tradition, and spiritual nuance. Every year, when the night of 1 Suro arrives, the atmosphere becomes quiet, the streets are deserted, and many people choose to stay silent. But actually, what makes this night so special? Let's discuss the history and meaning of the night of 1 Suro according to the Javanese perspective.
What is the Night of 1 Suro?
In the Javanese calendar, the month of Suro is the first month in the Javanese calendar and coincides with the month of Muharram in the Islamic calendar. The night of 1 Suro is the night before the 1st of the month of Suro. Just like New Year's Eve, this marks the beginning of the Javanese new year. However, unlike New Year's celebrations in other cultures which are full of parties and crowds, the night of 1 Suro is colored by serenity, contemplation, and spirituality.
History of the Javanese Calendar
The Javanese calendar is a combination of the Islamic calendar (Hijri), Hindu, and traditional Javanese astronomy. This system was introduced by Sultan Agung of Mataram in the 17th century. He wanted to unite his diverse religious communities, so he created a calendar that could be accepted by all parties.
Sultan Agung then harmonized the Islamic calendar with existing Javanese cultural elements. Thus emerged the month of Suro, which was adopted from the month of Muharram, but given a deeper and more mystical Javanese meaning.
The Meaning of the Night of 1 Suro for Javanese People
For many Javanese, the night of 1 Suro is considered a sacred night . This is the time when nature is considered the most silent, the clearest, and the most “open”. Therefore, this night is used to purify oneself, pray, meditate, or do tapa (asceticism).
There is a belief that on this night, the boundary between the human world and the supernatural world becomes thinner. So many people are more careful, guarding themselves from bad deeds, and avoiding long trips or activities that are too crowded. The silent atmosphere is considered a form of respect for the universe and invisible forces.
Rituals of the Night of 1 Suro
Some traditions that Javanese people often perform on the night of 1 Suro include:
- Asceticism and Meditation
Many people fast, isolate themselves, or meditate to get closer to the Creator. This is considered the best time to reflect on life and ask for protection throughout the year. - Ruwatan and Self-Cleansing
There are also those who perform ruwatan, which is a ritual to cleanse oneself from negative energy or disaster. Usually accompanied by prayers, holy water, and art performances such as wayang or kuda lumping. - Heirloom Procession
In the Keraton of Yogyakarta and Surakarta, the night of 1 Suro is celebrated with a pusaka procession. This is a sacred procession where sacred objects such as spears and keris are carried around the palace by abdi dalem. This procession is carried out at midnight in a very calm and solemn atmosphere. - Not Having a Party
The night of 1 Suro is not the time to party. In fact, getting married in the month of Suro is often avoided because it is considered a month full of heavy spiritual energy. Many families postpone important events so that they do not coincide with this month.
Symbol of Silence and Introspection
The night of 1 Suro is not to be feared, but to be experienced . The silence that envelops it is not a sign of something bad, but rather a call to return to oneself. This is the time to improve relationships with God, with nature, and with others.
For some Javanese people, the month of Suro is the most suitable time to do spiritual practices, fast, remember Allah, read prayers, or get away from the hustle and bustle of the world.
Myths and Mysteries
Due to its mystical nuance, the night of 1 Suro is also closely associated with various myths. Some people believe that spirits are more active on this night. There are also those who associate the night of 1 Suro with the legends of figures such as Nyai Roro Kidul, the Queen of the South. Many folk tales have developed about strange events that supposedly occur on this night.
However, Javanese people view these stories not merely as horror, but as a form of warning to always be vigilant and maintain a balance between the real world and the supernatural world.
Conclusion
The night of 1 Suro is an important part of Javanese cultural identity. Even though the world continues to develop and modernization spreads in all directions, the values contained in the night of 1 Suro remain alive and respected. It is a time for silence, for reflection, and for returning to one's true self.
In this fast-paced world, perhaps we can learn from Javanese tradition: that not everything has to be celebrated with fanfare, sometimes, in silence, we find the true meaning of life.
