Festival origin
According to legend, hundreds of years ago, a group of teenagers played a rather peculiar game: the boys pulled a boy and the girls pulled a girl, pressing them against each other and expressing affection like adults. This game created exciting laughter, despite the awkwardness of the two innocent children. Because the event happened near the residence of the “puri” (leader), the noisy clamor of the young crowd shattered the necessary tranquility while he was recuperating. In irritation, he intended to go out and scold the children, but upon witnessing the “foolish” game of the children, a sense of exhilaration suddenly surged, making him feel healthy as if he had never been ill. From then on, he allowed this game to be organized annually to wish for health and good luck for the villagers.
Meaning of the festival
People believe that the ritual will bring health and prosperity to everyone, as well as have the power to protect the village from evil omens throughout the new year. Omed-Omedan is also an opportunity for young people to find their partners, and in reality, many couples have been brought together through participating in this traditional ceremony.
Festival organization
Omed-Omedan is usually for unmarried people, aged 17 – 30. The festival begins with prayers, representatives and 100 pairs of young men and women from various ethnicities gather at the ceremonial hall, praying for the community to avoid epidemics and strengthen brotherly bonds. In the festival, participants are divided into two groups according to gender, with men going north and women going the opposite direction. Then the two groups face each other, each group sends a representative to exchange kisses. While kissing, people pour water towards them. Initially, some people are shy and hesitant, only daring to peck on the cheek, but later, when their whole body is soaked and their faces are sore, they become more courageous. Some boys even actively “hold onto” and “turn the heads” of their girlfriends lower to easily maintain a long kiss while people around continue to pour water.
Importance of the festival
Omed-Omedan is not only a traditional festival but also a symbol of unity and love among community members. It also demonstrates respect and preservation of the traditions and cultures of the ethnic groups.
In the 1980s, this festival was abolished due to the trend against the beliefs and strict laws of Islam. However, at a time when the festival usually took place, two pigs appeared at the assembly hall (a form of village temple) and fought fiercely until no one could intervene, then suddenly they disappeared as if the battle had never happened. People considered this an ominous sign related to the cancellation of the Omed-Omedan festival. After a purification ceremony, the officials decided to maintain this festival as a harmonizing element of life and to wish for good things for everyone… Since then, the Omed-Omedan festival has been integrated into Ngembak Geni Day – welcoming the fire, one day after the “day of silence.” Omed-Omedan is also seen as a day to break barriers when normal activities banned in Islam are allowed to take place openly.
With its uniqueness and profound significance, Omed-Omedan has attracted the attention of many tourists from around the world when visiting Indonesia.
