| Tumpek, The Days of Honour
Tumpek are days that are set aside to honout
deities who are guardians of special disciplines. Batari Dewi
(Goddess) Saraswati, the goddess
of learning and knowledge is honour once a year when books are
given to her to be blessed, and no reading or writing is done
throughout the island. The lord of the crops, Bhatara Sangkara
is honoured on Wariga or Uduh day by tying
offerings around coconut palms. On this day devoted to the divinity
or prosperity and financial success no business is conducted.
Landep day honours metal
objects, most importantly daggers (keris) but more conspicuously
now cars and motorcycles. It is celebrated by decorating items
with ritual offerings and palm leaves ornaments. There is also
the day of the ‘Golden blessings’ when all offerings
are made to objects made from golf, silver and precious stones,
and to lord of Mahadewa, guardian of the west.
Uye ir Kandang is
reserved for offerings to domestic animals and there is also krulut
day of honour for all types of musical instruments, dance costumes
and wayang to honour puppet or equipments
(puppet players, costumes, etc).
The most important Tumpek of all, is Kuningan
day, as the culmination of victorious fight of Dharma (goods)
agaings Adharma (evil) and angels, goddess are praised on this
day.
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