Sekapur Betel Dance typical of Riau Islands
The betel eating dance (offering), is a traditional dance which is generally performed to welcome and be presented to honor visiting state guests/grand guests.
This dance is performed by 5 to 9 people, and often there are odd numbers. With one person who is considered special, because he brings palms as an offering to guests.
The performance dance is performed to the accompaniment of Malay music, which comes from a combination of marwas sound instruments, violin or fill, drum, harp and accordion.
The accordian sound is an important element in Malay music, considering that this sound is the specialty of Malay music.
The dance movements are very simple, relying on hand and foot movements. The movement of bowing while placing your palms together is a form of respect for the guests who come. The Makan Betel Dance is generally danced by teenagers.
However, in its development this dance can also be danced by older people. The dancers wear clothes that are usually worn by brides, namely traditional clothes called Baju Kurungan Teluk Belanga.
On the head, there is a crown equipped with flower-shaped decorations and other trinkets such as dokoh, earrings, bracelets. While the lower part of the dancers’ body is wrapped in brightly colored songket cloth.
The King will be angry if the betel is not eaten
During the performance, one of the dancers in the offering dance will bring a box containing betel.
The betel in the box is then opened and guests who are considered noble are given the first opportunity to take it as a form of respect. Then, followed by other guests.
Because of this, many people call the offering dance the Sekapur Sirih Dance. For the people of the Riau Islands, betel is not just an object. Betel is also a media for bonding in relationships.
Through dance, society has shown awareness that humans are interconnected with other humans.
This social awareness is then able to foster good communication, mutual respect and respect for fellow humans.
The presence of a welcoming dance for guests shows that Malay people really value friendship and kinship relations.
The philosophy of giving tepak containing betel is very high. Because if a guest who is given betel does not take or eat it, it is considered impolite. Even in ancient times, the king would be angry if the betel was not eaten.
Leave your comment