Torch War Tradition in Indonesia, Exciting Fire Blows with Great Historical Value

Those of you who have had burns will understand how painful it is to be hit by fire. The heat can scald your skin, the pain will continue to be felt even until there is a scar. Hot and sore, right? Now try to imagine what if your whole body is beaten using coconut fronds and burnt banana leaves. Doesn't it hurt?

Maybe that's what you will feel when you see the tradition of "Torch War" in Indonesia. The unique tradition of hitting each other with fire.

Aiming to ward off disease, this dangerous tradition from Indonesia seems sacred and epic

It's natural for you to question that, about why you have to play with fire?. Just imagining being hit already hurts, what if you get hit with a burnt coconut rib? Of course the sensation of pain, stinging and heat will torture your body. So, if you already know that it's torturous, why are you still doing it?

Indonesian people actually have meaning when they carry out the tradition that at first glance looks 'torturous'. Although it seems torturous, but the purpose of this tradition is noble. Aims to ward off disease.

It's not done haphazardly. This tradition has a sacred side. There is a prayer session before the torch war ritual is carried out. In line with the initial intention to refuse the arrival of disease, of course, prayers for the torch war to run smoothly must take precedence.

The flickering fire from the torches played in the torch war tradition is beautiful. Like dancing, the sparks make the atmosphere even more festive

When you hear news or articles related to this torch war, maybe what you imagine is horror. Yes, that's fair. How can anyone not be horrified when they imagine themselves being hit with a coconut shell covered in flames?

However, if you see with your own eyes the horror seems to be covered by the beauty. There is a festive, majestic and epic atmosphere that radiates with every flick of the fire. Not to mention the sparks when the torch hit the body of one of the participants. Guaranteed you will be stunned by it.

But even though it seems dangerous, the torch war tradition does not actually cause casualties. The committee has prepared everything

Beaten by using a coconut frond wrapped in fire, of course there were participants who were injured. The blisters and stinging from the burn were evident. Likewise with your body pain after being beaten. Just imagine, there are 30 participants who can beat anyone for about an hour the procession lasts. If you were there, there would be no way your body could come out unscathed.

Amazingly, although the torch war ritual has often been carried out, no lives have been lost. The committee has prepared everything to protect the participants who take part in the tradition of this torch war. Starting from starting the ritual with prayer, asking for smoothness throughout the ritual to preparing medicinal ingredients from leaves mixed with coconut oil, it has been proven to be able to overcome the loss of life.

If it is traced from history, you will not believe it. I don't know how, sparks can actually ward off disease outbreaks

Maybe you're wondering, "how did this tradition start with the torch war?". A reasonable question considering this tradition is quite dangerous. Most people would doubtless question the origins of this challenging and dangerous tradition.

In fact, this torch war tradition was discovered 'accidentally' by Kyai Babadan and Ki Gembong. According to legend, Kyai Babadan entrusted his goats to be herded to Ki Gembong. However, because they are lulled by the fish and shrimp in the river, the cattle are forgotten so that they get sick or die. Kyai Babadan, who did not accept Ki Gemblong's negligence, beat Ki Gemblong with a torch from a coconut rib.

Who also wants to be beaten with a torch? So, to defend himself, Ki Gembong took a similar torch. They both hit each other with flaming torches, sparking sparks. Unexpectedly, the clash of the two torches spread fire in the haystack next to the cage. Cattle that were initially sick suddenly recovered.

Well, since then this tradition is trusted by the Indonesian people. And continues to this day.

If you want to see it with your own eyes, please go to Indonesia, precisely in the province of Jepara. The Torch War is routinely held every Pahing Monday, Pon Tuesday night in the month of Dzulhijjah in the Javanese or Arabic calendar.