7 Sundanese Traditional Ceremonies After the Birth of a Child
Indonesia, the largest archipelago in the world, is home to a diverse range of ethnic groups and rich cultural heritage. Despite the rapid advancement of technology, many communities still preserve and uphold traditional customs and ceremonies passed down from their ancestors. This includes the Sundanese people from West Java.
The Sundanese community conducts various traditional ceremonies to express gratitude and seek blessings for the well-being and safety of both the child and family. These rituals typically take place at significant moments in life, such as after the birth of a baby.
Here are 7 Sundanese traditional ceremonies that take place following the birth of a child:
1. Tembuni Care Ceremony
The first ceremony is to care for the tembuni (placenta) after childbirth to ensure the baby’s safety and happiness. In Sundanese belief, the tembuni is considered a sibling of the baby and must not be discarded recklessly. It requires a special ritual for burial or floating in the water.
Upon the baby’s birth, the tembuni is cleaned and placed in a pendil (clay pot). It is then given ingredients like salt, tamarind, and palm sugar. The pendil is covered with white cloth and a bamboo stick is added to allow air circulation. A paraji (midwife) will carry and shield the pot until it is buried in the yard or floated into the river. The burial is accompanied by a prayer asking for the baby’s safety. A lamp is placed by the grave and kept lit until the baby’s umbilical cord falls off.
2. Nenjrag Bumi Ceremony
The nenjrag bumi ceremony involves striking an alu (a thick wooden stick) onto the earth. This ritual is performed to make the baby brave, unafraid, and not easily startled. Two methods are used: either striking the alu seven times on the ground near the baby, or laying the baby on a pelupuh (bamboo mat) and having the mother stomp her foot near the baby.
3. Puput Puseur Ceremony
The puput puseur ceremony starts with the cutting of the baby’s umbilical cord. Once the cord is detached, the mother places it in a kanjut kundang (cloth bag). The umbilical cord is then wrapped with gauze and tied to the baby’s abdomen to prevent the navel from protruding. This ceremony is often held along with the naming ceremony, a prayer for safety, and the distribution of red and white porridge to neighbors.
4. Ekahan Ceremony
Many are familiar with the ekahan or aqiqah ceremony, a tradition of expressing gratitude to God for the gift of a child. Typically held when the baby is 7, 14, or 21 days old, this ceremony involves the slaughtering of a sheep or goat. Two sheep are slaughtered for a boy and one for a girl. The ritual is accompanied by prayers and hopes that the child will grow up to be righteous and help the parents in the afterlife. The meat is then cooked and shared with others.
5. Nurunkeun Ceremony
The nurunkeun ceremony introduces the baby to the surrounding environment. The paraji will take the baby outside for the first time and inform the neighbors that the baby can now go outdoors. This ceremony is held on the seventh day after the puput puseur ceremony.
During this event, the family provides various foods. Light snacks and fruits are tied to bamboo poles, while heavier dishes are placed underneath. An infant swing is also set up for the baby, and the paraji recites prayers. Once the ceremony is completed, guests are invited to eat the food, and the light snacks are distributed to children.
6. Cukuran Ceremony
The cukuran ceremony, which involves shaving the baby’s hair, is conducted when the baby reaches 40 days old. This ritual is meant to purify the baby and cleanse the hair from any impurities. The baby is laid on the ground surrounded by guests, and a basin of flower water and scissors with golden jewelry, such as necklaces, bracelets, or rings, are hung. As the guests chant prayers, some of them will cut a small portion of the baby’s hair.
7. Turun Taneuh Ceremony
The turun taneuh ceremony is held when the baby first steps on the ground, usually when they begin crawling or walking. The purpose is to introduce the baby to the world and to give a glimpse of their future.
The parents set out a handful of rice, gold jewelry, and paper money on a white mat or cloth. The baby’s feet are then directed to step on these items, symbolizing the hope that they will grow to be able to support themselves. The baby is then allowed to crawl on the items, and guests observe which object the baby picks up first. If the baby grabs rice, they may grow to be a farmer; if they take gold, they may become an esteemed person; and if they grab the money, they may become a businessman.
These 7 traditional Sundanese ceremonies following the birth of a child carry deep meaning and play an important role in preserving the cultural heritage of West Java. By participating in these rituals, the community expresses gratitude, hope, and respect for the cycles of life while honoring their traditions.
For more information on Sundanese traditions, you can check out Sunda Culture Heritage.
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