REJANG

Rejang is a ritual mass dance, performed by rows of girls in their best dress. Their steps and movements are very smooth and slow, symbolic of their surrender to the God. Their arms rise almost never higher than the hip while the bodies move passively but full of devoutness.

The famous Rejang Dance is shown in the village of Tenganan, on the Usaba day of the first month, Kasa, according to the lunar calendar. The unmarried girls and boys of that village, considered still untouched by the magical impurity suppose to come from sexual intercourse, dance the Rejang (for girls) and Abuang (for boys) accompanied by the metalophones orchestra Gamelan Selonding which is only found in this village. This special ceremony, which is only held once a year, is great chance for the boys to observe and choose their fiancées. A boy, who is attracted by one of the girls, my walk up to the girls and take his place in the dance. If the girl is interested she may respond by following theboy to his boyfriends’ seats.