Worried about wasted food? There’s nothing like wastage in this community. Every time before Eid al-Adha, residents of Jleper Village, Mijen District, Demak Regency, Central Java hold an earth alms rite (Apitan) in the form of “Tawur Nasi”. This is a tradition as an expression of gratitude for the abundance of crops.
Conducted on a clear day, the village youths carry baskets of rice, fried noodles, tofu, and tempeh. The baskets are always placed around people who must have gathered. After being prayed for by community leaders, usually modin, the young men immediately fight over baskets and make a fist of rice.
After that, they throw each other the rice fist and chase each other. Head of Jleper Village, M Tamam, as quoted from tribunjateng.com (11/09/2015) explained, “the tradition of rice brawl in this village has been going on for hundreds of years ago.” The earth alms tradition is routinely held every year before Eid al-Adha.
“After the fight, the scattered rice was cleaned to be collected as chicken or duck feed. The community believes that rice from the rite can protect livestock from disease, ” said Muklis, a Jleper community leader.
Almost similar to Jleper, the earth alms tradition as an expression of gratitude for the residents of Mlilir Village, Gubug District, Grobogan Regency, this was also carried out in Apit (Dulkaidah). Before the rice cone brawl, rice that became the “tool of war” was prayed in tahlilan.
“The charity of the earth is a form of our gratitude to God for the gift that has been given in the form of fertility, health and peace to our citizens.
Another goal is for citizens to strengthen their sense of brotherhood, “Sugeng Riyadi, Mlilir Village Head was quoted as saying by globalnewsberita. wordpress.com.
Rice remnants of “war” will be distributed to the rice fields. Residents believe that the distribution of rice will fertilize plants.
Similar to what Mlipir residents did, almsgiving in Pelemsari Village, Sumber District, Rembang Regency was also held with the tradition of rice brawl. This is a tradition of harvest abundance.
What is unique in this village, aside from being an expression of gratitude, the ritual tawur nasi is also a symbol of reinforcement. One of the “reinforcements” that are rejected is rat pests.
“There used to be a rat pest attack that attacked the rice fields of Pelemsari villagers. After there was a rice brawl, the rat pest attack was instantly lost.
Until now, we believe this tradition is to reject reinforcements to avoid villages from all kinds of disasters,” said Pelemsari Village Chief, Surinto, as quoted by Detik.com (8/17/2017).
Same as in Jleper, rice that becomes a “tool of war” will be collected and used as animal feed. Residents believe that cattle that eat ritual rice will be fat and resistant to disease.
