Wayang

Wayang (from Javanese ꦮꦪꦁ, wayang (in the ngoko register), ꦫꦶꦁꦒꦶꦠ꧀ (in the krama register), Balinese: ᬯᬬᬂ, Sundanese: ᮝᮚᮀ, ultimately from Old Javanese wayaṅ) is a traditional Java-origin dramatic performance in which a story is represented (by puppets, by dancers) invented by the indigenous Javans (the Javanese and Sundanese) — the Native Indonesian ethnic groups. The term wayang refers both to the show as a whole and the puppet in particular. Performances of wayang puppet theatre are accompanied by a gamelan orchestra in Java, and by gender wayang in Bali. The dramatic stories depict mythologies, such as episodes from the Hindu epics the Ramayana and the Mahabharata, as well as local adaptations of cultural legends. Traditionally, a wayang is played out in a ritualized midnight-to-dawn show by a dalang, an artist and spiritual leader; people watch the show from both sides of the screen. Wayang performances are popular among Indonesians, especially in the islands of Java and Bali. They are usually held at certain rituals, ceremonies, events as well as tourist attractions. In ritual contexts, puppet shows are used for prayer rituals in Balinese temples, ruwatan ritual (cleansing Sukerto children from bad luck), and sedekah bumi ritual (thanksgiving to God for the abundant crops). In the context of ceremonies, usually it is used to celebrate mantenan (Javanese wedding ceremony) and sunatan (circumcision ceremony). In events, it is used to celebrate Independence Day, the anniversaries of municipalities and companies, birthdays, commemorating certain days, and many more. Even in the modern era with the development of tourism activities, wayang puppet shows are used as cultural tourism attractions.