Get to Know Begawi, a Traditional Lampung Event

Farras Adzkia Azzahra - In Lampung, there is a traditional tradition for bridal couples who are getting married. This custom is known as the typical Lampung traditional begawi.

Begawi is a traditional Lampung wedding ceremony tradition with the aim of giving a traditional title to the bride and groom. Begawi is usually carried out by the Pepadun indigenous community group. The term pepadun comes from the name of a device that is always used in begawi, in begawi language it means "making a gawi" or a job. Pepadun is taken from a tool that is always used in begawi, namely a throne made of wood, symbolizing social status in the family. The throne is the place where traditional titles are given to the bride and groom.

The purpose of carrying out begawi is to give a title to someone. His status will increase if the begawi is held. In typical Lampung customs, pepadun have a sequence of titles, namely suttan, prince, rajo, queen, inner. Begawi appoints someone to be a balancer, this balancer is the highest traditional position held by a son from the oldest lineage. People who have the title of balancer have the authority to make decisions. Begawi custom emphasizes that the kinship system of the Lampung Pepadun community is patrilineal.

The implementation phase of the Lampung Begawi custom is usually carried out for 7 days and 7 nights, during which time it is filled with certain activities that have been determined by the Lampung Pepadun traditional elders. Before the Begawi Cakak Pepadun event is held, several activities will be carried out, one of which is a wedding.

The ngakuk muli or what is known as an application is carried out as a first step, then the pepung clan or clan assembly is continued to determine everything related to the implementation of the begawi so that it runs smoothly. Then the bride will be picked up using a khatow or typical Lampung golden carriage from her house to the groom's house, after arriving there the groom walks around the khatow in which there is still the bride. After that there will be typical Lampung dances and the ritual of getting off the road or the ritual of washing both feet. In this series, then a merwatin or traditional deliberation is held and then there is also a handover of court money which is placed in the sigeh or betel place. Then a buffalo slaughter was also held.

The descent of the diway is marked by the beating of canang (a type of typical Lampung gamelan). The groom and bride will get a title. Then the two of them wore clothes like kings and queens while carrying spears hanging from a jug accompanied by lebou kelamou (uncle of the bride), menulung (brother of the bride), and balancers.

Then he continued with music. Musek is an event that involves giving food by the stem, lebou kelamou (uncle of the bride), and menulung (brother of the bride) as well as the parents of the bride and groom. After that there was a distribution of money  which was given to the balancers, and after that the canang was beaten again, a sign that the title awarding ceremony was about to begin. After giving the title, usually the bridesmaids and parents of the bride and groom will give a form of advice  and rhymes to the bride and groom.