Arts, culture, and tradition

            On the north coast of Central Java, precisely in Asemdoyong Village, Pemalang Regency, there is a unique tradition that has been going on for generations for tens or even hundreds of years. This tradition is known as Baritan, a meaningful sea alms ritual that symbolizes the gratitude of the fishing community to God Almighty for the abundance of sea products they have obtained throughout the year. As a regency whose part of the area is directly adjacent to the Java Sea, Pemalang has a coastal community that depends on the wealth of the sea. The profession of fisherman has become a strong identity in this region. For the fishing community, the sea is not just a place to make a living, but also part of their spiritual and social life. That is where the Baritan tradition was born and continues to be maintained. The Meaning and Philosophy of Baritan           Baritan comes from the Javanese word “barit” which means...

 Sintren: A Mystical Art from Pemalang that Still Survives       In the midst of the swift pressure of modernity, cultural products as a noble culture created by    the nation's children are still maintained. One of them is the regional art of Sintren, which develops along the pantura region of western Central Java, especially in Pemalang Regency.       However, like many other traditional arts, Sintren has not escaped the influence of modernity. Its existence is now increasingly rare due to the pressure of changing times and cultural shifts in society. Therefore, preservation efforts are needed so that this art does not become extinct.      In terms of language, Sintren comes from a combination of two syllables, namely “Si” and “Tren.” In Javanese, “Si” means “she,” while “Tren” comes from the word “Tri,” which is a nickname for “princess.” Thus, Sintren means “the princess,” which refers to the main character in this tra...