5 Dances In The North Sumatra Region And Explanation Of Its Meaning

Piso Surit Dance (perpustakapan.id)

YOGYAKARTA - The dance of the North Sumatra region is one of the cultural heritages of the archipelago that is rich in the meaning and value of life. Every movement and rhythm in its traditional dance is not just entertainment, but also a means to express gratitude, love, and respect for ancestors.

The beauty of dances from various tribes in this province has been passed down from generation to generation so as not to be lost in time. Here will be discussed some traditional dances typical of North Sumatra complete with meaning and stories behind it.

Each tribe in North Sumatra has its own distinctive dances, such as the Batak Toba, Batak Karo, Mandailing, Malay, to Nias. This diversity makes this province one of the regions with the wealth of the most colorful dance arts in Indonesia. Here are 6 of North Sumatra's traditional dances.

The Moyo dance comes from the Nias Islands. The word 'moyo' in the local language means an eagle, which symbolizes passion and persistence. This dance tells of a mother who welcomes her child who returns from the battlefield.

Therefore, when witnessed in person, the Mayo Dance presents an atmosphere full of emotion and joy. In addition, the Moyo Dance also teaches about the spirit of never giving up in the face of life.

Moyo dances are often displayed in guest welcoming events, traditional parties, and royal ceremonies.

This typical Malay dance was created by Guru Sauti and was originally known as Tari Pulau Sari, according to his accompanying song. The name Serampang Dua Belas was taken from the number of movements in the dance which reached twelve kinds of movements.

The Serampang DUa Belas dance tells the journey of love for two human beings until they are finally approved to the aisle. Even though it is thick with the Malay Deli culture, this dance also has an influence from the Portuguese dance.

Serampang DUda Dances are usually performed by twelve coupled dancers. Until now, this dance is still often performed in various traditional events and cultural festivals.

The Tor-Tor dance is one of the most famous dances from the Batak Toba tribe. At first glance it looks simple, but every movement has a deep meaning. This dance serves as a means of conveying prayers and hopes to God and respecting families and ancestors.

Usually, the Tor-Tor Dance is accompanied by a snang strain that guides the rhythm of the dancer's movement. This dance can be done by everyone, including the audience. Everyone who dances is required in general to wear a ulos cloth.

Until now, this dance is still an important part of various Batak traditional ceremonies, such as weddings, welcoming, and religious rituals.

Piso Surit's dance comes from the Batak Karo tribe. In the language of 'Piso Surit' means a bird that is singing. This dance tells the story of a girl who is waiting for her lover with a longing.

Usually, this dance is usually performed by at least five male and female dancers wearing traditional Karo clothes. Piso Surit dance is often performed to welcome guests of honor or at traditional Karon people's parties.

Gubang dance is a typical dance of the Malay Asahan community. In the past, this dance was believed to be a medium to call for the wind so that fishing boats can sail smoothly. The name 'Gubang' itself is taken from the word gebeng, which means the boat in the local language.

Now the Gubang Dance has shifted its function to entertainment for coastal communities. This dance is often performed at weddings, welcoming events, and cultural activities in coastal areas of North Sumatra.

Those are the reviews of 5 North Sumatra regional dances. The wealth of dance in this province shows how diverse Indonesia's cultural heritage is. Each dance movement not only displays beauty but also moral messages and the philosophy of life. If you visit North Sumatra, take the time to witness the beauty of these dances firsthand.