My Experience ~ Pesta Gotilon (Harvest Celebration Ceremony )

gambar 1. simbol perayaan

(Tulisanku yang sok 'inggris' waktu kelas 2 SMA wqwqwqwq)

On Saturday, June 27, 2015 I attended “Pesta Gotilon” (harvest celebration ceremony) in my village, Sarimarrihit, Samosir Regency, North Sumatera, to observe it. The ceremony was attended by some of ‘important officials’ in Samosir Regency, that are Mangindar Simbolon & Rapidin Simbolon (the regent & vice regent), Sarma Hutajulu (North Sumatera’s Assembly), the head of Samosir Tourism Officer, the members of Samosir Tourism Care Organization, press officer, and even tourists from foreign countries joined to enliven the ceremony. It was began with the public worship which was led by a frater (catholic churchman).

The ceremony was continued with a welcome-speech given by Sianjur Mulamula’s subdistrict head. And then the village-head & village-socialite came with some of complaints about developmental village. Such as,irrigation maldistribution, unfinished building program, up to another agriculture problems.

gambar 2. Bupati ngomong 

Then, protocol gave the chance to the regent of Samosir Regency to deliver his speech. He expressed his appreciation to the people of Sianjur Mulamula of celebrating the harvest ceremony. He said that the role of society in building ‘hutanya’ (the village) should be optimized so that in the upcoming time, the development of this region would be running well as we expect. “It is not only the government’s duty to develop this village but rather all walks of life in this village ”, he added. The participation of Sianjur Mulamula people will optimize the building of the village in every aspects. “The combination of art, culture, mores, and economic will build creative-economic which is surely expected prospering will bring prosperity to the people of Sianjurr Mulamula”, he continued. Regarding to people’s demand about misdistribution of irrigation, it would be discussed with the ‘stakeholders’ that are related to it. So that the philosophy “gabe na niula, sinur nang pinahan” (the Batak Philosophy that expressing “making up the ground both in agricultural & animal husbandry sector”). He urged not to chop down the trees in the woods mistakenly.

I myself as one of native inhabitant, it’s fixed that several flowing springs will get dry when dry season comes. Luckily, another springs are still flowing although the rate of flow go down drastically compared to rainy season. This must be one of bad impacts of what human do.

One of interesting parts I experienced was a moment when I had a chance to have some talk with a tourist from Germany. “practicing my English with him would be challenging” (on my mind at that time :D ) then I went to the ‘scene’. Finally, my desire was “fulfilled” . hahaha.I got one, his name was Carl. He told me about their nature-explore with climbing Mount Pusuk Buhit up. He was very excited of having a chance to enjoy awesome panoramic up there. He was also pleased because they arrived on time so they could witness the celebration ceremony directly. He got interested with the culture, dance, and hospitality of Sianjur Mulamula people. Yeah, when we talked about language, he said that learning foreign language (such as French, Dutch, German, etc) is useless, unless you’ll go to those countries. But learning English is a must”, he said. “You can study abroad, You can travel around the world , you can see the world.” Yep, that’s it. We didn’t have much time, they were scheduled to get into Berastagi, to climb Mount Sibayak up and then catching a plane to Jakarta.

Before leaving, one of them was asked to give somekind of speech about their impression about sianjur mulamula. There he said : “ Horas!!! I am Steve represent all of my friends, thank you for your great welcome, we feel very lucky for being here on time seeing this unique ceremony. I’m personally amazed of beautiful nature, pure-lake, scenic scenery, traditions, dance (include costume) and custom you have. Thanks for your hospitality receiving us not only as the tourist but also as your family instead with open arms. Thank you.”

I myself felt impressed of their “act”. They themselves also put on ulos (Batak traditional clothing). They got awe of our culture & nature, then how about us, as the native people? We are often being destructive instead of being constructive. (if you know what I mean) .

The next session was “sale by auction” or craft fair from Sianjur Mulamula’s people. There were so many handicraft which was processed from second-hand stuff become first-class stuff. It was begun with consession of somekind of “jambar” (traditional gift) to local competent authorities i.e. The Regent/Vice Regent, The Head of Subdistrict, etc as the honorary symbol and ended with “manortor” (traditional dance) to respect “hasuhuton” (event coordinator).

And finally, the last session was a dance-show from the people of Sianjur Mulamula. Yep. That’s all. The point of this ceremony’s GIVING THANKS. yeah, just like in our daily life, we should give thanks for the joy of living He’s given. If you have no reason to say thanks, the fault lies only in yourself.

source: “naked-eye” observation

-June 27, 2015-