Tondei Annual Events

by Iswan Sual

     

   It's not wrong to say that Tondei (located in the district of Motoling Barat, Minahasa Selatan Regency, North Sulawei, Indonesia) is now culturally becoming the center of South Minahasa. Why is it so? This village in last five years  has been conducting traditional events such as Madatong or Mareng i Lele,

Praying before dancing

A walian, a religious leader of Minahasa is leading the group in prayer

Kalie or Tatakoi Festival, Pengucapan Day, Traditional Ritual at Minahasan cultural sites.

1. Madatong/Mareng i Lele

    This event started long time ago. Usually the member of the Mapalus group celebrated their success by holding this events. It's a kind of a game. Simple but it has deep meaning to them. Madatong is usually held during new year days, on 1st, 2nd and last day of the first week of January. The location chosen is the center of the three villages. Young and old people participate in this event. The participants uses lidi to hit each other without having hard feeling. The game is easy. Historically, this traditional game was born when the ancient of Minahasan people conducted Ma'ando or Mapalus. Literally Ma'ando means being morning or working in the morning. Both words are used interchangeably in the village. Mapalus actually like cooperative. The member of the group help each other to clean their garden or farm. At the end of the taking turn they will do celebration. And it's an imitation of what happens during their working time.  

this happened in the beginning of January 2014

the participants are in action

       Before they started a person called Tonaas will lead them in prayer. Usually Kabasaran dance from the youth is inserted prior to Marantong. Tondei has a group of Kabasaran dance fostered and supported by Sanggar Tumondei. 

2. Kalie or Tatakoi Festival

          Kalie or Tatakoi is made from coconut shell. The forms are different according the maker creativity. This game is played by two groups which is each consists of three or more people. Accuracy, focus, strength are importantly needed. Old and young play this game. Starting this year, the youth and students initiated to execute such a game. The response to this is awesome. Many groups registered and participated.

The competitors are in action

The players are fighting to get the promising price

This year was the first time the Kalie to be in real and strict competition. The people play in the morning, day and in the evening. Modern games or sports are now being ignored by the villagers. This year, so far, the competition which give price have been held twice.

3. Pengucapan Day

    This event is almost the same with thanksgiving day which is celebrated in America or Europe. It become similar, possibly, because the Christian influence brought by the missionaries. Previously, this even had not something to with that. It's was called Foso or Poso day. It was celebrated during days even weeks. But now, due to Christianity, the real meaning of it has disappeared. The Pengucapan Day is done in July every year.

4. Maweru ni Ubat and other ritual

      This traditional practice of ancient Minahasan Religion, until now still exists. But, the people who still do this tend to do it secretly because the church claims that it's an adultery and satanic practice. Sixty or seventy years ago, before the church grab a big authority, this event is conducted in the middle of the village or near a milestones. Many people come and follow the ritual. During this event the sick people , physically or spiritually, are cured. Togetherness takes place when the eating together comes. 

       

Kumelung in Do'ong ritual done near Watu Lutau

Kumelung in Do'ong  ritual done at Aer Tondei

 Recently, the youth tried to simulate the ritual. But the response, at the beginning was horrible. But sooner most of people will get illuminated.