|
As part of
the funeral ceremony, a tower is built in which to place the body of
the dead relative. This structure is referred to as a
lakkian
, and is placed in the position of honor in front of
an open arena. Many of the rites associated with the ceremony take
place in this arena. The rites included depend on the social and
economic status of the deceased. Naturally, the higher the status of
the dead person, the more elaborate his funeral will
be.
However, a
cock fight, known as
bulangan londong
, is an integral part
of the ceremony. As with the sacrifice of the buffalo and the pigs,
the cock fight is considered sacred because it involves the spilling
of blood on the earth. In particular, the tradition requires the
sacrifice of at least three chickens. However, it is common for at
least 25 pairs of chickens to be set against each other in the
context of the ceremony. Usually, the 'extra rounds' are held
outside the ceremonial field, for the pleasure of the
participants.
In this day
and age, the sacred ceremony has degenerated into an excuse for
gambling. Fewer and fewer among the audience regard the cock fight
as a religious event, and most take part in the gambling that
inevitably accompanies it. These days, with the advent of
telecommunications, it is not unusual for people to bet on cock
fights via telephone.
As a ceremony
reaches its climax, the roads leading into even smallest villages
can become crowded with vehicles bringing gamblers to the
site.
In addition
to the cock fights and the trials of strength between the buffalo,
the ceremony also involves a mourning dance known as
ma'badong
, in which members of the family of the deceased
hold hands and form a large circle. The dance is accompanied by the
recitation of poetry which describes humanity's journey from the
womb, through birth, life, and finally death.
Oddly, the
fact that a large number of the people of Tana Toraja have embraced
Christianity has not prevented them from holding or taking part in
these ceremonies.
|
