Holiday Ayo - The Sekaten ceremony is a form of tradition that has been passed down by our ancestors. The existence of the Sekan ceremony is a form of religious ceremony used to commemorate the birthday of the Prophet Muhammad.

There are different opinions regarding the origin of the name Sekaten. First, the word Sekaten comes from the word Sekati, where the word is taken from the name of the palace heirloom gamelan equipment used in a series of events to commemorate the Prophet Muhammad's Birthday.

Then there is also an opinion that says that the word Sekaten comes from the words like and ati which, if concluded, becomes the term happy. Third, there is a mention that Sekaten comes from the words sesek and ati which have the meaning of shortness of heart.

It didn't stop there, someone else said that the word Sekaten comes from the word Syahadatain which means the sentence creed. The purpose and purpose of the Sekaten ceremony that still exists today is to commemorate the birthday of the Prophet Muhammad. In addition, the Sekaten ceremony can also be used as a means of spreading Islam.

source: liputan6.com

The spread of Islam, especially in Java, was carried out by the guardians. Where maybe you have also heard when you were in school that there were 9 guardians who were so famous and could also be called Wali Sanga.

The nine guardians are Sunan Ampel, Sunan Bonang, Sunan Giri, Sunan Kalijaga, Sunan Kudus, Sunan Gunungjati, Sunan Muria, Sheikh Maulana Maghribi, and Sheikh Siti Jenar.

Previously, it was explained that one of the means used to spread Islam at that time was using gamelan facilities. This is because at that time people really liked Javanese art and gamelan.

Kanjeng Sunan Kalijaga at that time immediately made a set of gamelan with the name Kyai Sekati. Where later Kyai Sekati's gamelan will be used to enliven the celebration of the Prophet Muhammad's Birthday.

source: 99.co

Gamelan Kyai Sekati is placed in the courtyard area of the Demak Mosque and will be beaten heavily. Because at that time people really liked Javanese and Gamelan arts. Of course, when the celebration of the birthday of the Prophet Muhammad, accompanied by gamelan art, is able to provide a special attraction for people from various directions.

The moment of gathering of many people was also used as a place for the guardians to convey the teachings of Islam by giving advice and teachings about the religion of Islam.

At that time, people who came could also go inside and sit on the porch of the mosque by reading the creed first. Those who were still in the courtyard of the mosque were told to wash their hands, face and feet using the pool water outside the mosque's foyer.

The Sekaten ceremony will be held at the same time, namely for 7 days, starting from the 5th to the 11th of Mulud or Rabi'ul Awal.