A few weeks ago after dinner one night a few friends and I ventured to Alun Alun Kidul also called the “South Square” which lies in behind the Sultan’s palace. Food and drink sellers line the exterior of the square. Parked on the sides of the street are dozens of carts and tandem bikes adorned with glowing lights for visitors to peddle along the road that encircles the main attraction.
After peddling around in our “Doraemon” themed cart we ventured into the middle of the square. Two large banyan trees stood before us as we prepared our blindfolds to engage in the ritual that attracts most visitors to the location. The belief is that those who successfully walk through the two trees blindfolded will get unlimited blessings. After assessing the situation, it seemed as though it would be a breeze. Undoubtedly it was for some, but not for me…..
Attempt number one: I went far right parallel to the trees, my friends told me to stop because I had gone too far off course.
Attempt number two: This time people thought it was funnier to see where I’d end up. Well apparently again I had gone far right then decided to take a turn. I had made a strange loop around in front of the two trees but again nowhere near them or near the middle. I kept going for awhile but something told me I wasn’t going in the right direction….perhaps it was the laughter of every person around me? I had in that attempt almost crashed into a kaki lima (food vender), a cyclist and a group of men several times.
Attempt number three: I made it! Does that still count?
After looking it up on the internet, apparently it should be done with a black blindfold. I had used a green scarf the first two times and a black blindfold the last time. I’m going to blame it on that….
Another interesting fact about this ritual is that if you sneak a peek while blindfolded you will enter another world and you might not come back! I may have not received unlimited blessing but I’m still in this world so I would say the night was a success .
Wow, so you are in Yogya now eh? That is awesome. I went back to Indonesia too in 2011, although currently I am living in Jakarta. And this is George, we met quite a while ago in UVic’s Indonesian Language class. Are you continuing your study here? We need to meet up sometime! Leave me a message~
Cheers
Oh hi George!
Great to hear from you, I meant to get in contact with you before I left but things were hectic and I was really busy. I’m sure I will be in Jakarta at some point in the future I’ll let you know. I still have your email from when we met