Rejang Sutri: The Magical Dance of The Myth of Queen Ratu Gede Mecaling

Abstract

The development of ceremonial dance in Bali is inseparable from various underlying factors. The formation of sacred ceremonial dances sometimes arises from beliefs within the community, such as myths, disasters, vows, territorial legitimacy, the legitimacy of a figure, divinity, and so on. The development of these dances is believed to bring prosperity and inner peace, thus fostering a vibrant presence in human life. Similarly, the emergence of the Rejang Sutri dance in Batuan Village, which is rooted in myth. Myth strongly influenced the formation of Rejang Sutri, a legacy of sublime local wisdom, and its function as a dance to ward off disaster. This ward off disaster is the negative aura of the plague spread by Ratu Gede Mecaling, which coincides with the arrival of the fifth month (sasih kelima) through to nine month (sasih kesanga), estimated to be from October/November to March of the following year. The residents of Batuan Village, Gianyar regency, an ancient village in Bali, have inherited an oral tradition that states that Ratu Gede Mecaling lost a battle against I Dewa Babi, a retainer of the Dewa Agung Anom Sirikan, who initially reigned in Batuan Village and later built a palace in Sukawati. Ratu Gede Mecaling uttered vows, curses, and mystical revenge for the Batuan community, which were warded off in harmony with the Rejang Sutri performance. Furthermore, a series of other ceremonies related to this ritual are also performed in Batuan Village, such as Gocekan (cockfighting), mecaru  at the village border and at each village entrance, and several other rituals.