Rewang Tradition

 

Rewang is a tradition of helping each other in Javanese customs when there is a celebration whether it's a wedding, circumcision, and other events. Rewang itself can also be called a mutual cooperation activity (gotong royong). Until now, the tradition of gotong royong is still attached to social life in the country since the first. The Rewang tradition is a term from the Javanese community in an activity that involves both women and men. Gotong royong is done to support the success of a large celebration event such as a wedding or circumcision. As one of the cultural heritages, this tradition is passed on from generation to generation, especially in villages that still quite uphold social values. Uniquely, the success of this celebration depends on the hard work of the women. Because they have to prepare hundreds of dishes (depending on the crowd) in the back (kitchen) for the people involved. In Javanese, the workers in the back (kitchen) are called by the name 'wong pawon'. In the Rewang tradition, usually the women have started working in the kitchen preparing the needs of the event since the early hours of the morning. The tasks performed by women in this tradition are different. There are those who prepare, take care of the ingredients for the celebration, cook in the kitchen, wrap the delivery, wash the dishes and so on that are still related to the implementation of the event.

They work for free and even their work is rarely known and recognized by the public. Therefore, this tradition does not only discuss women who work in the kitchen but also how they struggle and sacrifice for each other. Amazingly, the Rewang tradition can build community initiatives and participation on a voluntary basis, both in social and political life. The contribution of women in rewang certainly has an impact on society. So, their sacrifice is something that must be appreciated.