Guling Siyu: The Offering of Thousands of Pigs in the Usaba Sumbu Ritual of Timbrah Village, Karangasem

The Guling Siyu tradition is one of the main elements in the Usaba Sumbu celebration, a customary ritual of the Timbrah Village community in Karangasem. Guling Siyu literally means "a thousand roasted pigs," a cultural heritage and an expression of reverence to Ida Sang Hyang Widhi Wasa (God Almighty).

In this tradition, "guling" refers to a whole pig stuffed with traditional spices, sewn back together, and roasted by continuously rotating it over a fire. The word "Siyu," meaning a thousand, symbolizes the number of roasted pigs offered by the villagers. This offering reflects gratitude for abundant agricultural yields and fertile farmland, especially rice, which serves as the primary source of livelihood for the Timbrah Village community.

Guling Siyu (Source: Private Collection)

Usaba Sumbu is a religious traditional ceremony originating from Karangasem Regency, Bali. This tradition is held in several Pakraman Villages, including Timbrah Village and Pertima Village in Karangasem District. What makes this tradition unique is the presence of the Guling Siyu Tradition, an ancestral ritual preserved and passed down through generations by the local community.

In addition to the offering of thousands of roasted pigs, Usaba Sumbu is also marked by the presence of the "Sumbu", a symbol representing the connection between Buana Agung (macrocosm) and Buana Alit (microcosm). The Sumbu is crafted alternately by villagers from Pauman who have daughters (deha). Standing as tall as 25 meters, the aesthetically adorned Sumbu is made from various materials, including galangal flowers, strings of decorations (rerenteng), intricately woven ornaments (reringgitan naga sari), and traditional snacks. This elaborate creation reflects the artistic and spiritual devotion of the community, emphasizing harmony between humans and the universe.

Guling Siyu (Source: Private Collection)

The next stage is Usaba Sumbu Kelod, beginning with the mebiasa ritual, where the jempana (symbol of Bhatara) is paraded around the village. This ritual involves key community members such as prabagus, pragaluh, bapa desa, kubayan, and krama desa. The celebration continues with the mebarang tradition, where teruna adat (youth groups) compete to seize the jempana as an act of respect and cultural preservation. The event concludes with nyimpen, the storage of pratima at Pura Bale Agung, accompanied by the Rejang Timbrah Dance, performed overnight by village girls.

This tradition is not only a reflection of religious devotion but also embodies cultural, social, and economic values. Its cultural significance is evident in preserving the identity of the Timbrah Village community. Social values are reflected in ngejot, the practice of sharing food, especially with those in need. Economically, the increased demand for pigs and livestock encourages villagers to establish farms, indirectly supporting the local economy.

Usaba Sumbu with the Guling Siyu Tradition represents harmony between the people of Timbrah Village, nature, God, and one another, making it a treasured cultural heritage