Rejang Dewa, Dance as a Sacred Offering to Welcome the Gods Descending to Earth.
Rejang Dewa is a sacred dance usually performed during holy rituals and presented as an opening dance before other dance performances begin and before the prayer ritual commences. The overall meaning of the Rejang Dewa dance is a symbol of well-being, prosperity, safety, and purity for the Hindu religious community, as well as a form of reverence to the Gods.
"The Rejang Dewa Dance" is a traditional and sacred dance originating from Bali. This dance is exclusively for women and serves as a symbol of welcoming the arrival of the Gods. Rejang Dewa is part of the Wali Dance, which is performed to accompany yadnya ceremonies.
In addition to serving as part of cultural heritage, this dance is also believed to carry important values, especially spiritual values. Therefore, this dance is considered sacred and performed with a deep sense of devotion. It is only performed by women who have not yet reached "puberty" or experienced "menstruation", and it is danced in groups. There can be up to 10 to 20 Rejang Dewa dancers.
The Balinese Gamelan accompanying this dance also has distinctive melodies and musical compositions. This is because the movements of the Rejang Dewa dance are repetitive and gentle. By following the tempo of the music, this dance is performed to the right and left while slowly moving forward, then forming circles and gracefully playing with scarves as if welcoming something. Just like its meaning, which depicts welcoming and paying homage to the Gods descending to Earth.
Rejang Dewa Dance (Photo Source : Private Collection)
The costumes of the Rejang Dewa dancers are typically dominated by white and yellow colors. The most important parts of the dancers' attire are the sash tied around the chest and the unique crown adorned with decorations and a garland of flowers, often using frangipani flowers. The dancers' makeup is kept natural and simple, unlike typical Balinese dances that are known for their vibrant and striking colors.
The Rejang Dewa dance continues to endure to this day in its development. In addition to being a part of cultural heritage, this dance also plays a significant role in the religious ceremonies of the Hindu community in Bali. The Rejang Dewa dance is still performed in every sacred ritual, allowing it to be passed down from generation to generation, and the skill of dancing does not cease to exist.
