Satu Suro

Satu Suro

Satu Suro is the first day of the Javanese calendar year in the month of Sura (also transcribed as "Suro"), corresponding with the Islamic month of Muharram.

Satu Suro has numerous associations in folk tales and superstitions in Java, Indonesia that vary considerably through regional variation in cultural practices. The prevalent theme through most superstitions is one of the danger of going out from the home - similar to the Balinese day of Nyepi. There is an Indonesian film that exploits the danger - called Malam Satu Suro.

The Javanese day starts at the sunset of the previous day, not at midnight - as a consequence considerable emphasis is made in the 'eve' of the first Day of the month of Sura.

During Satu Suro Night, there are several rituals that can be conducted, such as:

Meditation

Meditation is a common practice of Kejawen/Shiva-Budha religion. The objective is to have self-instropection of what has been done within the past year and then to prepare what should be done in the future.

Tapa Bisu: To meditate while being silent and not talking during the ritual
Tapa Kungkum: To meditate while submerged in water

Tirakatan and tuguran: The act of not sleeping the whole night while having self-reflection and prayer, usually accompanied by Puppet Shadow performance. Also many travel to sacred grave sites to perform Tirakatan.
Ruwatan: rituals to free the surroundings (e.g. of a house, building or area) from evil spirits and calamity.
Kirab Malam Satu Suro: Cleansing ritual of royal pusaka (heirloom) items held at the royal palace of Surakarta.