SURO – Marriage is a very noble act. However, among the Javanese people, many still avoid getting married in the month of Sura / Suro / Muharram. The month of Suro in the Javanese calendar is considered a sacred month and full of mystical powers.
Here are 10 reasons why some Javanese people avoid getting married in this month:
1. **Mystical Beliefs**: The month of Suro is considered a month full of spiritual and mystical energy. Many Javanese people believe that holding a wedding in this month can bring bad luck or unwanted things.
2. **Period of Meditation and Fasting**: The month of Suro is often filled with spiritual activities such as meditation, fasting, and holding religious rituals. This makes people feel less suitable for celebrating a wedding which is usually full of parties and entertainment.
3. **Respect for Ancestors**: Many Javanese people honor their ancestors by performing certain rituals in the month of Suro. Holding a wedding in this month is considered disrespectful because attention must be focused on the ritual.
4. **Myths and Legends**: There are many myths and legends circulating in Javanese society related to the month of Suro. For example, some people believe that this month is a month where many disasters and calamities occur, so weddings in this month are avoided to avoid unwanted things.
5. **Historical Influence**: Some of these beliefs may also be influenced by the long history and traditions of the Javanese people that have been passed down from generation to generation.
6. **The Role of Culture and Customs**: Javanese culture is very rich in traditional customs and ceremonies. The month of Suro is often considered a time for reflection and contemplation, so holding a big celebration such as a wedding is considered not in accordance with the spirit of this month.
7. **Influence of Javanese Kingdom Legacy**: In the past, several kingdoms in Java, such as Mataram, also had special policies and views on the month of Suro. Some kingdoms prohibited large celebrations, including weddings, to honor this month.
8. **Emphasis on Serenity and Simplicity**: In Javanese spiritual teachings, the month of Suro is often emphasized as a time for simple and quiet living. Holding a lavish wedding party is considered contrary to these values.
9. **Preparation for the Javanese New Year**: The month of Suro is also the first month in the Javanese calendar, similar to the concept of the month of Muharram in the Hijri calendar. Therefore, many Javanese people use this month as a time to prepare themselves spiritually and emotionally for the coming year, so marriage may be seen as a disruption to this preparation.
10. **Local Stories and Collective Experiences**: In addition to myths and legends, local stories circulating in the community also play a big role in shaping views on the month of Suro. Collective experiences from generation to generation create a strong narrative that marriages in the month of Suro should be avoided.
Although this belief is based on tradition and culture, it is still highly respected by many Javanese people to this day. (*/)
