Aceh Thousand Hand Dance - Saman Dance

SAMAN DANCE 

SAMAAN DANCE AS A RELIGIOUS EVENT 

Saman dance is a dance originating from the Gayo tribe and is usually performed in an important celebration at a traditional event. The poetry in the dance also uses Gayo languages. In addition, this dance is also often performed when celebrating the birthday of the Prophet Muhammad.  

    The name of the dance "Saman" is derived from one of Aceh's great scholars, namely Sheikh Saman. Some histories state that Sheikh Saman, a scholar from the Gayo tribe in Southeast Aceh, was the one who later discovered and founded the Saman dance. Saman dance is one of the media to convey messages or da'wah. This dance reflects education, religion, manners, heroism, cohesiveness and togetherness. 

HISTORY OF SAMAAN DANCE 

This traditional dance from Aceh was created by a scholar in the XIV century AD, namely Sheikh Saman. Saman dance originated in the Gayo highlands, which administratively covers the Aceh Tengah district. At the beginning of its development, this dance was used as a medium for preaching to the local community. At that time before the dance was performed, traditional leaders would give advice to the audience as well as the players themselves.

 Sumber : SD Islam Asysyakirin 

UNIQUENESS OF SAMAAN DANCE 

Saman dance is synonymous with a thousand-motion dance, because the movements are so dominating. Saman dance is performed without the accompaniment of musical Nashwa ayu Anastasia, Maya manda zega, Fransicus Sion Manalu. Sastra Inggris, Universitas Pamulang.