Interesting Facts about The Batak Tribe

Interesting facts about the Batak tribe

Seventeen thousand more islands in Indonesia, save a very rich ethnic, ethnic, linguistic and cultural diversity. One of them is the Batak tribe in North Sumatra Province. So far, people judge the Batak tribe as identical with their big voice and outspoken attitude. And it's often misunderstood through the media, where one of the characters is Bataknese and describes it with a "battle-headed" accent, even though the fall is excessive.

1. Just like the Javanese, the Batak also have several sub-tribes

The Javanese, as we know, are also diverse, distinguished from their areas of origin, such as Surabaya, Yogyakarta, Solo and Malang, which although ethnically are the same, have differences in terms of language, customs and culture. Likewise with the Batak tribe which also has several subs, namely the Toba Batak, Karo Batak and Simalungun Batak.

2. Married Pariban (Cousin)

There is a term in the Batak tribe, pariban (cousin) is rokkap (mate). Cousins here are not just any cousins because not all cousins can get married. The cousin in question is, if you are a woman, you can marry the son of your father's younger sister. Meanwhile, if you are a boy, you can marry the daughter of your mother's younger brother.

3. Martarombo

Batak people like martarombo aka talking and looking for relationships with one another. So, for example, when meeting people, the thing that is usually asked is what clan they belong to, then they will always try to find a relationship with their own clan. What happens is that there will almost always be a sibling relationship when fellow Batak people meet.

4. Tuhor

Tuhor means money to "buy" a woman when a man proposes to her. This tuhor money will later be used as the cost of the wedding, buying the bride's kebaya, other wedding needs, it all depends on the agreement of the male and female families.

The amount of the tuhor depends on the education level of the woman, the higher the education or job position, the greater the tuhor. For most Batak people who still hold on to this custom, this is often done. However, for Batak people who are more moderate, there is no problem with tuhor anymore. If both are holong (love) there is no need to make it difficult.

5. Mandok Hata

It means having a conversation before the new year. This is a custom of the Batak people. Usually done at a large family gathering. Tell each other about the reflection of a year ago, apologize to each other and then plan what they want to achieve in the coming year. Usually starting from the new parents to the youngest child.

6. Can't Marry One Clan

For Batak people, it is forbidden to marry someone who belongs to the same clan or not to the same clan but is still a sibling in the lineage. So, in Batak customs, several clans are still considered as one lineage, so they are considered as brothers so they cannot get married. That's why, in every introduction, you are always asked what clan you belong to so that you don't think love is forbidden because of your clan.

7. Mangulosi

Ulos is a traditional Batak cloth, just like Javanese batik and NTT woven fabrics. There are various types of ulos, all depending on the function of use. Every ceremony, be it a wedding or death, has a different use of ulos cloth. In fact, it is not uncommon to show one's strata in a social environment.

8. Batak House Concept

The Batak house has a very unique concept and contains an implied meaning in the form of the building. The concept of a house on stilts with a low entrance means that as a guest, you should respect the host and follow the rules in the house.

9. Lizards and Batak people

Lizard became a symbol for the Batak people. Like lizards that are everywhere, starting from small, medium, large houses, in villages and urban areas, this is how the Batak people should be able to adapt wherever they are. And not only adapt but also survive no matter how hard the problems they face.