Angklung Legend

The Legend of Angklung: Melodies of Rice and the Ritual of the Goddess

Edisi Indonesia: Legenda Angklung

In ancient times, in the fertile and colorful land of Sunda, a musical tradition took root that has deeply intertwined with the lives of its people. Angklung, a distinctive bamboo musical instrument, is not just an instrument; it symbolizes life and ritual, reflecting the close connection between humans and nature.

The Origins of Angklung

Between the 12th and 16th centuries, under the reign of the Sunda Kingdom, the agrarian Sundanese people, who relied on rice as their staple food, began developing the angklung. For them, rice was not just a source of sustenance but also a symbol of life and prosperity. The angklung emerged as a musical instrument used in rituals and traditional ceremonies with the primary purpose of invoking the Goddess of Rice, Nyai Sri Pohaci, to ensure that their crops flourished. The people believed that Dewi Sri was the giver of life, and by playing the angklung, they sought to summon the goddess to bless their harvests.

There is no clear record of when the angklung was first used, but it is believed that its primitive form has existed since the Neolithic era, long before Hindu influence reached the Nusantara. Thus, the angklung is considered one of the pre-Hindu relics of Nusantara culture. This bamboo instrument continued to evolve and became part of the agrarian rituals of the Sundanese people, particularly in rites associated with rice cultivation.

The Badui people, who still preserve many ancient Sundanese traditions, use the angklung during rice planting rituals. One tradition that has endured is the angklung gubrag from Jasinga, Bogor, which has been played for over 400 years. The instrument was created and played to invite Dewi Sri to descend to earth and ensure a bountiful rice harvest. The bamboo commonly used to make angklung includes black bamboo (awi wulung) and ater bamboo (awi temen), which turn pale yellow when dried. The sound of the angklung is produced by shaking bamboo tubes, each section resonating with a unique tone, from small to large.

In addition to its use in agrarian rites, angklung also played a crucial role in boosting morale during battles. This function was recognized from the time of the Sunda Kingdom and continued during the Dutch colonial period. During this time, the Dutch East Indies government banned the use of angklung, fearing it would incite the spirit of resistance among the people. As a result, the popularity of angklung waned, and it was mostly played by children during that period.

As time went on, angklung was not only performed during rice rituals but also during harvest festivals and Seren Taun, where angklung became part of processions alongside Rengkong, Dongdang, and Jampana. The music of angklung spread from the Sundanese region to other parts of Java, and even to Kalimantan and Sumatra. In 1908, angklung was introduced during a cultural mission to Thailand, and the bamboo music briefly flourished there as well.

In 1966, a prominent figure in angklung, Udjo Ngalagena, developed a modern playing technique based on the pelog, salendro, and madenda scales, and began teaching how to play angklung to various communities. As a result, angklung continued to thrive and evolve, becoming an enduring symbol of Sundanese culture.

Angklung Gubrag: Melodies from Bogor

In Jasinga, Bogor, there is a unique tradition known as angklung gubrag. This tradition has been alive for over 400 years and is still practiced today. During angklung gubrag performances, players energetically and synchronously play the angklung. This ritual is believed to awaken the spirit and invite blessings from Dewi Sri.

Celebration and Rituals

Every year, at the onset of the rice planting season, the Badui people, descendants of the original Sundanese, conduct a ritual with angklung as part of the ceremony to begin rice planting. Through the performance of angklung, they express their prayers and hopes for a bountiful harvest.

Cultural Heritage and Its Impact

Angklung is not merely a musical instrument but a cultural heritage that connects people with nature and their ancestors. The melodies of the angklung reflect the beliefs, hopes, and unity of the Sunda people in sustaining their lives through agriculture.

Get Involved

Let us preserve and celebrate the beauty of angklung by experiencing it firsthand through performances or by trying to make and play angklung ourselves. It’s a wonderful way to gain a deeper understanding of the culture and traditions that shape our identity.

Angklung