Gandrung is not just a dance, this Banyuwangi city icon also has a rich history, meaning and philosophy. Born from an expression of gratitude from the Osing tribe towards Dewi Sri as the goddess of rice because of the abundance of agricultural products, Gandrung also played a role in independence.
Starting from Gandrung Marsan, the Gandrung dance also plays a role in various historical literature of the Blambangan land. The dance, which also has charm in the sense of its name, was once a tool to deceive the enemy. Gandrung is then identical to the dance to welcome important guests.
The long process of training the successors of Gandrung requires the next generation to understand the rules and regulations, both verbally and in writing, in order to maintain the meaning and philosophy contained in every movement of the Gandrung dance. They are also said to be appointed as healers.
Meras Gandrung is one of the series that must be passed before the Gandrung dancers can finally show this dance for various purposes. Meras Gandrung is the culmination of a series of training sessions that every Gandrung dancer must go through, consisting of training and rituals.
- Penulis: ijen
