Mandi Safar Tradition

Mandi Safar is the one of traditions in Ketapang regency, West Kalimantan province. The definition of Mandi Safar is taking a bath that is usually done in Ketapang after the people pray Subuh. It symbolizes to take a blessing. The purpose of this event is to avoid ourshelves from disasters.

Mandi Safar Tradition is held in Safar month. It relates with Islam nuance. The origin of it is taken from the stories of prophets that they were given some disasters in Safar month, such as the Propohet of Noah ship that was rescued from big float. Besides that, we can avoid the disasters by praying to Allah, dzikir, and making the other good deeds.

Wednesday of last week in Safar month is the day of event. Mandi Safar Tradition is decided on that day because Allah swt gives 320.000 disasters every year and most of it are commanded in Wednesday of last week in Safar month.

Generally, Mandi Safar Tradition is held on some places such as on the sea, intersection of river, ditch, and the house (bathroom). Sometimes the people make a meeting to decide the place of event.

Before the event is held, the leader of tribe leads the pray for safety to avoid from disasters that are started since sunrise until tomorrow of the day. Then, he writes a part of Surah Al-Qur'an that is called Salamun Tujuh on Menjuang leaf.by a splintered rib. Next, the leaf is soaked in clean water. At last, the water can be used to do Mandi Safar or to drink.

The pople who do this tradition believe the disasters can be avoided by it. The way to do Mandi Safar is same with taking a bath on general. The important thing is bathing all part of body with the water. The goal is to sweep away the disasters from our body.

There is a little bit different beetween the people who do the Mandi Safar Tradition at home with the people who do it on the far away place. The people who do it on far away place preparing their own food, such as cake ang "ketupat lemak". The cake and ketupat lemak will become their supplies on the trip or will be eaten after arrive in the location. This food are not only eaten by our family but also can be given to others.