Monday, December 27, 2010
Story by. Ahmad Yani Hasti
Silent night, holy night; All is calm, all is bright; Round yon Virgin Mother and Child; Holy Infant so tender and mild; Sleep in heavenly peace; Sleep in heavenly peace… -Silent Night Lyrics-
There is something special in Tana Toraja, when I visited this Friday Night (December 24, 2010). Yes, it's holy night for Christmas time. Christmas day become a big celebration day for Christians. Indonesia launched its National Christmas Event in Makale, Tana Toraja. Several ministers and state officials came and some of them also celebrate for Christmas here.
National Christmas Event centered on the church “Gereja Katolik Hati Tak Bernoda”. And wow, there are over 3,000 Christians who worship in this church.
Privileges of Night for Christmas celebrations this year in Tana Toraja is the integration with the culture of Toraja. Devotional songs such as “Silent Night” was sang in the language of Toraja. In addition, also presented Toraja Dance, and Toraja bamboo typical music rebound.
In this celebration of Christmas I had the opportunity passed directly to the Menteri Perdagangan (Minister of Trade Indonesia) Mari Elka Pangestu. Madam Minister seemed wise to follow a session of this Christmas celebration.
"It's incredible the Torajan people celebrate Christmas by integrating between worship, culture and local traditions," said Mari Elka after attending the Christmas Eve at Gereja Katolik Hati Tak Bernoda on Friday night.
Mari Elka Pangestu, who also the chairman of committee in National Christmas Event said that celebration initially select for multiple areas, including in the disaster area at Merapi, Yogyakarta, and the Mentawai Islands, West Sumatra. But, Tana Toraja become the final decision.
After the Mass of Christmas, a number of firecrackers were tone up the night in Tana Toraja, South Sulawesi.
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