History of August Race in Indonesia - Just Menong

 

August has arrived. For the people of Indonesia, the nuances of every month of this inch are always different, as if there is euphoria that can no longer be held to be celebrated together. Yup, right in this month of independence, all prepare to welcome a special date, August 17. One of the things that people always look forward to is the Augustan race. The race that is always done every year—it turns out there is a history!

Although there have been many innovations and emerging types of new and current races, the classic fashion augusts race is still maintained. Summarized from several sources, let’s explore the meaning of this joyful race!

The Crackers' Dinner Race

The cracker-eating competition can be one of the old-school races that are still much loved. The tool and material of the cracker race is very simple in the form of a rope (usually a neat rope) that is presented according to the number of participants (definitely with enough distance between participants). At some point, the crackers that have been given a long rope are hung. The height of the rope is adjusted to the height of the participant. The material used is usually a round-shaped can tapioka strach cracker.

 

 

Participants compete to eat crackers until they run out without the help of their hands. This race is on a cute patio because the cracker rope that sways will make it difficult for participants to eat crackers calmly. Crab races are usually followed by children.

This competition describes the time of food difficulties during the colonial era so that crackers are symbolized as cheap festive food that is affordable for all circles. The position of the parallel crackle hanger describes the lives of the small people.

The Race Brings a Drenched

This is a memorable August competition for the children of the old age. The tools and ingredients are very simple, namely tablespoons and marbles (maybe children today are no longer playing marbles like they used to).

 

How to play this race is very easy, namely by placing the marbles in a spoon and then carrying the spoon containing the marbles with the position of the handle of the spoon that is bitten with the mouth.

Participants who can maintain the position of the marbles in a spoon without falling from the starting point to the finish and are the fastest (definitely not allowed to be touched by hand) are winners.

This competition requires a strong balance, concentration, and focus to achieve the goal.

The sack race

The sack race is a race taken from the traditional game. Again with a simple tool that is a sack (usually brown burlap sack), participants must be racing to reach the finish with the position of the body in the sack.

That said, sacks or burlap become a symbol of the absence of materials that are worthy to be made into clothes so that in the colonial era many people choose to use this sack or burlap as a substitute for clothing. Even in difficult times, only people can buy burlap sacks.

This sack race has been around since the Dutch colonial era, as evidenced by the photo of the collection of the Reksopustoko Mangkunegaran Library in the form of a picture of a teenage scout member (padwinder) built by Mangkunegara VII. The sack itself reflects the life of the Indonesian people, who are synonymous with sacks as a tool to transport or store agricultural products.

Mine Pull Competition

Actually, the tug of the mine is not only known in Indonesia. The pull of the mine, aka tug of war, was played in the Olympics from 1900 in Paris to 1920 in Antwerp, Belgium. This game is also known in many countries.

 

 

Games that can also train the strength of the body and cooperation of this team have a broad meaning as a place to foster solidarity and sportsmanship. This race also requires tactics to be able to pull the opponent's rope to the area of the participating team.

The Pinang Climbing Competition

The pinang climbing competition is usually held at the end of the celebration as the culmination of the Augustus competition held. This race is very interesting because prizes are available that can be taken and obtained directly when winning the race.

Betel nut climbing requires more complex tools and materials because they have to provide betel nut (or bamboo) with the appropriate length, skin them, and provide lubricating fluid to make them slippery. Interesting prizes are hung at the top. Participants consist of teams that help each other raise each participant so that one can reach the top and win the prize.

The betel nut climbing race is often considered as a symbol of the ruler (invader) who is happy to see the small people stepping on each other to fight for luxury goods that are difficult to obtain. But actually the climbing of betel nut was once held as an entertainment event in a noble wedding party. And of course the process of stepping on each other is a form of gotong royong, getting something that will be shared with all members of the team, regardless of their position.

There are still many other competitions that are often done, such as the race to put pens in a bottle, plucking coins and papaya that have been lubricated, cockfighting racing, and others.

In general, the tools and materials used are easy to get to minimize funds. The winner will be rewarded.

Now, the Augustus race is not only limited to the race that is usually done 10 years back. The Indonesian Independence Commemoration Committee made many innovations to motivate citizens to participate in the race.

The Augustan race is not only decorated with joy but also becomes a symbol of struggle, hard work, and gotong royong, which is wrapped in joy in filling independence. May this independence always give meaning and enthusiasm to work and love this country always.