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During the Pasak Indung ceremony, the family prepares a “Penisiri Tidung,” also known as a “Canopy,” as a special place to hang the “Indung” (baby’s cradle). The Penisiri Tidung is adorned with wooden carvings, flowers, and colourful fabric decorations. The baby’s cradle, or Indung, is crafted to resemble a small boat in a rectangular shape suitable for the baby’s size. It is made from Belian wood and decorated with carvings and ornamental ropes.

Typically, the ceremony gathers relatives and friends from various places who come to enliven the event. Families hosting the ceremony often arrange for a spacious area or hall decorated lavishly, resembling a wedding celebration. All preparations are made with grandeur according to the family’s capabilities, reflecting respect and joy for the baby’s birth. The structure of the Pasak Indung ceremony is as follows:

1) The “Release from Confinement” Ceremony

The Pasak Indung tradition begins with the “Release from Confinement” ceremony, which frees the baby’s mother from postpartum restrictions. This ritual is overseen by a village midwife known as the Sandung, who holds a central role as the leader of the custom.

The ceremony commences with the Sandung escorting the mother out of the house. A knife is placed at the mother’s feet, symbolizing protection and strength during her confinement. Following this, the mother steps onto a sharpening stone, called Asahan, representing her readiness to return to her daily routines.

Next, the Sandung offers the mother a cup of plain water to drink, followed by the symbolic act of stepping onto the ground for the first time since giving birth. As part of the ritual, a piece of black cloth is burned in the yard while the Sandung sprinkles yellow rice over the mother’s body. This act signifies the conclusion of the confinement period, symbolizing the mother’s liberation and her readiness to resume normal life outside the home.

Photo 2: Sandung folding the "Gabol Lipot Raja Bersila" fabric

Source: Department of National Culture and Arts

When the Gabol Lipot Raja Bersila is placed inside the Indung, four (4) candles are lit at each corner of the cradle. These candles symbolize "enlightenment of the heart," representing the hope that the child will grow to be intelligent and wise in the future. During the ceremony, the baby is placed into and removed from the Indung seven (7) times along with the layers of the Gabol Lipot Raja Bersila. Simultaneously, a rooster and a hen are circled around the cradle seven (7) times while the baby is inside. The baby can only be removed from the cradle after the chickens have completed their rotations. This process continues until the final sarong layer is removed.

Photo 3: Ritual of circling the rooster and hen

Source: Department of National Culture and Arts

At the end of the ceremony, blood is taken from the rooster’s comb and smeared on the foreheads of both the baby and the mother. This act is believed to protect against "Kepaingan," a traditional Tidung belief that safeguards the baby from curses associated with animals killed by the parents. For instance, if the father had killed a snake during his lifetime, this ceremony ensures that the snake’s death does not affect the baby.

3) The "Gunting Abuk" Ceremony

After the Mengindung ceremony is completed, the event continues with the recitation of Berzanji accompanied by Selawat (blessings) upon the Prophet Muhammad PBUH. During this session, the baby is carried around to the guests, and each guest is given the opportunity to cut a few strands of the baby’s hair. This tradition, known as "Gunting Abuk," symbolizes blessings and prayers from each attendee for the baby’s well-being and prosperity in the future.

Photo 4: The "Gunting Abuk" Ceremony

Source: Department of National Culture and Arts

4) The "Napong Amas" or "Batapong" Ceremony

Following the Gunting Abuk ceremony, the event continues with the ritual known as "Napong Amas" or "Batapong," a symbolic act to fullfill the mother's vow as an expression of gratitude for the birth of a healthy baby. This ritual begins with the process of measuring the mother's height using a special gold chain, with the length of the chain adjusted to match her height.

During the measurement process, the Sandung sprinkles yellow rice around the mother while Selawat (blessings) upon the Prophet Muhammad PBUH is recited. Simultaneously, the mother stands and articulates her vow as a gesture of respect and gratitude. After this, an imam leads a prayer of thanksgiving to seek blessings for the baby and the family.

The measured gold chain is then cut into small pieces sized to fit the mother’s ring finger. These pieces of gold are distributed to the female guests attending the ceremony. This act not only symbolizes gratitude and blessings but also serves as a token of appreciation for the guests’ presence, contributing to the joyous celebration of the event.

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