Rateb Meuseukat

Rateb Meuseukat dance, similar to Saman, only difference is the use of language in his poetry. Rateb dance Meuseukat use Acehnese language, because dance is derived from the tribe of Aceh, while the Saman dance from tribal Gayo language, although both are still included in Aceh province.


Rateb Meusekat dance is one of the Acehnese dance, which consists of movement, poetry and song. This is one of the many dance in Aceh that poetry and song, containing propaganda. This dance has been around since the XXI century AD, this dance has been entrenched in Aceh, precisely in the southwest area. This dance is usually performed at night by some women after reading Al qoran.

At first, this art is a way to direct the women, in order to focus the mind and soul and body praise the greatness of God by diverting them from the habit teach things that are not useful. After that evolved into a dance that is only done in certain ceremonies which are rituals rather than spectacle. Ratib conducted in a melodious voice and songs that spirit, the women say the poems of praise to the Creator (God) or to bring the poems on morals and manners of the variation in body movements. hands and heads are graceful. In the ceremony, the women had "sakat" in the middle of the house (djuree, djurai). Ratéb Meuseukat began with greetings greetings along with 5 to 12 stanzas, followed by a selection of poems such as seulaweuet (salawat), the story of Hasan Husin (grandson of the Prophet Muhammad peace be upon him) education and so forth.

This dance is a harmonious combination between dance, music, and literature. Rateb Meuseukat danced in groups with a limited arena, Inside the group there is a role as a dancer, sheikhs (leaders), and often also accompanied by the deputy sheikh called sheikh aneuk (deputy leader). This is similar to the concept of the imam and emir of the Islamic religion. Sheikh is the determinant of the dancers move in unison and dynamic. Motion in the dance is repeated movement in a simple motion patterns. Presentation time is relatively long Meuseukat Rateb dance.

Rateb Meuseukat also be used as one part of the religious dimensions. This is possible because the propaganda messages can also be delivered through this dance. Since ancient times Meuseukat Rateb activities in Aceh used as one means of religious propaganda. This is possible because the art show held at the time, people gather to enjoy the dance rateb meuseukat on display. This opportunity is used, be one means of carrying out propaganda that calls on people, doing good and avoiding wrongdoing. And it certainly is appropriate to the culture of the Acehnese who glorify religious values wherever it resides.

There are two forces Rateb Meuseukat dance that can be used as a means of religious propaganda. first in terms of uniform. Uniform or costume used in the art of dance activities Rateb Meseukat is closing the "private parts". Religious propaganda opportunities both through the art of dance Rateb Meuseukat is through the lyrics of his art. Average of the lyrics are sung in the art of dance in addition to meaningful entertainment Meuseukat Rateb, the spirit of war and religious messages. Many religious messages that come to the Al-Quran and Hadith of Prophet Muhammad SAW is defined by the simple language easily understood by ordinary people though. Lyrics to the dancer who wants to be involved in the movement of art can implement a matching movement in accordance with the instructions leadership. These lyrics are automatically combined with the movements performed so that the blend between the power of words and gestures to give a high artistic value. In a cultural context, this is a manifestation of the desire of Acehnese society united in facing the problems that may arise. Most Acehnese can even memorize the lyrics of the art perfectly. If able to apply the cultural messages become one of the capital of the unity of the people of Aceh in the context of the cultural approach. In addition there are also the lyrics in a simple message of reassurance and comfort themselves both performers and audience Rateb Meuseukat dance activities.

In the cultural approach, the habits of the people of Aceh if they have a variety of problems, one alternative solution is to enjoy the arts. In another context, it proves that one of the Acehnese culture is the desire to seek solace in order to soothe the liver or liver just entertainment. There are many other cultural values are reflected clearly in the motion and the lyrics of art of dance Rateb Meuseukat. In fact Rateb Meuseukat dance is not just entertainment, but full of meaning.