Sisemba is a unique tradition of the Toraja community where people kick each other in a crowd. Sisemba in Toraja language means to kick each other.
Sisemba is a tradition of mutual kicking carried out by hundreds of residents in the open field and impressed with each other without rules.
In the history of the process, many people have suffered injuries and fractures but this tradition is still preserved from generation to generation. The fighting is a little bit brutal, but it seems interesting. The fighters only use their feet to attack each other.
The locals may perform such fight to commemorate the abundant crops. In a nutshell, it is an attraction of gratitude. Not to mention it opens for the public.
That means everyone is allowed to watch it including nearby villagers and tourists. Only the brave men join the fight, though. That means this attraction is considered rough and brutal.
The fighters don’t hold grudges, though. They perform it proudly as the people of Tana Toraja. The pain becomes the part of the culture, after all. It gives them and the audience a motivation to live well in the future.
Before fighting, each group gathers in their spot. They may attack each other while holding hands with their team members. The attacks come alternately. The purpose of holding hands is to give better damage in kicking the enemies.
The fight is done near to the farm. The fighters are surrounded by the audience. That means it is going to be a merry fight. The watchers cheer to these fighters, too. Moreover, there are no particular rules. That means the fighters are likely to get hurt.
Despite the risk of injuries, these people are not allowed to hold a grudge or to hate each other. Somehow, this tradition strengthens solidarity among villagers.
It also helps the men to grow stronger over time, especially to work in the fields. For tourists, Sisemba Tradition becomes a unique attraction in Tana Toraja.
Children and adults are allowed to participate in Sisemba which is held at an open field. The tradition is an expression of gratitude for the crops and is based on faith that the event will keep them enthusiastic for the work ahead to get the next plentiful crops.
Without performing Sisemba, people of Tana Toraja believe that there will be harvest failure.
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