Ondel-ondel is show the people that have been there for centuries in Jakarta and surrounding areas, which today is a Betawi area. Although the performance of such people there are in some other places like the Priangan known as Badawang, in Cirebon called Beans and Barongan in Bali called Barong Landung, but ondel-ondel have distinct characteristics.
Ondel classified Ondel-one form of theater without said, because it was originally used as the personification of the ancestor or ancestors, protecting the safety of the village and everything in it. Thus can be considered as a bearer plays or stories, as with "bekakak" the ceremony "cut bekakak" limestone mountains south of Yogyakarta city, which was held in Sapar every year.
Ondel-shaped ondel big doll with bamboo framework with a size less than 2.5 M, the height and diameters less than 80 cm. Created in such a way so that the bearers who are in it can move somewhat freely. Her hair is made from fibers, "bump" the Betawi people. Shaped face mask or a mask, with round eyes (round) widened.
Ondel-ondel depicting male red-painted face, which describes a white-faced woman or yellow. Ondel-ondel is usually used to enliven the procession, such as circumcision and bride paraded forth. Normally just brought a pair, male and female. But today depends on the owner's request lavatory. Even in public celebrations such as birthday anniversary of Jakarta, also used to bring a few pairs, so that is a separate procession is quite festive.
Music accompaniment ondel not ondel-specific, depending on each group. There Tanjidor accompanied, as ondel-ondel party leaders Gejen, Setu village. There is a drum accompaniment as pencak Betawi group "Beringin Sakti" leadership Duloh (alm), now leader Yasin, from Rawasari. There is also accompanied by Bende, "Kemes", ningnong and Rebana Ketimpring, like ondel-ondel party leaders Lamoh, Kalideres
In addition to enliven the procession in the past also used to tour, "Ngamen". Especially in the celebration of New Year's celebrations, both BC and the Lunar New Year. Target on New Year's Day celebration Menteng area, which occupied many Christians.
Making ondel-ondel conducted in an orderly, good time as well as unmasked form at the time her body weaving bamboo materials. Before work begins, usually provided that such offering contains red and white pulp, rujak rujakan seven-way, flowers etc. seven kinds, besides of course the burn incense. Similarly ondel-ondel the ready-made, usually also provided offerings and burned incense, accompanied by incantations, chants aimed at a deemed spirits hover the ondel-ondel. Before expelled from the storage, when to leave to play, always held offerings. The burning of incense made by the leadership group, or one of the elder. According to local terms such ceremony is called "perfume" or "ngukup".
