Gawai Dayak is a celebration held in kalimantan by the islander of Borneo.Gawai Dayak, Gawai means a ritual or a ceremony and Dayak is the natives of Borneoland. Literally, Gawai Dayak means the Dayak's party. Gawai Dayak is a celebration of harvest and started massively since september 25th,1964.
Gawai Dayak was first held on June 1st, 1965. Dayak is held a to remove the bad luck and to invite the God fortune. Gawai Dayak is a symbol of Dayak's freedom, blessings, and longlife.
Everyone will be busy in preparing for Gawai Dayak, one of which is the traditional food. in addition, everyone will also be busy to clean and decorate the longhouse as a place to held the Gawai Dayak
Manyrituals that must be held before the Gawai Dayak, two of which are Muai Antu Rua and Miring. Muai Antu Rua is held to cast away the spirit of greedinees. Miring is held at 6 pm. But, before that Gendang Rayah must be done. The chiefs will pray to the God of harvest and sacrifice a cockerel.
The peak of Gawai Dayak is the selection for the Bujang and Drare as the Ambassador of Dayak tribe. Hopefully the Bujang and Dare can give a good image to Dayak tribe.
source : http://en.wikipedia org/wiki/Gawai_Dayak
http//www.e-borneo.com/insideborneo/leissure 0204 shtml
