cirebon cultural tourism 
Did you know that Cirebon has many unique traditions? one of which we will discuss in this article, namely Saparan. Saparan is a tradition that aims to commemorate the month of Safar. Safar is the second month in the Islamic and Javanese calendars.
This tradition has a long history that began with one Sunan Gunung Jati. Sunan Gunung Jati is one of the Wali Songo who spread Islam in Java. Saparan is the result of cultural acculturation between Islam, Hinduism, and local traditions that exist in the lives of the people of Cirebon.
Javanese people believe that the month of Sapar has magical or negative energy. So, they carry out the Saparan tradition to ward off evil, prevent bad luck, and seek protection. During the month of Sapar, they also perform various rituals and practices unique to the Saparan tradition
Some of which include prayers together to avoid disasters, diseases, and difficulties, and of course asking for protection from God. Then usually also some people clean the environment around the house as a symbolic form of getting rid of bad luck. People believe that keeping clean can keep away negative energy and bad things.
Typical Food of Saparan Tradition
One of the unique things in the month if Safar is also sharing food with neighbors. The typical food of Safar month is apem. Apem has meaning as a form of asking for forgiveness and hoping for safety and blessings for the family and society.
To make apem, people use simple ingredients such as rice flour, sugar, coconut milk, and yeast. They ferment the dough, then steam or bake it to produce a soft and slightly chewy texture with a mild, sweet flavor, usually serving it with a sauce of brown sugar.
Making apem usually involves mutual cooperation, especially among women. After the apem is ready, people share it with neighbors as a symbol of gratitude and to strengthen relationships. Apem cake in the Saparan tradition is not just a food. But it is also a symbol of tradition that reminds people of the importance of the value of sharing, asking for forgiveness, and efforts to maintain harmonious relationships in society.
This shows that the Saparan tradition in Cirebon has cultural diversity and spiritual values that exist in the local community. This tradition is also a form of effort to preserve tradition and maintain social harmony.
(written by: Aisyah Rahmawati)
