Didong Dance

Gayo A folk art known as Didong, an art that combines elements of dance, vocal, and literature. Didong starts from the time of Reje Linge XIII. This art was first introduced by Abdul Kadir To `et. Arts Didong more favored by the people Takengon and Bener Meriah.
MeaningSome argue that the word "Didong" approaching sense of the word "denang" or "donang" which means "singing while at work or to entertain the liver or in conjunction with the sounds". And, some are of the opinion that Didong derived from the word "din" and "dong". "Din" means Religious and "dong" means Da'wah.

FunctionDidong Initially used as a means for the spread of Islam through the medium of poetry. The ceh Didong (artist Didong) does not merely deliver a speech to the audience wrapped with aesthetic values, but in it intended for the listener to interpret the life of society in accordance with the reality of the life of the Prophet and in accordance with Islamic leaders. In Didong there are religious values, the values ​​of beauty, the values ​​of togetherness and so forth. So, in air-Didong the ceh not only demanded to know the religious stories but also poetry, has a melodious voice and good manners. In short, a ceh is a true artist who has advantages in all aspects relating to its functions to spread the teachings of Islam. Didong time was always performed on the days of the Islamic Religion.
According DevelopmentIn its development, Didong not only displayed in the days of Islam, but also in traditional ceremonies such as marriage, circumcision, build houses, harvest festival, welcoming guests and so forth. The pe-Didong in mementaskannya usually choose a theme that match ceremony. At the wedding ceremony for example, presented a puzzle that revolves around the traditional rules of marriage. Thus, a pe-Didong must master in depth about the ins and outs of wedding ceremonies. In this way knowledge of indigenous communities can continue to be maintained. These values ​​are nearly extinct will be searched again by the ceh Didong for art.
Didong appearance changed after Japan's entry into Indonesia. Japanese government's tough attitude had been "devastated" this art form. In those days, Didong used as a means of entertainment for Japanese troops who occupied the land of Gayo. This provides the inspiration for the community to develop Didong Gayo which his verse is not only fixated on religious matters and customs, but also the social problems that pitched protest against Japanese colonial rule. In the period after the proclamation, the performing arts Didong be used as a means for the government in bridging the information down to the villages, especially in explaining the Pancasila, the 1945 Constitution and the spirit of defending the country. In addition, Didong also be used to develop a spirit of cooperativeness, in particular to seek funds to build schools, madrasas, mosques, even building bridges. However, the period of the 1950s when there was turbulence DI / TII art Didong stopped because prohibited by the DI / TII. As a result of banning Didong, it appears a new art called saer, whose shape is almost similar to Didong. Differences Didong saer premises only in the form of the element of movement and dance. Clapping of hands which are important elements in Didong not justified in saer.
Today Didong came back with the lyrics are almost the same when the Japanese era, namely in the form of protest (against violence). The difference, today addressed his protest to the government that for so many years of implementing the Aceh as a Military Operations Area, making people miserable. Non-violent protest is not only happening in the arts Didong, but also in other art forms that exist in Aceh.