Mappalili is a cultural tradition that has been practiced for generations, marking the beginning of the rice planting season. The purpose of this ritual is to ensure that rice plants are protected from damage and yield an abundant harvest. The ceremony is led by ancient Bugis spiritual leaders known as Bissu, who serve as intermediaries between the human and spiritual worlds.
Time of the Mappalili Ritual in Segeri, Pangkep 2025
The traditional Mappalili ritual in Segeri, Pangkep Regency, is held annually around the month of November. For the year 2025, the exact date of the ritual is still to be confirmed, but it will take place in November.
Location of the Mappalili Ritual in Segeri, Pangkep
The central location for the Mappalili ritual is the Arajang House—a sacred site where ancient heirlooms are kept—located in Bontomatene Village, approximately 200 meters from the main Segeri road. The ritual serves as a ceremonial act to begin the rice planting season, expressing the community’s gratitude to God Almighty for peace, prosperity, and sustenance. It is also a way to honor To Manurung, the ancestral figure who provided guidance for the Segeri people. The local belief holds that performing the Mappalili ritual brings safety, harmony, and blessings to the community. (https://maps.app.goo.gl/XPxQyrNAAPRdt6Ef8)
Stages of the Mappalili Ritual in Segeri, Pangkep
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Mattedu Arajang (Awakening the Sacred Heirloom)
The ceremony begins with Mattedu Arajang, the ritual of awakening the sacred heirloom—an ancient wooden plow that hangs from the ceiling of the storage room. According to legend, this plow was discovered through a divine dream and has existed since the year 1305. -
Mappalesso Arajang (Bringing Down the Heirloom)
After the awakening, the Arajang is brought down and moved to an open hall resembling a pavilion. Seven traditional elders, accompanied by several Bissu, carry the sacred plow and lay it down as if it were a human body. The plow is covered with banana leaves, its edges adorned with bundles of rice grains, and a traditional Bugis umbrella is placed above it. -
Mallekko Bulalle (Fetching the Spirit of Belalle)
This stage involves symbolically fetching Belalle, a mystical figure believed to live in the forest. The ritual takes place at the local market, where sacred materials are prepared before the procession begins. -
Mallekke Uwae (Bathing the Heirloom)
Afterward, the Arajang is bathed with holy water drawn from the Segeri River. The water is placed near the head and feet of the heirloom, and the Puang Matowa (chief elder) together with community leaders perform the ritual cleansing. Many attendees try to collect some of the remaining water, believing it possesses healing powers for their rice crops. -
Mabbissu or Magiri Dance
At 7:00 PM, the Bissu perform the sacred Mabbissu or Magiri dance. The word Mabbissu derives from Bissu with the prefix ma- meaning “to perform the dance of the Bissu.” The term Bissu itself comes from bessi, meaning “pure” and “strong.”
The highlight of this performance is the Ma’giri dance, during which the Bissu pierce parts of their bodies—such as the eyes, hands, neck, and abdomen—with sacred daggers (keris), believed to embody mystical powers. Before performing, the Bissu dress elaborately, striving to appear as beautiful as possible. Traditionally, Bissu wore yellow and red garments, while the Puang Matowa wore white. Today, however, the costumes have become more vibrant and ornate, blending ritual with artistic performance. -
Procession of the Arajang
The final stage is a grand procession where the Arajang is paraded around the village, signaling that it is time to begin plowing the fields. The procession continues to the rice fields—now mostly converted into fish ponds—where the Arajang is symbolically touched to the soil, accompanied by offerings including the sacrifice of a chicken. Along the way, villagers splash water on the procession as a symbolic request for rain and blessings from the Creator.
Through Mappalili, the people of Segeri not only preserve their ancestral traditions but also reaffirm their unity, spirituality, and gratitude for the cycles of life and nature that sustain them.
