Roro Anteng and Joko Seger

Hundreds of years ago, during the reign of the last king of Majapahit, Brawijaya , one of king’s wives gave birth to a girl, who was named Roro Anteng. Later, this young princess married Joko Seger, who came from Brahman caste. Because of unfortunate situation, the couple was forced to leave the kingdom. They settled down in the mountain area. They ruled the area and named it Tengger, which was derived from the couples’ names, Roro Anteng and Joko Seger.

After several years, the region flourished in prosperity, but Roro Anteng and Joko Seger were unhappy because they did not have a child. Frustated, they climbed the top of the mountain and prayed night and day hoping that the gods would listen. The prayer was heard and Betoro Bromo promised them many children. However, the couple had to promise that they would sacrifice their youngest child in return.

Roro Anteng gave birth to a child, then another and another. In the end, they got 25 children. Soon it was time for them to sacrifice the youngest child, Kesuma, but the parents just could not do it. they tried to hide the child, but an eruption happened and Kesuma fell into the carter. There was silence before the heard a voice, “I have to be sacrificed so that you will all stay alive. From now on, you should arrange an annual offering ceremony on the 13^rd of Kesodo  (the twelfth month of Tenggerese calendar ). ” It was Kesuma’s voice.

Kesuma’s brothers and sisters held the offering ceremony evry year. Instead of human being, these people collected fruits, vegetables, rice and meat to be offered to the gods. And this has been done generation after generation until today.