Sundanese people: Difference between revisions

From WikiMD's Wellness Encyclopedia

CSV import
CSV import
 
Line 1: Line 1:
{{Short description|An ethnic group native to the western part of the island of Java, Indonesia}}
{{short description|Ethnic group native to the western part of the island of Java, Indonesia}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=October 2023}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=October 2023}}


[[File:Sundanese people.jpg|thumb|right|Traditional Sundanese dancers performing a cultural dance.]]
[[File:Wedding_in_action.JPG|thumb|right|A traditional Sundanese wedding ceremony]]


The '''Sundanese people''' are an ethnic group native to the western part of the island of [[Java]], in [[Indonesia]]. They are the second-largest ethnic group in Indonesia, after the [[Javanese people]]. The Sundanese have a rich cultural heritage and a distinct language, known as [[Sundanese language|Sundanese]].
The '''Sundanese people''' are an ethnic group native to the western part of the island of [[Java]], in [[Indonesia]]. They are the second largest ethnic group in Indonesia, after the [[Javanese people]]. The Sundanese have a distinct language, culture, and history that sets them apart from other ethnic groups in Indonesia.
 
==Etymology==
The name "Sundanese" is derived from the word "Sunda," which refers to the western part of Java. The term "Sunda" itself is believed to have originated from the Sanskrit word "sundara," meaning "beautiful" or "noble."


==Geography==
==Geography==
The Sundanese primarily inhabit the province of [[West Java]], as well as the western part of [[Central Java]] and the province of [[Banten]]. The region is characterized by its mountainous terrain, fertile volcanic soil, and lush tropical forests. The Sundanese heartland is often referred to as "Tatar Sunda" or "Pasundan."
The Sundanese people primarily inhabit the province of [[West Java]], as well as the western part of [[Central Java]], the province of [[Banten]], and the [[Jakarta]] metropolitan area. The region is characterized by its mountainous terrain, fertile volcanic soil, and tropical climate.


==Language==
==Language==
[[File:Sundanese script.jpg|thumb|left|Example of Sundanese script.]]
The [[Sundanese language]] is the native language of the Sundanese people. It is an Austronesian language and is closely related to [[Javanese language|Javanese]] and [[Balinese language|Balinese]]. The language has several dialects, which vary across different regions of West Java.
The Sundanese language is part of the [[Austronesian languages|Austronesian language family]] and is spoken by approximately 42 million people. It has its own script, known as the [[Sundanese script]], which is used in cultural and ceremonial contexts. The language has several dialects, with the Priangan dialect being the most widely spoken.


==Culture==
==Culture==
The Sundanese culture is known for its rich traditions in music, dance, and art. Traditional Sundanese music includes the [[gamelan degung]], [[kacapi suling]], and [[angklung]]. The angklung, a bamboo musical instrument, is recognized by [[UNESCO]] as a [[Masterpiece of the Oral and Intangible Heritage of Humanity]].
The Sundanese culture is rich and diverse, with influences from Hinduism, Buddhism, and Islam. Traditional Sundanese arts include music, dance, and theater. The [[angklung]], a bamboo musical instrument, is a well-known symbol of Sundanese culture.
 
===Religion===
[[File:Star_and_Crescent.svg|thumb|left|Islam is the predominant religion among the Sundanese]]
The majority of Sundanese people are [[Islam|Muslim]], with a small minority practicing [[Christianity]] and [[Hinduism]].
 
* [[File:Christian_cross.svg|20px]] Christianity
* [[File:Om.svg|20px]] Hinduism
* [[File:Dharma_Wheel.svg|20px]] Buddhism


Sundanese dance is characterized by graceful movements and elaborate costumes. Popular dances include the [[Jaipongan]] and the [[Wayang golek]] puppet shows, which are a form of traditional Sundanese theater.
===Traditional Beliefs===
Despite the predominance of Islam, many Sundanese people still adhere to traditional beliefs and practices, which are often syncretic in nature. These include reverence for ancestral spirits and the practice of traditional rituals.


==Religion==
==History==
The majority of Sundanese people are [[Islam|Muslims]], with a small minority practicing [[Christianity]], [[Hinduism]], and [[Sundanese Wiwitan]], a traditional animistic belief system. Sundanese Wiwitan emphasizes harmony with nature and ancestral worship.
[[File:Portrait_of_Siliwangi.jpg|thumb|right|Portrait of King Siliwangi, a legendary Sundanese king]]
The history of the Sundanese people is closely tied to the history of the [[Sunda Kingdom]], which was a powerful kingdom in West Java from the 7th to the 16th century. The kingdom was known for its trade and cultural exchanges with other regions in Southeast Asia.


==Economy==
===Sunda Kingdom===
The economy of the Sundanese region is primarily based on agriculture, with rice being the staple crop. The fertile volcanic soil of West Java supports the cultivation of various crops, including tea, coffee, and vegetables. In recent years, the region has also seen growth in the manufacturing and service sectors.
The Sunda Kingdom was a Hindu-Buddhist kingdom that played a significant role in the history of Java. It was eventually conquered by the [[Mataram Sultanate]] in the 16th century, leading to the spread of Islam in the region.
 
===Colonial Period===
During the [[Dutch East Indies]] period, the Sundanese region was an important area for the cultivation of cash crops such as coffee and tea. The colonial period brought significant changes to Sundanese society, including the introduction of Western education and infrastructure.
 
==Architecture==
Sundanese architecture is characterized by its use of natural materials such as bamboo and wood. Traditional Sundanese houses, known as "[[rumah panggung]]," are built on stilts and have distinctive roof shapes.
 
==Cuisine==
Sundanese cuisine is known for its fresh and simple flavors, often featuring raw vegetables, sambal (chili paste), and grilled or fried fish. Popular dishes include "nasi timbel" (rice wrapped in banana leaves) and "karedok" (raw vegetable salad with peanut sauce).


==Related pages==
==Related pages==
* [[Javanese people]]
* [[Javanese people]]
* [[West Java]]
* [[Balinese people]]
* [[Banten]]
* [[Indonesian culture]]
* [[Sundanese language]]
* [[Sunda Kingdom]]
* [[Angklung]]
 
[[File:COLLECTIE_TROPENMUSEUM_Beschreven_steen_in_Batoetoelis_de_batu_tulis_TMnr_60016704.jpg|thumb|left|The Batu Tulis inscription, a historical artifact from the Sunda Kingdom]]


[[Category:Ethnic groups in Indonesia]]
[[Category:Ethnic groups in Indonesia]]
[[Category:Sundanese people]]
[[Category:Sundanese people]]

Latest revision as of 14:18, 21 February 2025

Ethnic group native to the western part of the island of Java, Indonesia



A traditional Sundanese wedding ceremony

The Sundanese people are an ethnic group native to the western part of the island of Java, in Indonesia. They are the second largest ethnic group in Indonesia, after the Javanese people. The Sundanese have a distinct language, culture, and history that sets them apart from other ethnic groups in Indonesia.

Etymology[edit]

The name "Sundanese" is derived from the word "Sunda," which refers to the western part of Java. The term "Sunda" itself is believed to have originated from the Sanskrit word "sundara," meaning "beautiful" or "noble."

Geography[edit]

The Sundanese people primarily inhabit the province of West Java, as well as the western part of Central Java, the province of Banten, and the Jakarta metropolitan area. The region is characterized by its mountainous terrain, fertile volcanic soil, and tropical climate.

Language[edit]

The Sundanese language is the native language of the Sundanese people. It is an Austronesian language and is closely related to Javanese and Balinese. The language has several dialects, which vary across different regions of West Java.

Culture[edit]

The Sundanese culture is rich and diverse, with influences from Hinduism, Buddhism, and Islam. Traditional Sundanese arts include music, dance, and theater. The angklung, a bamboo musical instrument, is a well-known symbol of Sundanese culture.

Religion[edit]

Islam is the predominant religion among the Sundanese

The majority of Sundanese people are Muslim, with a small minority practicing Christianity and Hinduism.

  • Christianity
  • Hinduism
  • Buddhism

Traditional Beliefs[edit]

Despite the predominance of Islam, many Sundanese people still adhere to traditional beliefs and practices, which are often syncretic in nature. These include reverence for ancestral spirits and the practice of traditional rituals.

History[edit]

Portrait of King Siliwangi, a legendary Sundanese king

The history of the Sundanese people is closely tied to the history of the Sunda Kingdom, which was a powerful kingdom in West Java from the 7th to the 16th century. The kingdom was known for its trade and cultural exchanges with other regions in Southeast Asia.

Sunda Kingdom[edit]

The Sunda Kingdom was a Hindu-Buddhist kingdom that played a significant role in the history of Java. It was eventually conquered by the Mataram Sultanate in the 16th century, leading to the spread of Islam in the region.

Colonial Period[edit]

During the Dutch East Indies period, the Sundanese region was an important area for the cultivation of cash crops such as coffee and tea. The colonial period brought significant changes to Sundanese society, including the introduction of Western education and infrastructure.

Architecture[edit]

Sundanese architecture is characterized by its use of natural materials such as bamboo and wood. Traditional Sundanese houses, known as "rumah panggung," are built on stilts and have distinctive roof shapes.

Cuisine[edit]

Sundanese cuisine is known for its fresh and simple flavors, often featuring raw vegetables, sambal (chili paste), and grilled or fried fish. Popular dishes include "nasi timbel" (rice wrapped in banana leaves) and "karedok" (raw vegetable salad with peanut sauce).

Related pages[edit]

The Batu Tulis inscription, a historical artifact from the Sunda Kingdom