Nated Biung: Traditions of Krayan's Rich Cultural Heritage for Newlyweds Starting a New Life

"Nated Biung" means bringing household items for a wedding celebration.

The Krayans, referring to at least 4 main sub-ethnicities integrated into the Lundayeh group in Krayan, Nunukan Regency, North Kalimantan, are rich in the wealth of customs, culture, and superior traditions. 

One of these cultural traditions is "Nated Biung," which may only exist and be known in the land dubbed "A Piece of Eden Fallen to Earth."

 "Nated Biung" means

Literally, "Nated Biung" means bringing household items for a wedding celebration. The intention is for the newlyweds to start their life with these tools and equipment. This is a rich cultural tradition, filled with symbolic meaning.

According to the mindset of the Krayan people, once a couple binds themselves in marriage, they must be able to be independent, without any help from anyone, especially their parents.

The common language, culture, customs, and region serve as the unifying factors of a community, according to the theory of social integration.

However, to start a new life, certain requirements are needed, including various household items and tools for their livelihood.

This is sometimes referred to as areb. The cultural values and traditions of the ancestors of the Krayan River inhabitants have been preserved until now. This is evident when newlyweds are about to start their new life. 

Logically, anyone about to establish a household will need new things, and preparing for a new household requires significant resources.

Not to mention the living arrangements, as in the past, a new family could extend their parents' or in-laws' house.

The daily living needs

However, to meet the daily living needs, such as pots, pans, kettles, plates, bowls, glasses, spoons, baskets, trays, mats, buckets, machetes, axes, etc., all these require funds.

It is a tradition among the Krayan people to perform areb for newlyweds. 

After the wedding ceremony, each person brings household items as best as they can. Imagine hundreds of people coming, each bringing household items, providing a wealth of supplies for the newlyweds.

Household items brought by guests to the wedding location are gathered and displayed according to their type and quantity. These are enough for the newlyweds to start their new life.

At the wedding location, guests bring a variety of household items as gifts for the newlyweds, reflecting a tradition deeply rooted in the community's culture. 

These items, ranging from kitchenware like pots, pans, and utensils to household essentials such as bedding and cleaning supplies, are carefully selected to assist the newlyweds in establishing their new life together.

Once the gifts are brought to the venue, they are meticulously gathered and arranged according to their type and quantity, creating an impressive display that showcases the generosity and support of the guests. 

Plates are stacked neatly beside bowls, while cooking utensils are organized in a systematic manner, ensuring that every item is easily accessible and ready for use.

This tradition not only provides the newlyweds with essential items for their household but also serves as a symbol of community support and solidarity. 

As the couple embarks on their journey together, they are surrounded by the love and blessings of their friends and family, symbolized by the abundance of gifts that will help them build their new life with ease and comfort.

Practiced throughout the Krayan region

This cultural tradition is practiced throughout the Krayan region, Borneo Highlands, including the districts of Krayan, West Krayan, Central Krayan, East Krayan, and South Krayan in Nunukan Regency, North Kalimantan.

The unique aspect of this tradition is that mats are grouped with mats, bowls with bowls, baskets with baskets, plates with plates, and so on. This way, the piles of areb items resemble a marketplace.

Various household items are the living supplies for newlyweds. Impressively, this good tradition continues to thrive in Krayan today.

Indeed, the common language, culture, customs, and region serve as the unifying factors of a community, according to the theory of social integration. (X-5)