Javanese "Baby Shower" party = Upacara Tingkeban

Hallo Steemians, how are you?

This time I want to share about the Javanese ceremony which should be held on the 7th month of pregnancy, it's called Upacara Tingkeban. This is the main course for the ceremony, the rest was not possible to be served on the same table as it was simply too much. :-D
                                                                                       

This tradition originated from the ancient Javanese natur religion but then assimilated with all modern religions which came to Indonesia.
There are actually quite plenty rituals during this ceremony which should involve the elders of the Mother and Father to be (in this case my and my husband's parents should both be there and take part on the ceremony). But because my family is living so far away in Indonesia and it's rather complicated to get them the visiting visa for Germany (apart of the expense problem ^_^ ), furthermore there are some difficulties as well to find a few of the stuffs needed for the rituals, then I just had to make it simpler and shorter. :)
Nevertheless the attendance and help of my indonesian friends here were more than enough to make it joyous and meaningful to us. <3

The elders in the family should actually shower the mother to be with water from 7 different wells mixed with 7 different flowers (it symbolizes an attempt to wash away bad thoughts or omen from the mother to be), the pregnant woman should change it's "BATIK" (a traditional dress) 7 times.  Each of the Batik designs has a different message.
You can see it here to see how it's like ...
There is also a ritual which symbolizes the responsibility of the father to be to take care and protect the family.
Two coconuts with pictures from a pair of God and Goddess as a wish that the baby would have their great characteristics. Well, it would be too long of an article if I explain them all here, so I think I would just summarize it this way:

"Each ritual held and food served in the ceremony has a particular javanese philosophy which represents the good wishes and blessings for the mother and the baby. Shortly to say, we wish for a blessing from the elders, ancestors and the mighty force above (let's say "God"), so that the labor process goes well, the baby is healthy and will become a nice human being who is useful for everyone in it's circle as well as its environment."
 
This is indeed a javanese culture but somehow the participants of my party were vary, they came from many different cultures/Islands in Indonesia and some of them even an indonesian of chinese origin. Additionally a german visitor came with her kids. Actually there should have been a Thai girl too, but she just couldn't make it and an african friend was still on family visit in Africa at that moment. I have a colorful friend circle :-D , but the people on this following picture happen to be all Indonesians.

Honestly I only prepared the half of the meals for the celebration personally. The half of the served menu were made by my friends... (What a caring friends I have, right <3 ?!)
Please, just enjoy the pictures of my "javanese baby shower party" this weekend: :)

There were actually some more traditional cakes than just these, but unfortunately they have been eaten straight away by the children before I had the chance to take any pics of them. These are all that left to shoot :-D