Rite of Passage
A RUWATAN CEREMONY FOR CHRISTOPHER AND NICHOLAS MORAN
In the spirit of tradition, Nicholas and Christopher Moran, the young sons of Rany and Colin Moran, received a sacred Javanese blessing in April for a safe and happy life. Family, close friends and dignitaries, many of whom were dressed in traditional Indonesian kebaya and batik, witnessed the grand ruwatan ceremony, which began promptly at 9am at The St Regis Singapore. The formal occasion started with the two boys, their parents, grandparents and nine pairs of guardians entering the John Jacob Ballroom, led by a troupe of traditional dancers, with gamelan music playing in the background. Guests were welcomed by Colin and Indonesian ambassador Ngurah Swajaya, before the rites began. The boys first paid their respects to their elders, followed by a puppet show, before receiving a symbolic haircut and “bath” for spiritual cleansing and purification. The ceremony ended with a scrumptious Indonesian feast.