PENGUCAPAN SYUKUR, MINAHASAN VERSION OF THANKSGIVING
Source: cdn-2.tstatic.net
Puncak Jaya is one of the seven tallest mountains in the world. Located at an altitude of 4,884 meters above sea level, this makes Puncak Jaya is the tallest mountain in Indonesia.
Puncak Jaya was discovered in 1623 by Dutch explorer Jan Carstenszoon, who saw the glacier on its summit on a clear day. Then, in early 1909, Dutch explorer Hendrik Albert Lorenz reached the summit and described the expedition. Although rediscovered by Hendrik Albert Lorenz, the name of this peak has acquired a different character from its original Dutch discoverer, John Kirstenz. Eventually, a Dutch expedition made a map there and confirmed John Carstensz’s report.
Puncak Jaya is notorious for its difficult terrain and was not climbable until 1962. The conqueror was an expedition team consisting of Philip Temple, Russel Kippax, and Albertus Huizenga and headed by Heinrich Harrer.
Source: manado.tribunnews.com
Pengucapan Syukur in Minahasa now has a different meaning than it originally had. Nowadays Pengucapan Syukur is celebrated as a special occasion where people can gather around eating food together with their family or relatives. It is often held at churches where the community members would bring their food to the church and enjoy it together, or they could also host one at their own home inviting friends and family.
With that being said, Pengucapan Syukur often serves the most authentic Minahasan food there is. Famous Minahasan food such as babi rica, ayam woku, and cakalang garo is the most common cuisine in Pengucapan Syukur. However, some parts of the region serve some more extreme food such as snakes, bats, and rats. Do not be intimidated though because usually the foods are served and cooked well.
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Image Sources:
https://manado.tribunnews.com/2019/07/23/menakar-makna-pengucapan-leluhur-minahasa
