BLOODY TRADITION

The deeply rooted illegal tradition of cockfighting in Indonesia: A blend of culture, gambling, and spirituality

2019 - INDONESIA
Cockfighting is an ancient tradition in Indonesia that is still practiced today. The cockfight is a ceremonial event that is held to honor the spirits of the land and to bring good luck. The fight is a combination of gambling, ritual, and ceremony.
The event begins with a procession of people, including the owners of the birds, the trainers, and the spectators. Before the fight, a ceremony is held to honor the spirits of the land and to ensure good luck during the fight. This includes offerings of food, money, and gifts.
The man in charge was an old man, with his long grey hair and wrinkled face, he looked like a local priest. He had a small circle of people around him, some who seemed to be there to observe and others who were clearly there to gamble.
As the old man began to chant and mutter, he waved his hands over a small bowl of coins. He then pulled out a rooster from the sack he carried and placed it in the bowl. Blood began to pour out of the bird’s body and into the bowl.
The old man then began to speak in a language I could not understand. He spoke of luck, money, and power. He then took a handful of coins from the bowl and threw them into the crowd. Everyone clapped and began to make their bets.
Once the ceremony is complete, the fight begins. The roosters fight in a ring with the owners and trainers cheering them on. The fight is usually to the death, and the surviving bird is declared the winner. The fight is also a form of gambling, with bets placed on the outcome.
Cockfighting is a part of Indonesian culture, and it is an important event for both the people and animals involved. It is a form of entertainment, and it also has a spiritual significance. The ceremonies held before the fight honor the spirits of the land and bring good luck to the participants.
Cockfighting is illegal in Indonesia, but the tradition still continues in many parts of the country. Despite the illegality, the event continues to be popular and is a part of the cultural heritage of Indonesia. Cockfighting is a unique combination of ceremony, gambling, and ritual that has been practiced in Indonesia for centuries.

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