THE FORMS AND SYMBOLIC MEANINGS OF THE REJEBAN TRADITION AT PESAREAN OF NYI CANDI IN JENAR WETAN VILLAGE, PURWODADI DISTRICT, PURWOREJO REGENCY

Abstract

This study aims to describe the main elements and symbolic meanings contained in the Rejeban tradition at Pesarean Nyi Candi in Jenar Wetan Village, Purwodadi District, Purworejo Regency. This tradition is a form of local cultural preservation that has been passed down from generation to generation and holds strong spiritual and social values in the lives of the Javanese People. The analysis of symbolic meaning in this tradition is based on Clifford Geertz’s theory of symbols. The research method used is qualitative with an ethnographic approach. Data collection techniques include passive participant observation, semi-structured interviews, and documentation. The validity of the data was tested using source triangulation, while data analysis was carried out through the stages of data reduction, data presentation and drawing conclusions. The results of the study show that the Rejeban traditional consists of fibe main elements: (1) the origin of the pesarean (grave site), (2) the time of implementation, (3) the place of implementation, (4) the participants involved in the tradition, and (5) the stages of the rotual process. The ritual process is divided into two phases: the pre-imolementation phase include preparatory meetings and the arrangement of uborampe (ritual offerings), while the implementation phase includes grave cleaning, the slaughtering of a female wedhus gembel, a communal feast, and a traditional jaran kepang performance. The symbols whihin the Rejeban tradition, such as the female wedhus gembel and ancak, carry symbolic meanings that reflect Javanese cultural values, including respect for ancestors, the spirit of mutual cooperation, and expressions of gratitude to God Almighty.