Tradisi METATAH, Ritual Potong Gigi di Bali | RAGAM INDONESIA (05/02/21)

Summary

The video highlights the traditional Balinese ritual called Metatah, or tooth filing, which symbolizes the transition to adulthood. Participants first pray at the village temple with family before the ceremony begins. Six teeth, including fangs and incisors, are filed to represent overcoming human vices such as lust, greed, anger, and envy. The ritual seeks to purify the individual and instill discipline. After the ceremony, holy water is used, and participants wear symbolic headbands and the Tridatu thread, representing Hindu deities Brahma, Vishnu, and Shiva. The event concludes with offerings at sea to maintain purity.

Takeaways

• 🌸 The Metatah ritual, also known as tooth filing, is a Balinese tradition for those entering adulthood.
• 🙏 Participants must first pray at the village temple (Pura Desa) with their family and relatives before the ceremony.
• 🛐 The ceremony begins with a safety prayer led by a priest, asking for protection during the ritual.
• 🚶 Participants then walk around the ritual area and receive markings on specific body parts to help control their thoughts and actions in life.
• 🦷 Six teeth are filed—two canines and four incisors—symbolizing the removal of six negative human traits.
• 💀 The six traits being symbolically removed include lust, greed, cruelty, arrogance, intoxication, and envy.
• 🎯 The main purpose of the Metatah ritual is to eliminate negative traits and control inner desires, while also teaching responsibility.
• 💦 After the ritual, the priest blesses the participants with holy water and ties a sacred headband (Lalang) as a symbol of purity and protection, linked to the god Vishnu.
• 🧵 Each participant receives a sacred Tridatu thread (red, black, and white) representing the gods Brahma, Vishnu, and Shiva, which is wrapped around their body.
• 🌊 The ritual ends with a symbolic offering of a golden coconut filled with saliva, turmeric, and hair clippings, representing self-purification, which is partially sent to the sea while the rest is taken home.

Q & A

What is the Metatah ritual in Bali?

The Metatah ritual, also known as tooth filing, is a traditional Balinese ceremony performed when individuals reach adulthood. It involves filing six teeth as a symbolic act to remove negative traits.

What is the significance of filing the teeth in the Metatah ritual?

Six teeth are filed: two canine teeth and four incisors. This symbolizes the removal of six internal enemies in humans—Kama (lust), Loba (greed), Krodha (anger), Mada (arrogance), Moha (delusion), and Matsarya (envy).

What steps are involved in the Metatah ceremony?

The ceremony begins with prayers at the village temple led by a pemangku (priest) for safety during the ritual. Participants then walk around the ceremonial site, receive symbolic markings, and have their teeth filed. It ends with purification rituals and symbolic offerings.

What is the purpose of the markings placed on the body during Metatah?

The markings are placed on specific parts of the body to help participants control their thoughts and actions in life, symbolizing spiritual and personal discipline.

How does the Metatah ritual reflect the transition into adulthood?

Metatah is a rite of passage that symbolizes the individual's readiness to assume greater responsibility, self-control, and moral awareness as they enter adulthood.

What religious elements are involved in the Metatah ceremony?

Prayers are offered to ensure safety, and the participants are given holy water for purification. A symbolic headband called 'Lalang' is tied, representing purity and protection, associated with the deity Vishnu.

What role does the Tridatu thread play in the Metatah ritual?

The Tridatu thread, consisting of red, black, and white strands, is tied around the participants' hands and bodies. It represents the three main Hindu gods: Brahma (red), Vishnu (black), and Shiva (white), symbolizing protection and spiritual connection.

What is the final step of the Metatah ceremony?

The final step involves releasing a golden coconut filled with saliva, turmeric, and hair into the ocean as a symbolic act of self-purification. Only the contents are released into the sea, while the rest is taken back home.

What is the role of parents in the Metatah ritual?

Parents play an essential role by ensuring that the ritual is performed, as it is seen as part of their responsibility to guide their children into adulthood and to promote moral and spiritual development.

What is the connection between the Metatah ritual and the preservation of the environment?

The final step, where the coconut's contents are released into the sea, reflects the importance of environmental preservation in Balinese culture. Only the contents are released to avoid polluting the ocean.