BADA KUPAT Membahas Folosofi Kegiatan dan Makna dari Budaya Selametan Bada Kupat

Summary

Rebo Wekasan is a traditional Javanese celebration held on the last Wednesday of the Shafar month in the Islamic calendar. It is believed to ward off diseases and disasters, with activities including prayer, Tahlilan (communal recitations), and the sharing of 'kupat' (rice cakes). This symbolic act, often involving the community making intricate rice cakes, fosters unity and creativity. The practice emphasizes cultural preservation, brotherhood, and spiritual protection. Rebo Wekasan teaches younger generations about historical customs and encourages them to continue these important traditions, ensuring the preservation of Javanese cultural values.

Takeaways

• 😀 The term 'Rebo Wekasan' refers to the last Wednesday of the month of Safar in the Javanese calendar, believed to be a day associated with various dangers and illnesses.
• 😀 It is believed that on this day, 320,000 sources of illness and 20,000 disasters arrive, which is why the day holds spiritual significance.
• 😀 The ritual performed on this day is a form of 'Tolak Bala', a ceremonial act aimed at warding off misfortune and calamities.
• 😀 Activities on Rebo Wekasan include special prayers (Shalat Sunnah), a community 'Tolak Bala' prayer, group recitations (Tahlilan or Dzikir), and the preparation of offerings.
• 😀 Traditional food offerings are made, such as the creation of a 'Gunungan' (food mountain) and shared meals as a symbol of protection and community bonding.
• 😀 One of the key customs involves the distribution of 'kupat' (rice cakes) at the borders of villages, offering it as a form of charity that can be taken by anyone passing by.
• 😀 The preparation of 'kupat' also involves creative cultural practices, including making the intricate shell of the ketupat from young coconut leaves in various shapes.
• 😀 The process of creating and sharing 'kupat' fosters unity among local residents, particularly among Muslims, by bringing people together for both the crafting and the communal meal.
• 😀 The event and customs are not only a form of spiritual protection but also serve as a way to strengthen social bonds and promote unity in the community.
• 😀 The importance of preserving and passing down these traditions, especially among the youth, is emphasized to ensure the survival of the cultural and historical practices.

Q & A

What is the significance of the term 'Rebo Wekasan' or 'Rebo Pungkasan'?

Rebo Wekasan, or Rebo Pungkasan, refers to the last Wednesday of the month of Shafar in the Javanese calendar. It is believed to be the day when 320,000 sources of disease and 20,000 disasters arrive, making it a day to perform rituals for protection and to ward off calamities.

What is the main purpose of the rituals conducted on Rebo Wekasan?

The main purpose of the rituals on Rebo Wekasan is to ward off misfortune and calamities, as well as to seek protection from various dangers, through practices such as prayer and communal activities.

What activities are carried out during the Rebo Wekasan ritual?

During Rebo Wekasan, activities include performing Sunnah prayers, conducting a communal prayer for safety, reciting the Tahlil (a prayer for the deceased), and preparing various foods such as Gunungan and Selamatan, which are shared as part of the ritual.

What is the cultural significance of the ketupat (rice cake) during Rebo Wekasan?

The ketupat, made from young coconut leaves, symbolizes unity and protection. It is used in the ritual as a form of offering and is distributed as a 'sedekah' (charitable gift) to the community, symbolizing the act of warding off misfortune.

Why is ketupat specifically used during the Rebo Wekasan ceremony?

Ketupat is chosen for its cultural and symbolic significance. Its creation involves creativity, as it is made by weaving young coconut leaves into intricate patterns. The communal act of making and sharing ketupat strengthens bonds within the community and serves as a symbol of warding off misfortune.

How does the act of sharing ketupat strengthen community ties?

The act of sharing ketupat fosters a sense of unity and togetherness among the community. By creating the ketupat together and distributing it to others, it promotes cooperation and builds stronger social bonds, especially among the Muslim community.

What role does history and philosophy play in the Rebo Wekasan tradition?

History and philosophy are important in the Rebo Wekasan tradition because they help understand the deeper meanings and cultural roots of the ritual. This knowledge is essential for the younger generation to preserve and continue the practice while appreciating its historical and philosophical context.

What is the significance of the 'sedekah' in the Rebo Wekasan tradition?

The 'sedekah' in Rebo Wekasan, often in the form of ketupat, symbolizes generosity and community care. It is a way of sharing blessings and protection with others, reinforcing the spirit of giving and collective well-being.

How does the Rebo Wekasan ceremony reflect Javanese cultural values?

The Rebo Wekasan ceremony reflects Javanese values such as communal cooperation, spiritual protection, and respect for tradition. The practice of preparing and sharing food, especially ketupat, exemplifies the importance of togetherness and cultural preservation in the Javanese community.

What can the younger generation learn from the Rebo Wekasan tradition?

The younger generation can learn the importance of cultural heritage, community unity, and the significance of rituals in maintaining social bonds. They are also encouraged to understand the history and philosophy behind the practices to ensure the tradition is preserved for future generations.