Abstract
The Serarang ritual is an annual ritual that must be performed by the Melanau Likow community in preparation for the new year. Tama Kaul is the main leader in the implementation of this ritual with the use of symbols in the form of objects. Each object used contains a specific meaning, interpreted and agreed upon by its practicing community. The local wisdom possessed by this community of practitioners is inherited from one generation to another. Till this day, the practicing community still clings to the beliefs they inherited even although some of them have converted from their original religion. Therefore, this study aims to analyse the meaning of object symbols in the implementation of Serarang rituals. This study used an ethnographic approach through participatory observation, recording and photographic methods as well as a series of interviews with Tama Kaul and the ritual practitioners. The study location was located in Kampung Medong, Dalat Sarawak. Data analysis found that there were five object ritual symbols used to accompany the Serarang ritual namely kubo beliseng, beliseng, dian, the blood of rooster's feet and percak cloth. Among the meanings of symbols supported by these object symbols are the meanings of respect, purity, prayer and hope, peace between the two worlds and love. The results of this study also found that this ritual is still practiced by the Melanau Likow community until this day and becomes the identity of their existence in Sarawak.
Highlights
Melanau is the fourth largest bumiputera in Sarawak after Iban, Malay and Bidayuh, and occupies areas in the heart of Sarawak
A study conducted in Kampung Medong, Dalat Sarawak has shown that the object symbols used to accompany the Serarang ritual are beliseng, kubo beliseng, dian, rooster's foot blood, percak cloth, icang dan pakar carry their meaning from the point of view of the Melanau Likow community
The observations and findings of the study obtained explain that the object symbols in the Serarang ritual play a role in conveying messages and interactions with their meaning
Summary
Melanau is the fourth largest bumiputera in Sarawak after Iban, Malay and Bidayuh, and occupies areas in the heart of Sarawak. The Melanau Likow community defines the world as a vague cosmos full of mystery. They believe that every natural form and object around them has extraordinary spirit and strength. The beliefs in mystical elements such as believing in the existence of ghosts, genie, goblins, storms, hurricanes and the things that terrify them around them. This belief system is translated through various taboos, customs and rituals that become practices in their daily lives
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary 
Published Version (
Free)
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a call