Abstract
This paper explores the meanings, practices and contexts of marriage and ritual among the Ata Baolangu of Lembata, Eastern Indonesia. Using the methodology of qualitative field research conducted by interviewing local stakeholders and by both participation in, and observation of, local community life, the paper proposes that all of the marriage rituals are necessary to ensure a legitimate relationship between the two parties involved and that procreation is necessary to maintain and transform social relations between and within clans, and to create harmony between the two worlds – of the living and the dead. This proposition is explained throughout the paper by first examining the concepts of marriage and ritual, followed by analysis of the stages of the rites and their meanings. By including some further reflection beyond ethnological boundaries, the paper hopes to contribute to a broader understanding of, and discourse on, the theme of traditions and philosophies in Asia. An endeavour to preserve traditions of marriage and ritual are philosophically necessary for the future prosperity of family and society, social structure and relations, as well as to give a sense of meaning, belonging and identity.
Highlights
As reflected in the title, this paper examines the meanings, practices and contexts of marriage and ritual among the Ata Baolangu of Lembata, Eastern Indonesia
Even though the marriage rituals of the Ata Baolangu are characterised by a combination of customary marriage and the Catholic sacrament of matrimony, this paper focuses more on the customary aspects of marriage rituals
Employing the methodology of qualitative field research conducted by interviewing local stakeholders and by participation in, and observation of, local community life, the paper argued that all of the customary marriage rituals are necessary to ensure a legitimate relationship between the two parties involved and procreation, the maintenance and transformation of social relations between and within clans, and the creation of harmony between the two worlds – of the living and of the dead
Summary
As reflected in the title, this paper examines the meanings, practices and contexts of marriage and ritual among the Ata Baolangu of Lembata, Eastern Indonesia. Marriage rituals are related to fertility, procreation and legitimisation. They are about “feeding” (local language of Baolangu: paraw boi) the community of the living and the dead— and symbolically—as a symbol of peace and relationship, acceptance and legitimisation. Yogi Making (2013) notes that most people residing in the interior of the island, locally known as ata kiwan, embrace Catholicism. Whereas their coastal counterparts, ata watan, are primarily Islamic. Despite their religious and ethnic differences, the people of Lembata have generally lived side by side harmoniously. They have cooperated, for example, in building churches and mosques, and in creating a peaceful atmosphere for religious celebrations such as Christmas, Easter, Ramadhan and Idul Fit’ri.
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