RITUAL DISCOURSE: LOCAL WISDOM IN THE TRADITIONAL LITERATURE OF USING ETHNIC GROUP IN INDONESIA

Abstract

This study aims to understand and interpret the meaning of local wisdom in traditional literature, especially in the context of ritual discourse of Barong Ider Bumi (Kemiren), Seblang (Olehsari and Bakungan), and Keboan / Kebo-keboan (Aliyan and Alasmalang). Traditional literature is a product as well as cultural reflection from various ethnic groups in Indonesia, including Using, Banyuwangi, East Java. The research method used ethnographic approach, especially the emic perspective, and Geertz’s cultural interpretation analysis. The results showed that ritual discourse includes the whole speech within a unity, which involves either ritual texts in the form of ujub , sacred texts in the form of mantras, or narrative texts in the form of discourses spoken by traditional leaders or local officials in ritual processions. Local wisdom in traditional literature shows a variety of positive values some of which serve in daily life as cosmic unity (between profane and sacred domains), harmony of natural ecosystem, and collective safety. These local wisdoms become worldview values for Using people. The sociocultural implications of local wisdom can be used by the local community as a social harmony media that support the local religious system and strengthen the social structure, so that it can be interpreted that ritual discourse becomes an integral part of traditional social institution.