Traditional Rituals Research Articles

Forming national identity with televised cultural rituals: a critical discourse analysis of China’s Ancient Rhyme and New Voice—Qingming program

Studies on media and national identity emphasize the need for a comprehensive and culturally sensitive approach to understanding the complex relationship between media and identity. This study used critical discourse analysis to examine the depiction of cultural rituals in the Ancient Rhyme and New Voice—Qingming program and its role in forming and reinforcing national identity in China. The program, broadcast on China Central Television, showcases three traditional Chinese cultural rituals: ancestor worship, agricultural rites, and spring outings. The analysis showed that the program aroused shared emotions, beliefs, and values among Chinese audiences, enhancing cohesion and cultural identification, and advancing the construction of Chinese national identity. The study highlights the importance of such cultural programs in promoting cultural identification and underscores the significant role of televised cultural rituals in shaping and reinforcing national identity in an increasingly globalized world.

Late pleistocene exploitation of Ephedra in a funerary context in Morocco

The active compounds found in many plants have been widely used in traditional medicine and ritual activities. However, archaeological evidence for the use of such plants, especially in the Palaeolithic period, is limited due to the poor preservation and fragility of seed, fruit, and other botanical macro-remains. In this study, we investigate the presence and possible uses of Ephedra during the Late Pleistocene based on the analysis of exceptionally preserved plant macrofossils recovered from c. 15 ka year-old archaeological deposits at Grotte des Pigeons in northeastern Morocco. This cave has yielded the earliest carbonized plant macrofossils of Ephedra, which were found concentrated in a human burial deposit along with other special finds. Ephedra is a plant known to produce high amounts of alkaloids, primarily ephedrine and pseudoephedrine, which have been utilized in traditional medicine. Direct radiocarbon dates on both Ephedra and the human remains indicate that they were contemporaneous. To understand the uses of Ephedra by people at the site, we discuss the different pathways through which plant remains could have arrived. We suggest that the charred cone bracts of Ephedra likely represent residues of the processing and consumption of the plant’s fleshy cones, which may have been valued for both their nutritional and therapeutic properties. Furthermore, we interpret the presence of Ephedra and its deposition in the burial area as evidence that this plant played a significant role during the funerary activities.

Menyelusuri kearifan budaya Suku Osing warisan tradisi dan keunikan identitas lokal

In the background context, the Osing Tribe, an ethnic group in East Java, Indonesia, has been a custodian of rich cultural wisdom. This article explores important aspects of Osing life and identity, focusing on history, cultural values, traditions, and preservation challenges. Through a literature review approach, we gather and analyze various relevant sources to highlight the uniqueness of Osing culture and their preservation efforts. From ritual traditions to belief systems, we find that the Osing exhibit a close relationship between humans, nature, and spirituality in their daily lives. Despite facing pressures from globalization and modernization, Osing cultural preservation efforts continue through local community initiatives and external support. Our conclusion emphasizes the importance of appreciation and support for the sustainability of Osing culture as an integral part of Indonesia's cultural wealth. Thus, the article underscores the need to preserve and understand the valuable heritage of the Osing tribe for a sustainable future.

Analysis of The "Sijagaron" Symbol in the Saur Matua Traditional Ceremony of the Batak Toba Tribe

This research aims to analyze the "Sijagaron" symbol in the Saur Matua traditional ceremony of the Toba Batak tribe, a cultural practice that illustrates the death of someone who has reached old age and has children. Saur Matua, which means "blessed" in the Batak Toba language, is the highest form of respect for people who die after completing a successful life and having many descendants. The Sijagaron symbol, in the form of a series of plants such as banyan plants, silinjuang leaves, and sanggar flowers, is placed on the coffin as a sign of honor and achievement. This research examines the philosophical and cultural meaning of Sijagaron, as well as its role in traditional rituals that show prosperity and success in a person's life. Through a qualitative approach and in-depth analysis, this research explores how Sijagaron symbolizes the relationship between humans, nature and God in Toba Batak culture. The research results are expected to provide insight into the cultural values ​​contained in the Sijagaron symbol and the importance of the Saur Matua ceremony in Toba Batak society, as well as its contribution to understanding cultural heritage and customs.

Bioecology of Cinnamomum culitlawan (L.) J.Presl (1825) Endemic Species on Halmahera Island

Cinnamomum culitlawan (L.) J. Presl (1825) is an endemic plant belonging to the Lauraceae family. The plant growth is found in Indonesia, especially in Maluku and Papua. This study aims to: (1) understand the taxonomy of C. culitlawan; (2) find out its habitat, environmental adaptation, and ecological role; and (3) find out its utilization and ethnobotany. This study was conducted by combining the literature review method with the survey method. Efforts to understand the taxonomy, utilization, and ethnobotany of C. culitlawan through a literature review. Each plant specimen found in the documentation was observed for its distribution, habitat, adaptation, and interaction. Taxonomic and ethnobotanical studies were conducted by literature review. The results of the study showed that C. culitlawan has 12 synonyms, namely Benzoin gracile (Nees) Kuntze; C. culiban Raf.; C. culitlawan var. rubrum (Blume) Meisn.; C. rubrum Blume; Daphnidium gracile Nees; Laurus culiban L.; Persea culilawan (L.) Bisch.; Laurus culilawan Nees; Laurus culawang Nees; Laurus culitlaban Roxb.; Laurus culitlawan L.; Laurus glauca Nees; Laurus gracilis Meisn.; and Persea culilawan (L.) Bisch. Some researchers wrote it with the species name Cinnamomum culilawan Blume, a synonym that has not been verified in WFO. Generally lives in low to medium plains, in areas with high rainfall. C. culitlawan has adapted to high humidity and grows in soil with high humus content. C. culitlawan has complex interactions with other species, including pollinating insects and soil organisms. C. culitlawan has important value in ethnobotany aspects, including traditional medicine, culinary, and cultural rituals.

Implikasi Sorong Serah Aji Krame dalam Mempererat Hubungan Keluarga di Masyarakat Sasak

This study examines the cultural significance of the Sorong Serah Aji Krame tradition, a Sasak traditional wedding ritual on Lombok Island, Indonesia. This tradition not only represents the transfer of material goods, but also serves as a mechanism to strengthen family cohesion. Through qualitative methods, including in-depth interviews and observations, this study explores how this ritual builds emotional connections, honors elders, and ensures continuity between generations in the Sasak community. The results show that Sorong Serah Aji Krame plays an important role in maintaining social harmony and family solidarity, especially amidst the challenges of modernization.

Decolonizing Forest: The Myth of Panjurli and Guliga in Kantara (2022)

Colonial ideologies reduce nature to a repository of extractable resources and portray the Indigenous communities’ religious understanding of nature as primitive and unscientific. Decolonization foregrounds the silenced Indigenous epistemes that critique exceptional human paradigms of colonial modernity. This paper examines how traditional religious rituals function as a method of decolonization and discusses their exclusion from Western academia. It focuses on Kantara’s cinematic representation of the Indigenous ritual of Bhoota Kola and the worship of forest deities, Panjurli and Guliga, in the coastal areas of southern Karnataka and Kerala. These rituals emphasize the agency of the environment, where the forest, humans, and deities are porous and permeable. This non-anthropocentric understanding of humans questions the dominance of the secular narratives of posthuman theories in Western academia. Rituals foster ecological behaviours and highlight multispecies relationality, providing alternatives for sustainable futures. In emphasizing Indigenous religious practices, the paper undisciplines the Eurocentric study of religion and questions the disciplinary boundaries between scientific thought and Indigenous knowledge. Thus, this paper argues for the inclusion of regional cinemas from the Global South in Western academia to foreground Indigenous epistemes that undiscipline the study of religion and science.

Adolescent psychosocial identity development associated with traditional rituals and rites of passage in the Bosomtwe District of Ghana

ABSTRACT This paper reports on a study that explored how adolescents in the Bosomtwe District of Ghana experience their psychosocial identity development in relation to participating in traditional rituals and rites of passage. This study employed a phenomenology case study design with a purposive sampling procedure. Data was gathered from focus group discussions and semi-structured interviews and analysed through thematic content analysis. The participants were 20 adolescent learners in the focus groups, and 12 teachers, 12 parents and eight adolescents in individual interviews. The study found that adolescents undergo psychosocial identity development due to participating in ritualisation processes in a variety of ways. According to the study’s findings, initiation activities exposed adolescents to distinct cultural values, aided them in developing a larger worldview, enhanced self-awareness, and improved social skills. On the other hand, not all adolescents had favourable experiences with their traditional rituals and rites of passage. Furthermore, traditional practices may perpetuate negative gender stereotypes, and discriminatory actions and behaviour. We recommend collaborating with guidance counsellors, parents and guardians, community members, and leaders when providing counselling services to adolescents We also recommend policy development to encourage integrating traditional practices in formal schooling.

African Culture & the Girl-Child Education

This research article underscores the cultural factors that influence girl-child education among the Ilchamus community. Various literatures were reviewed and gaps were successfully identified. It embraces descriptive research design. It utilises purposive and snowballing techniques since the initial research that culminated into an article was basically a mixed research. The sample size of the study was 350 respondents. It establishes that; the practice of female genital mutilation (FGM), often linked with traditional rites of passage, is typically followed by early marriage, which disrupts girls’ education. Additionally, early marriage typically curtails educational opportunities for girls, as they are often expected to take on domestic responsibilities and childbearing, leaving little room for schooling. In this regard, it concludes that; cultural practices like FGM and early marriages are deeply rooted barriers to girl-child education in the Ilchamus community, while the role of parents’ education and cultural transitions reflect more nuanced influences on educational outcomes.

Mythological Figures in Garo Lores

Oral literature can be considered the earliest form of literature in any literary tradition, preceding the written form. It signifies originality, adaptability, and fluidity, thereby contributing to the evolution of literature. The Garos possess a diverse collection of oral narratives that have been passed down through generations. This oral tradition is deeply ingrained in the communal consciousness, serving as a reflection of the community's ethos. Within these oral compositions lie ancient and authentic lexicons that are meticulously preserved in their traditional sayings, songs, legends, proverbs, rituals, and incantations. This paper endeavors to examine the mythological entities present in Garo folklore, meticulously preserved through oral traditions by the ancestors. Myths, as repositories of communal history, chronicle the vicissitudes of kingdoms and encapsulate the essence of a community's past. They not only mirror the people but also foster unity, continuity, and coherence within a cultural milieu.

Healing and Hallucinations: A Comprehensive Look at Datura

The Solanaceae plant family is a large clade that includes Datura, a genus of plants with many species recognized for their severe pharmacological effects via tropane alkaloids like atropine, hyoscyamine and scopolamine. These alkaloids act as antagonists of muscarinic acetylcholine receptors with leading to a truly diverse pharmacological action, ranging from anticholinergic effects all the way through hallucinogenic properties. Datura plants have been used historically in traditional medicine and rituals worldwide but are infamous for poisoning due to the risk of severe anticholinergic toxicity, including death. Nevertheless, their pharmacology has become of interest for research due to potential therapeutic applications: specifically in controlling nauseousness and perhaps neurological disorders. In this review, we provide a summary of the botanical description and cultivation methods in addition to those on traditional use practices concerning phytochemistry, pharmacology and toxicology as compared with evidence-based information together emphasizing cautions against availability without stringent regulatory consideration for its modern medical uses or ritualistic purposes.

Missionary Writings During the Canton Exile (1666–1671): Controversies on the Inculturation of the Catholic Church

Abstract In the aftermath of the Calendar Case, 25 missionaries arrived in Canton in March 1666. Over the course of their five-year exile, they generated numerous reports and letters which, until now, have not been subject to systematic study. This paper delves into their writings concerning the establishment of three practical norms for the China mission: permitting Chinese Catholics to observe traditional rites honoring their ancestors and Confucius, allowing them to continue fasting under certain conditions, and instructing them to wear a Chinese hat during the liturgy. Though these norms were ratified by majority vote, they were immediately met with opposition. Although the controversy on the Chinese rites is well-documented, it is pertinent to examine these three controversies together, as they pertain to the issue of inculturation within the Catholic Church.

Inculturation of Luhya Birth and Naming Rituals in Christian Worship: A Study of The Baptist Church in Vihiga County, Kenya

African Christians are in a dilemma of whether to fully embrace western-prejudiced Christianity or to stick to their traditional forms of faith. Influenced by the fear of syncretic worship, the Baptist church in Vihiga County, which is out rightly committed to Western Christianity condemns and opposes Africans who embrace their traditional religious rituals and rites. Despite this, the Luhya community who profess the Christian faith secretly are adamant in practicing their birth and naming religious rituals in worship. The paper argues that inculturation of Luhya birth and naming rites and rituals in Christian worship in the Baptist church in Vihiga County, Kenya has a significant impact on the survival of Christian message among its membership. The faith that does not become culture is not a lived faith. The study was informed by animism and sociological theories. Descriptive research design was employed with qualitative approaches of analysis. The sample size of the study was 221 participants comprising 183 Lay Christian and 38 Key informants (16 Pastors and 22 Church Leaders). The findings revealed that many Baptist Christians are resistant to inculturate Luhya rites and rituals of birth and naming into their worship, instead they condemn them and those that perform such rituals. This resistance makes them live inauthentic Christian life within their cultural context. The study recommended the Church leadership, theologians, and scholars to advocate for values in Luhya birth and naming rites and rituals that are consistent with Christian worship

Tradisi Seren Taun berbasis Kearifan Lokal Masyarakat AdatKasepuhan (Suatu Kajian Holistik Antropologi Hukum)

Seren Taun is a series of agricultural activities carried out every year by a traditional community in atraditional area which is usually called a traditional traditional ritual, as a form of respect for the ancestors andthe Goddess Sri with all forms of rituals and cultural arts performances of the Kasepuhan indigenouscommunity from very from long ago to modern art displayed by indigenous peoples. The rice was brought,paraded, accompanied by everyone present to be stored in the Leuit Si Jimat communal barn. The local wisdomof the Kasepuhan traditional community of Banten Kidul is a community that still upholds and carries outtraditions with the supervision of the Abah as the Traditional Leader. Kasepuhan residents are devoutfollowers of the Islamic religion, but in their daily lives they are characterized by mythical and animist beliefsor they still maintain ancestral beliefs such as burning incense, giving offerings, traditional ceremonies, placingfences on doors, and other ancestral beliefs. The Holistic Study of Legal Anthropology illustrates that traditionalrituals based on local wisdom are a manifestation of the behavior or actions of indigenous people in an effort toget closer to God. Because rituals are ceremonies carried out by indigenous people throughout their lifetime,they are carried out by every indigenous community in their traditional territory, because they are ceremoniesfor the life cycle of an individual's life as a member of society (the universal circle of life).Keywords: Seren Taun Tradition, Local Wisdom of the Kasepuhan Indigenous Community, Holistic Study ofLegal Anthropology

The Performance Concepts of Adu-Tandiang in Pariaman Society: Fighting, Competing, and Fighting/Competing as Main Characteristics

This paper analyses the subject of adu-tandiang, which includes adu (fighting), tandiang (competing), and adu/tandiang (fighting/competing); three concepts of performance that are found in the performing arts and rituals of Pariaman society. This study uses an emic approach and grounded theory method to obtain supporting data about the concepts of adu, tandiang, and adu/tandiang. The research results show that the performing arts and traditional rituals in Pariaman are basically dynamic and always have adu-tandiang concept. The characteristics of performances with elements of adu, tandiang, and adu/tandiang are dynamic, and reflect the nature and character of the Pariaman people themselves, as a result of their history as a coastal community and facing many encounters with foreign communities. Therefore, the concepts of adu, tandiang, and adu/tandiang are generalisations of principles that characterise almost all performances in Pariaman society.

ETHNOGRAPHY OF WESTERN KAZAKHSTAN IN RUSSIAN SOURCES

The article deals with ethnographic research, which is the direction of Russian expeditions aimed at exploring the kazakh land. Analytical studies of the ethnography of the kazakhs who inhabited the Volga and the Urals have been carried out. A voluminous material on the life and culture of the kazakhs of the Small zhuz is presented. The characteristics of the economy and profession of the West Kazakhstan people of the XVIII-XIX centuries have been developed. The analysis of the importance of trade in the Small zhuz and animal husbandry in everyday life is carried out. The main goals and objectives of travelers and their achievements are considered. The scientists' assessment of the place of nomadism in the lifestyle of the Kazakhs of the XVIII-XIX centuries between the Volga and the Urals will be worked out. The analysis of researchers' views on how the colonial policy of the tsarist government changed Kazakh life will be carried out. As a result of the study, it was found that travelers evaluated the Kazakhs of the Maly Zhuz in comparison with neighboring peoples (Tatar, Bashkir). The Kazakhs of the Maly Zhuz differ from the Kazakhs of the Older and Middle Zhuz, as shown in the works of scientists.It tells about the nature of traditional rituals in Maly Zhuz. In the final part, the importance of ethnographic exploration of the West Kazakhstan steppes at the historiographical level is determined and the influence of Russian scientists and travelers on the presentation of Kazakh history to the world is assessed.

RITUAL TOLAK BALA PADA KOMUNITAS ORANG JAWA DI MABAR HILIR

This study aims to see how the process of Rejecting Bala Ritual in Javanese Society and to see the social function that exists in this ritual of rejecting reinforcements. This research was carried out in the Mabar Downstream Village, Medan Deli District, Medan City, North Sumatra. The method used in this research is a qualitative method with a descriptive approach. data sources used are primary and secondary data with key informants as research informants. Data obtained by observation, interview, and documentation methods. researchers use the structure of Functional analysis to see further the problems that exist in the field. Based on the results of this research, it was revealed that the Rejecting Bala Ritual Tradition had existed for a long time, in 1973. And the process of Rejecting Bala Ritual was by way of reciting the word Tauhid, until later at the Penpodo Afnawi Noeh.

A scoping review of cultural issues concerning institutional quarantine and isolation during major multi‐country outbreaks in Africa: 2000–2023

AbstractBackground and AimsInfectious disease outbreaks pose significant challenges in Africa due to its ecology, socioeconomic conditions, and weak health systems. Implementing institutional quarantine and isolation (Q&I) measures is crucial for managing major outbreaks. However, the cultural context often determines the success of these measures. This scoping review aims to examine existing evidence on the cultural aspects of institutional Q&I in Africa over the past two decades, focusing on the COVID‐19 pandemic and other major multi‐country disease outbreaks.MethodsThis scoping review's protocol was registered with the Open Science Framework registry. Nine research databases were systematically searched to retrieve all relevant literature, followed by deduplication and a two‐stage screening process using the Rayyan web application. The inclusion of any literature into this review was based on a set of eligibility criteria. Also, manual searching of the reference lists of included literature was done to retrieve any other eligible literature. From the included literature, data were charted, collected, and summarized.FindingsOut of the 787 articles retrieved from the database searches, this review found only one to be eligible for inclusion. Also, no other eligible article was obtained after manual searching of the reference list for this article. The reviewed article presented empirical findings on the impact of COVID‐19 Q&I protocols on traditional burial rites in Ghana. Many Ghanaian families were against their country's protocol because they felt it was insensitive to their traditional values and burial practices. Also, the way the protocol was implemented made some Ghanaian families feel that foreign burial practices were imposed on them, which bred feelings of cultural exclusion and neglect (by the government) among Ghanaians.ConclusionResearch evidence on the cultural implications of Q&I in Africa is very scanty. More research is needed on this topic of public health interest.

The making of consumer patriotism: mobilizing Christmas in Sweden during the Second World War

ABSTRACT During the Second World War Swedish citizens were encouraged to send gifts to military personnel spending Christmas on duty. Orchestrated by a coalition of commercial and military interests as well as unions, women’s and employer’s organizations, the annual Frontline Christmas Gift campaigns blended traditional rituals of gift-giving with patriotic objectives. Analyzing archival documents and press clippings the study shows how this campaign both preserved and adapted consumer practices as well as gendered norms throughout the war. Primarily framing women as the givers and male soldiers as the receivers, the campaign reinforced gender structures and discourses while also subtly adapting them and embedding the whole exercise in Swedish consumer culture. The study contends that the Frontline Christmas Gift campaign not only maintained but also transformed public and private spheres during wartime. By extending the family-centric tradition of Christmas giving to a national level, it strengthened societal bonds and reinforced the Swedish wartime narrative of national unity and preparedness.

Food Communication to Strengthen Cultural Identity: A Case Study on Saparan Bekakak Traditions in Indonesia

Food has a crucial role in human culture and social interaction. Food is vital in various traditional ceremonies and rituals, especially in Javanese culture. Saparan Bekakak is a Javanese tradition that uses food or offerings as a ritual symbol. Food communication is a field of study that studies how food functions as a medium of communication in social and cultural contexts. This study explores the food communication model in strengthening the cultural identity of Saparan Bekakak as a noble tradition of the Indonesian nation. This research uses a constructivist paradigm with a qualitative research design for the type of case study. The subjects in this study consisted of nine participants, including community leaders (kamituwo, dukuh, bekakak bride makers, cooks, and offerings), local communities, and visitors to the Saparan Bekakak traditional ceremony. The data collection techniques in this study consist of interviews, observations, and documentation. Data analysis in the study consists of several steps (i.e., data reduction, data presentation, and conclusion drawn) as well as source triangulation and triangulation techniques to ensure the validity of the research data. This study finds a food communication model that strengthens the cultural identity of Saparan Bekakak as a noble tradition of the Indonesian nation. Food in the tradition of saparan bekakak is interpreted as a form of gratitude blessings, a medium of communication with ancestors for safety, cultural enlightenment, and strengthening solidarity/togetherness. There are variations and shifts in the meaning of food in the Saparan Bekakak tradition, encouraging the negotiation of meaning, which catalyses the renewal and strengthening of identity. Culture. This research's implications or theoretical impact are in the form of theoretical contributions about food communication that can construct and strengthen cultural identity and practically in the form of food communication models that can be applied to enhance cultural identity, especially in the Saparan Bekakak tradition.