Report Text : Slametan Tradition

Slametan Tradition

 

     Slametan is a ritual tradition performed by Javanese people. Slametan is also done by Sundanese and Madurese people. Slametan is a form of thanksgiving event by inviting several relatives or neighbors. Traditionally the celebration event begins with prayer together, sitting cross-legged on a mat, encircling rice cone with side dishes.

      The practice of the slametan ceremony as expressed by Hildred Geertz is generally embraced by the Abangan Muslims, while for the Putihan Muslims (santri) the practice of slametan is not entirely acceptable, except by removing the conspicuous shirk elements such as the gods and spirits. Therefore for the santri, slametan is a prayer ceremony together with a leader or modin which is then continued by eating together with a minimum in order to obtain the safety and protection of Allah.

      Slametan is held to celebrate almost all events, including birth, death, marriage, moving house, and others. Geertz categorizes them into four main types :

- Related to life : birth, circumcision, marriage, and death

- Related to Islamic festivals

- Bersih desa (cleaning villages), related to the social integration of villages.

- Unusual events such as leaving for a long journey, moving house, changing the name, healing illness, healing from the influence of magic, and so on.

      Slametan has become an Indonesian culture, especially Javanese society, as a form of gratitude to Allah. Positive things that can be taken from this tradition are getting closer to Allah (Hablum Minallah), establishing friendship with the surrounding community (Hablum Minannas), and self-awareness that humans cannot live alone. Slametan is very good for the nation's culture that is to share happiness in living life.