THE CULTURE OF POSTHARVEST RICE PLANT UTILIZATION IN JAVANESE COMMUNITY RITUAL PROCESSION

Abstract

The Javanese, as the most populous ethnic group in Indonesia, have their own religion. This religion is influenced by Hindu, Buddhist, and Java animist traditions. These beliefs are practiced by Javanese in a more syncretic way with Islam and Christianity, the major religions practiced in Indonesia. Javanese also perform traditional rituals related to Javanese culture in addition to their worship according to the main religion. In such rituals, offerings are the main component in their effort to establish “communication” with gods. The Javanese are primarily rice farmers and utilize postharvest rice plant parts as the artefacts and materials as offering elements in several rituals. These utilizations commonly represent their prayer to the gods as related to prosperity of rice and basic needs and the hope of fertility, protection, beauty, generosity, and purity. In addition to serving as a symbol for the suppliant’s desires, the Javanese also utilize postharvest rice plant part artefacts as representations of gods and as reminders of life values.