THE HAMLET INTERPRETATION OF THE NGLIMANI TRADITION IN BIBIS:A NON-PARTICIPATORY ETHNOGRAPHIC STUDY WITH A CULTURAL INTERPRETATION APPROACH

Abstract

Javanese traditions are a rich and diverse cultural heritage passed down through generations, encompassing not only traditional ceremonies and rituals but also noble values, arts, and manners that shape the identity of Javanese society. The nglimani tradition is an important part of the Javanese cultural heritage. It is a five-month pregnancy ceremony that is performed when a mother is five months pregnant. One of the most prominent legacies of Javanese civilization is the nglimani tradition, a ceremony held when a mother enters her fifth month of pregnancy. This paper focuses on the practice of the aforementioned tradition in Bibis Hamlet, a small village located in Krambilsawit Village, Saptosari District, Gunung Kidul Regency, Yogyakarta, Indonesia, starting from the background, procedures for implementing it, the meaning of the tradition, the influence of the traditional on the social and spiritual conditions of the community, and the community's efforts to maintain and harmonize the existence of this tradition. The nglimani ceremony is a moment for the people to ask for blessings from the Creator to ensure safety and smoothness during pregnancy and childbirth. The results show that the village government should maximize the development or expand information about the traditional ceremony and make it more visible or widely publicized to educate the community about the importance of preserving the nation's culture. Community involvement in traditional ceremonies is one of the most fundamental forms of cultural preservation.