Symbols for the Ancestors: A Study of Petilasan Pewayangan Myths in the Rahtawu of Muria Mountains, Central Java

Authors

  • Ahsan Tohar

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.14421/jsa.2013.%25x

Keywords:

cultural and religious phenomena, myths, petilasan

Abstract

This study examines cultural and religious phenomena
ofpetilasanpewayangan myths inthe mountain of Rahtawu, Muria,
Central Java. Petilasan is a sacred site(s) referring to an ancestor(s).
This research investigatesoral tradition of pewayangan myths that
are presented in the petilasan. It studies symbols of petilasanwhich
are believed to contain socio-religious and cultural meanings and
values. The Rahtawu villagers believe that Rahtawu myths symbolize
‘ancestral world’ (alam leluhur),the relics of the ancient Javanese
culture. For outsiders however, Rahtawu myths are superstitious,
irrational, and ridiculous. The aim of this study is to examine religious
and cultural meanings and values actively reproduced in activities of
the Rahtawu Society.

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Published

2013-09-15

How to Cite

Tohar, A. (2013). Symbols for the Ancestors: A Study of Petilasan Pewayangan Myths in the Rahtawu of Muria Mountains, Central Java. Jurnal Sosiologi Agama, 5(2). https://doi.org/10.14421/jsa.2013.%x

Issue

Vol. 5 No. 2 (2013)

Section

Articles

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