Heliyon (Feb 2022)
The cultural attitudes of a funeral ritual discourse in the indigenous Torajan, Indonesia
Abstract
Ma'pasa’ Tedong is one of the ritual parts of Rambu Solo', a funeral ritual series in Toraja culture, Tana Toraja regency, South Sulawesi province, Indonesia. In this ethnicity, the ritual, Singgi' is communicated using a high level of Tominaa language. Therefore, this study aims to describe and explain the cultural attitudes of the Toraja ethnic recorded in Ma'pasa’ Tedong discourse. This is qualitative research with the hermeneutic approach used to interpret and explain the meaning of Ma'pasa’ Tedong discourses that reflect personal identity, social attitudes, and Toraja ethnic beliefs. Data were obtained by recording, interviewing two Tominaa inhabitants, and conducting a document study. The data were analyzed qualitatively by interpreting the meaning through the following stages (a) understanding the speech, (b) drawing, adjusting, and reflecting the results based on concrete actions by the Toraja ethnic group, and (c) interpreting the reflection results under its existence. The results showed that the Toraja ethnic group has self-awareness, tolerance, tenacity, honesty, discipline, and a tough personality. In addition, these personalities underlie politeness, tolerance, care, social, and cooperation in society. The unique and distinctive attitude of this ethnic group is reflected in their belief in carrying out the Rambu Solo' ritual. These findings were cultural documents with significant meaning for anyone interested in understanding the Toraja ethnic culture. Ma' pasa Tedong event contains relevant messages that aid in the community's development and reflect the Toraja ethnic group's culture. As a cultural heritage, its verses contain various ideas and values (meanings) useful for molding and shaping people's character.
