The Philosophy of Human Life in the Lexicon of the Laesan Traditional Art song in Lasem Rembang

Abstract

This study aims to examine the philosophical issues in human life contained in the lexicon of laesan art songs. It used a qualitative descriptive approach with an ethnographic study of communication. The data was fragments of speech and actions involved in the laesan performance. The research method was ethnographic and participatory. The results point out that laesan portrays a philosophy of human life from birth to death. Moreover, humans are described as servants who must obey and rely all hopes only on God. Guidance for living in the world is reflected in the songs Ela-elo, Uculana Bandan, Kembang Gedhang, Lurua Laesan, and Lara Tangis. Ela-elo describes humans being born on earth because God's will created humans, Uculana Bandan depicts humans facing problems in the world, and Kembang Gedhang illustrates that humans only live temporarily in the world in the sense that all of them will meet their end one day. In addition, Lurua Laesan contains philosophy that humans must always try, not just give up, and Lara Tangis depicts the pain of humans when they are about to die.