Sharing Meal, Sharing Life together: An Anthropological Perspective on the Significance of Sharing Meal Ritual Based on the Religious Life

Abstract

The article examines the role and existence of sharing meal ritual. At least, so to speak, there are two functions of the ritual, i.e. on the one hand, as a cultural strategy to maintain social cohesion. On the other hand, it reflects differences within the community which potential for conflict. Differences and commonalities might be regarded as a dynamic and complex process within a community. The sharing meal ritual contains varying materials and ideals of societal life, which can be seen collectively both through actual and symbolic meanings. The meanings emerge from social ideas and undergoing through their daily societal life, which influence and have been influenced by their view in order to manage a common living space. These complexities of meal tradition need to be explored to be understood.

The Ceremonial Procession and Meaning of Makan Patita in Negeri Oma - Maluku

“…All preparations are made by themselves as a form of ownership, respect, and appreciation and thanks to uncles in this case as their children have been accepted, served, and given encouragement and motivation to move forward into a superior generation, to learn to share life in difficult or happy times. This opinion is strengthened by the views of Souisa (2019) which stated on that ritual, one can acknowledge the power relations by identifying positions of "us" and "them", the role of parents, the role of children, practice for preparing kinds of stuff, implementation and reflection in the ritual. It reflects the management of society based on the pattern in it.…”

“…Indonesia has a variety of eating together tradition including Basamo in Padang, Megibung in Bali, Bancakan in Bandung, and Orom Sasadu in Sahu, West Halmahera, and Makan Patita in Ambon (Nanuru, 2019). Souisa (2019) also reported that In Indonesia, every local society has a certain name for their meal traditions; let say, Makan Patita in Maluku, Megibung in Bali and Lombok, Makan Basamo in West Sumatra, etc. In general, Makan Patita in Maluku means eating together which is always practiced for traditional ceremonies such as the coronation of the King, Panas Pela, besides national day ceremonies, city anniversary, new year events, and other celebrations that do not contain elements of custom and everyone can join the events.…”