Textual And Contextual Meaning Of Rapal Mantra Suwuk: The Religious Aspect In The Perspective Of Ritual Language

Abstract

Suwuk is an activity of reciting traditional Javanese spell (mantra) for ancient healing and repelling disaster. One of the behavior of the ancient Javanese people is still found in rural areas. In suwuk there is a spell that is recited by a shaman. The spell in Javanese is called japa or prayer. Suwuk spell is believed by some Javanese people who believe that its existence has power, as a medium to ask God to adapt to Javanese culture in their language. Suwuk mantra is an intangible cultural asset that needs special treatment to document it. That is why an in-depth study of the shaman's spell rapal is needed. In an effort to provide explanations about the meaning and interpretation of meaning in the rapal spell. The analysis is done by using the method of contextual method and understanding method. The data source in this study was the suwuk shaman in Jatipuro village karanganyar district and the data in the form of transcription of the suwuk shaman spell obtained through unstructured interviews with the shaman. The results of this study conclude that suwuk spell has a construction of textual and contextual meaning which functions for introspection, purification, supplication, and hope. Self-introspection in an effort to re-experience, and give thanks for God's blessings and gifts. Purification in an effort to purify oneself through prayers in an effort to escape from the disturbing negative interference. A supplication, in an effort to restore the identity of the person who get suwuk for escape from the bad influences by Sawan. Hope, in an effort to expect God's blessing so that in the future life's journey will always be blessed, given safety, health and the glory of life.