PERSEPSI DAN PARTISIPASI DALAM PELAKSANAAN TRADISI PEMENTASAN WAYANG TOPENG PADA UPACARA SEDEKAH BUMI DI DESA SONEYAN DAN DAMPAKNYA BAGI MASYARAKAT

Abstract

This research aims at studying the people’s perception and participation in conducting the tradition of masked puppet performance in the Sedekah Bumi ritual at Soneyan Village, Margoyoso, Kabupaten Pati, and the effect of the performace on the surrounding community. This research is an embedded case study. The data-collecting methods include in-depth interview, participant observation, and documents. The data-analyzing technique is interactive analysis model. The result of the research shows that Sedekah Bumi ritual, during which the masked puppet is performed, is an annual ritual that represents the tradition of Kedung Panjang. Since its emergence in 1896, the function of the masked puppet has altered from merely ritual to more social. People are afraid that if the ritual is conducted without the masked puppet performance, they will suffer from different kinds of insecurity, contagious diseases, vermin, and land infertility. The masked puppet performance has benefited different community members to sell food and drink, rent parking lots, and transportation services. The ritual represents a social tie that unites different social groups in a peaceful communal life. Different religious leaders and communities also take part in the performance as they think that the masked performance is not against the Islamic teachings.