THE BELIEFS AND RITUALS OF WULLA PODDU IN THE COMMUNITY OF UMBU KOBA VILLAGE, SOUTHWEST SUMBA REGENCY, EAST NUSA TENGGARA
Keywords:
Wulla Poddu,, Marapu,, belief system,, traditional ritual,, cultural heritage,, Southwest SumbaAbstract
Wulla Poddu is a sacred ritual tradition of the Sumbanese people rooted in the Marapu belief system and continues to be preserved by the community of Umbu Koba Village, Southwest Sumba Regency, East Nusa Tenggara, Indonesia. This tradition plays a significant role in maintaining harmonious relationships among humans, ancestors, and nature while serving as an essential component of the local community's cultural identity. This study aims to describe the community's beliefs regarding the Wulla Poddu ritual, its stages of implementation, and its social, cultural, and religious significance. The study employed a descriptive qualitative approach. Data were collected through observation, in-depth interviews with traditional leaders and community members, and documentation. The data were analyzed using data reduction, data display, and conclusion drawing. The findings indicate that the Wulla Poddu ritual is consistently practiced as an expression of respect for ancestors and gratitude for life. The ritual comprises a series of traditional ceremonies, offerings, prayers, and customary prohibitions that must be observed by the community. Furthermore, the ritual reinforces religious values, social solidarity, cultural preservation, and the transmission of local wisdom to future generations. Therefore, Wulla Poddu functions not only as a traditional religious practice but also as a means of preserving cultural heritage and strengthening the cultural identity of the Umbu Koba community amid contemporary social changes.
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