The Actualization of Religiosity and Community Togetherness in Tawang Susukan Village, Semarang District in Tradition of Sedekah Bumi Merti Desa

Abstract

Sedekah Bumi Merti Desa is one of the typical traditions of the Javanese community which is carried out by farmers in Tawang Susukan Village, Semarang Regency during the harvest season or the period before the planting season. The purpose of this research is to describe (1) the reconstruction of the Sedekah Bumi Merti Desa in Javanese culture which is held in Susukan Village, Semarang Regency which is full of local wisdom, and (2) the aspects of religion and the spirit of sharing values among community members. This research uses descriptive qualitative methods with hermeneutic studies as research strategies and approaches. Data collection techniques are obtained through observation, deep interviews, and documentation. The results of the study indicate that Sedekah Bumi Merti Desa is still practiced by farmers in Susukan Village, Semarang Regency from generation to generation with more modern models and components. This tradition is a form of the local community’s gratitude to God for the crops. Furthermore, sharing crops among the local community is done in order to strengthen brotherhood and togetherness. The novelty of this research is to analyze the processions and values in Sedekah Bumi Merti Desaas a form of local wisdom that is still surviving to the present time in the midst of global modernization.