Religious Values in the Cowongan Tradition of the Banyumas Regency Community (Case Study in Sanggar Cowong Sewu Purwokerto)

Abstract

This article examines the Cowongan tradition in Banyumas Regency, Central Java Province. The people of Banyumas carry out this tradition to bring rain during the dry season. The method used in this research is descriptive-qualitative and is included in the type of field research. The subjects of this study were the people who are members of the Cowong Sewu Banyumas Padepokan, precisely in Pangebatan Village, Karanglewas District, Banyumas Regency. Researchers use various instruments to explore data sources, such as interviews, observations, and documentation or studies of related documents. Researchers use data reduction, data display, and conclusion analysis. In clarifying the validity of the data, researchers extended participation and triangulation of sources and methods. From the research conducted, it can be seen that (1) The form of the cowongan tradition in Banyumas Regency is the provision of offerings and the chanting of certain “mantras” as a manifestation of prayer; (2) The religious values raised by actors in the cowongan tradition are (a) as the implementation of social teachings such as cooperation, mutual assistance, and side by side to create a better life; (b) servitude to God. These two meanings arise because humans usually seek solutions to various life problems based on the ability of reason and knowledge. However, in reality, reason and knowledge are limited. Therefore, life problems that cannot be solved through reason will be solved by something irrational. In this regard, a culture exists as a solution because it has a system that affirms suprarational forces.