Banjar Proverbs: Revealing Cultural Values of Religious Systems and Ritual Practices in Banjar Society

Abstract

Proverbs contain cultural values and life philosophies that function as moral guidelines within a community. This study aims to describe the cultural values related to religious systems and ritual practices embedded in Banjar proverbs. The research employs a literary anthropology approach with a qualitative library research design. Data were collected through documentation techniques by examining published sources related to Banjar proverbs. The data were analyzed using a descriptive-interpretative method through stages of description, analysis, and evaluation. The findings reveal that Banjar proverbs reflect various cultural values of religious belief and practice, including: (1) preparation for life in both the worldly and the hereafter; (2) moral accountability for good and bad deeds; (3) belief that sustenance has been divinely predetermined; (4) patience and perseverance in facing life’s challenges; (5) marriage practices in accordance with Islamic law, particularly after triple divorce; (6) belief in individuals who possess the ability to perceive others’ inner feelings; (7) belief in certain utterances to restore a child’s spirit; (8) belief in spirit possession; (9) belief that certain family members may bring misfortune to a household; (10) seeking help from others with sincerity, whether accepted or not; (11) belief in abnormal or unusual behavior as a sign of imbalance; (12) the importance of learning religious knowledge from the beginning and in sequence; (13) belief in vulnerable conditions that may attract misfortune; (14) admiration for women who possess both physical beauty and noble character; (15) moral advice against excessive worldly desires; (16) social harmony and close community relations; (17) taboos related to sitting in specific places believed to delay marriage; (18) advice for elders to maintain self-awareness; (19) encouragement for elders to act wisely; and (20) the importance of making use of opportunities wisely. Overall, Banjar proverbs serve as an important medium for transmitting religious beliefs, moral teachings, and cultural wisdom that shape the worldview and social behavior of Banjar society.