The Symbolic Meaning of River Stones in the Death Rituals of the Batu Brak Community, West Lampung Regency: An Analysis of the Sacred and the Profane
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.54298/ijith.v5i2.1169Keywords:
Stone Tradition, Funeral Rituals, Sacred and Profane, Religious Experience, Local CustomsAbstract
This study examines the use of stones in the funeral traditions of the Sukabumi Village community, Batu Brak Subdistrict, West Lampung Regency, focusing on their symbolic meanings, sacred and profane dimensions, and role in religious experiences and honoring the deceased. This research employed a qualitative design with a phenomenological approach. Data were collected through observation, semi-structured interviews with three informants, and documentation during fieldwork conducted between June and August 2026. Data were analyzed through data reduction, data display, and conclusion drawing, with source and technique triangulation used to strengthen the credibility of the findings. The results indicate that stones collected from nearby rivers serve as practical aids for zikir, tahlilan, and prayers for the deceased. Their significance extends beyond their physical function, reflecting customary continuity, collective identity, religious devotion, and social solidarity. The stones are understood as a wasilah (means) to support devotional practices rather than objects possessing independent supernatural power. The study demonstrates how local customs are integrated into religious life through shared intentions, inherited practices, and communal participation. However, the findings are specific to the local context and cannot be generalized to all Muslim communities. This research contributes to understanding the relationship between material objects, religious practices, and local funeral traditions.
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