Parang Pisang Tradition In The Welcome For The Birth Of A Pair Of Twins In Nagari Surantih

Abstract

The purpose of this study is to determine the tradition, function, and meaning of the banana knife tradition in the twin birth welcoming ceremony in Surantih Village, Sutera District. This study uses a qualitative approach with a descriptive type. Informants for this study were determined using convenience sampling, which is the selection of informants who are considered to have the most understanding and are directly involved in the implementation of the tradition. The results of the study indicate that the banana knife tradition has been practised since ancient times and passed down from generation to generation as part of the local community's cultural value system. This tradition is carried out to welcome the birth of twins, who are believed to have spiritual powers and require special treatment to prevent negative impacts on the family and environment. The tradition of cutting banana leaves as the main symbol in the ritual not only functions as a symbol of purification or warding off evil, but also reflects the community's belief in the power of nature and ancestors. Thus, this tradition has strong religious, social, and symbolic meanings. This tradition can also be seen as a form of collective interpretation of the community's message regarding the relationship between humans, nature, and spiritual power, manifested through ritual communication using local cultural symbols.