Meaning of the Death Ceremony ‘Rambu Solo’ in Tana Toraja

Abstract

Rambu Solo is a traditional ceremony descended from generation to generation in Tana Toraja Regency, Indonesia. For the people of Tana Toraja, performing a traditional ceremony for a dead person is obliged. If the death ceremony is not undertaken, the deceased person would still be considered lying, sick, or what they call "tomakula" (Toraja word). They believe that people do not only struggle during living in this world but also in their post-death, as they call it Bombo, To Mebbal iPuang, and Data Bombo. This post-death phase is the phase in which the spirits of the deceased are still roaming around. Therefore, the Rambu Solo ceremony is mandatory for Tana Toraja's people. This article presents the history of the Tana Toraja people from the beginning of their entry into South Sulawesi, their deployment pattern, and the process of the Rambu Solo ceremony, along with the procedures, equipment and stages in accordance with the tradition rooted in Toraja society. To facilitate this research, the anthropological approach was applied. This approach examines something related to humans as living beings or socio-cultural creatures with a descriptive-qualitative method. The secondary data was obtained through library research, reviewing some related literature. The primary data were obtained by observation and interviews with related parties. The result of this research is the meaning of the Rambu Solo ceremony. The dimensions studied are: First, religious meaning, because the traditions of Tana Toraja people are very closely related to the Creator. Rambu Solo is believed to make it easier for the spirit of dead people to depart to the spirit realm, that is, to return to eternity with their ancestors in a resting place known as Puya. Second, social meaning. Rambu Solo ceremony is a consolation for the bereaved family. The buffalo is prepared by the family based on a mutual agreement. In addition, donations in the form of pigs and money can also be given. After slaughtering the buffalo, the meat is distributed to the local residents present at the ceremonial event. Thus, this ceremony has the dimension of mutual cooperation and assistance to reduce social inequality among the people of Tana Toraja.