SYMBOLIC INTERACTIONALISM IN THE TRADITIONAL CEREMONY OF SAPARAN BEKAKAK IN THE VILLAGE OF AMBARKETAWANG, GAMPING DISTRICT, SLEMAN REGENCY, SPECIAL REGION OF YOGYAKARTA

Abstract

The Saparan Bekakak ceremony in Ambarketawang Village, Gamping District, Sleman Regency, Special Region of Yogyakarta, was inspired by a tragedy that befell the servants of Sultan Hamengkubuwono I, named Ki Wirasuta and Nyi Wirasuta. The Saparan Bekakak ceremony is held annually and continues to this day. In social science studies, particularly from a symbolic interactionism perspective, this tradition is interesting to study because it contains symbols, meanings, and patterns of social interaction that are an important part of the collective identity of the local community. This research is designed using qualitative methods with a case study approach. Data will be collected through direct observation of the ceremony, in-depth interviews with traditional leaders, organizing committees, and the community, as well as archival documentation and local historical records. Data analysis will be conducted interactively through data reduction, data presentation, and conclusion drawing. The symbolic interactionism theoretical framework was chosen to interpret how the symbols that appear in the series of ceremonies, such as the slaughter of bekakak (dolls made of sticky rice), processions, and communal prayers, are understood, interpreted, and reproduced in the social life of the Ambarketawang community. Through this research, it is hoped that a deeper understanding can be gained regarding the role of the Saparan Bekakak ceremony as a means of social and symbolic interaction in maintaining solidarity, strengthening the value of togetherness, and preserving local cultural identity. This research is also expected to contribute theoretically to the development of symbolic interactionism studies in the context of Indonesian cultural traditions, as well as to provide material for reflection on the importance of preserving local wisdom amid increasingly complex social dynamics.