THE REPRESENTATION OF RITUAL TRADITIONIN THE SHORT STORY PESTA ADAT BAGI PUTRI KARANG MELENU

Abstract

Literature serves as a medium of cultural representation that records values, traditions, and belief systems. This research analyzes the representation of cultural meaning and tradition in the short story "Pesta Adat Bagi Putri Karang Melenu" using a literary anthropological approach. The study focuses on indigenous rituals, cultural symbolism, and social interaction as reflections of the collective identity and value systems of the indigenous peoples described. The research method employed is content analysis, using the short story text as the primary data source. Data collection was conducted through a literature study, involving in-depth reading to identify cultural elements. The data were analyzed through coding, theme grouping, and interpreting symbolic meanings related to rituals, mythological symbols, and social interaction patterns. This analysis relates textual findings with relevant literary anthropological and cultural studies theories to gain a contextual understanding of the cultural meanings. The results show that traditional rituals function as symbols of social legitimacy, cultural transition, and individual recognition within the indigenous social structure. Cultural symbolism, through mythological figures and magical beasts, represents a belief system that views nature and non-human beings as integral parts of cultural cosmology. Additionally, social interactions between characters reflect communal values, such as adherence to customary norms, social solidarity, and respect for collective interests. In conclusion, this study confirms that "Pesta Adat Bagi Putri Karang Melenu" acts as a medium of cultural representation and a means of preserving tradition through its narrative structure, bridging the gap between ancient heritage and modern literary expression for future generations.