Only found in RI, this is the reason why residents carry out the Nyekar tradition in cemeteries

Jakarta, CNBC Indonesia – When commemorating Eid al-Fitr, Indonesian people often do nyekar. Nyekar is a term that refers to a grave pilgrimage accompanied by the scattering of flowers on the tomb. This tradition was originally carried out by followers of Ancient Javanese and Hindu beliefs. They often make offerings to people who have died in the form of offerings, which contain flowers or are called “Sekar” in Javanese.

However, when Islam entered Java, cultural acculturation occurred between Islam-Javanese-Hinduism. People mix these cultures when visiting graves, which in Islam is a positive momentum as a reminder of death.

According to Muhamad Sochib in NU Onlinethe nyekar tradition is a momentum for greeting each other between those who have died and those who are still alive.

“From a ritual perspective, the 'nyekar' tradition is a very positive thing, apart from being a vehicle for strengthening the bonds of 'cross-realm' prayer, it is also a means of strengthening faith in life after this world,” he said.

In line with this, the research “Contestation of Religious Elite Views in Gresik regarding Nyekar” (2016) also states that the nyekar tradition is caused by the Javanese people's belief that sending prayer readings is not only aimed at ensuring that the souls of people who have died will get a good place in heaven.

But, it also brings rewards to the sender of the prayer himself. They even believe that the spirit of the saint can be an intermediary to convey requests to God.

Among Javanese people, what is meant by the spirits of saints are the spirits of famous figures who are close to God, for example figures who are considered charismatic or spiritual teachers who have abilities beyond the reach of ordinary human reason.

Because it seeks to meet its ancestors, this tradition can also foster knowledge about our origins today.

“In this way, it is hoped that feelings of love, pity and great hope will arise for forgiveness from God for those who have 'returned'. And this is where sincerity and sincerity are realized,” said Sochib.

Not only that, the nyekar tradition is also expected to reflect what a person must do for the future, being in the grave must have left a lot of work unfinished. It can be in the form of ideals of struggle, or even things that may need to be improved in future life.

[Gambas:Video CNBC]

(mfa/mfa)