Toraja Funeral Ceremony: An Ancient Tradition Still Keeps Going In The Modern Era
Funeral ceremony or known as Rambu Solo or Aluk Rampe Matampu is an ancient tradition that comes from Toraja ancestors. It aims to deliver the spirit of the dead reaching next world (called Puya), to transform the spirit becoming a god (called To Membali Puang) and the way to respect for the dead.
Although most of Toraja people already accept Christian religion, it is still held until now. In the past, it was only for noble families - not for people from the lower social status. During that time, social status still played a major role in the life of the Toraja people. Below are four social statuses in the Toraja society.
1. Tana' Bulawan is the highest noble group
2. Tana' Bassi is the middle noble group
3. Tana' Karurung belongs to common people
4. Tana' Karurung is the group of servants
The first and second groups are allowed to hold the funeral ceremony while the other not.
For the fourth social status, it is no longer valid, removed and banned since the Dutch came to Toraja in the colonial period in Indonesia.
Nowadays, funeral ceremony can be held by all families as long as they have enough money. But, there are a few differences between families from noble generation when they make funeral ceremony. For example, wooden effigy of the dead is made only for noble families and the duration of their funeral ceremony can take up 2 weeks and so on.
Nowadays, funeral ceremony can be held by all families as long as they have enough money. But, there are a few differences between families from noble generation when they make funeral ceremony. For example, wooden effigy of the dead is made only for noble families and the duration of their funeral ceremony can take up 2 weeks and so on.
How do family take care the dead before the funeral ceremony begins
When one of family member passes away, his body will be immediately injected with formaldehyde to prevent the decay, then wrapped in clothes and kept in the house or traditional house (called Tongkonan). It can take months or even years. During this time, the dead considered as a sick person (called To Makula). Food and drink are still offered every day because it is believed that the spirit of the dead is still around the house. One-way communication still happens between family members and the dead.
When one of family member passes away, his body will be immediately injected with formaldehyde to prevent the decay, then wrapped in clothes and kept in the house or traditional house (called Tongkonan). It can take months or even years. During this time, the dead considered as a sick person (called To Makula). Food and drink are still offered every day because it is believed that the spirit of the dead is still around the house. One-way communication still happens between family members and the dead.
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| Buffalo Slaughtering at Funeral |
The reason why the dead is kept in the house for a certain period.
1. The cost
Indeed, the funeral ceremony requires a huge cost. It can reach hundreds of millions or even more than billion of rupiah. Therefore, not a few mourning families save money in advance. They will work hard to accomplish their financial target.
The other things which make the cost higher for it is the social status and the successful career from the deceased's children. In other words: the higher status of family in Torajan society, the higher the cost needs and the richer the children of the dead, the more expensive of the ceremony.
2. It takes a lot of time to gather the whole family members
The other things which make the cost higher for it is the social status and the successful career from the deceased's children. In other words: the higher status of family in Torajan society, the higher the cost needs and the richer the children of the dead, the more expensive of the ceremony.
2. It takes a lot of time to gather the whole family members
Although the mourning families come from a wealthy family, it does not mean, will be held as soon as possible. A lot of Toraja people live and work outside of Toraja region. They need to adjust between their work condition and the schedule of funeral. Therefore, mostly take place during long holiday.
Where is the funeral procession held?
The place for funeral processions can take place around traditional houses and rice barns or in large fields (called Rante). For certain reasons, it can be held around the house of the dead. Temporary buildings (called Lantang) will be built around these places to accommodate families, relatives and guests during the procession of the ceremony.
The main offerings at Funeral
1. Buffalo
Buffalo is only prepared for the funeral ceremony. In the animist belief, it is a symbol of the ride for the spirit of the dead to the next world. The more buffaloes the family sacrifices, the faster the spirit of the dead arrives there.
The number of buffalo at the funeral varies, depends on financial ability of the family. The richer the family, the more buffaloes they prepare for it.
On the day of buffalo slaughtering, mostly buffaloes will be slaughtered and the rest will be usually donated to the church and local people of the village. Each buffalo slaughtered, will be taxed by the government. The meat will be distributed according to customary rule.
2. Pig
Pig is mostly slaughtered by the family during the procession. The pig that comes from the guest is a symbol of empathy and debt. The name of the guest will be noted by the family. If the guest later holds the ceremony, the family of the dead will bring the same donation.