Cultural expressions of purity through religious and traditional symbols in Sarawak’s ethnic heritage

This study investigates the pivotal role of purity in ritual practices among the ethnic communities of Sarawak, emphasizing how these practices shape symbolic expressions and foster social cohesion. Grounded in the theory of purity, the research examines how rituals utilize symbols such as unblemished rice, white cloths, and sacrificial animals to bridge the human-spiritual divide. A qualitative ethnographic approach was employed, involving in-depth interviews with forty cultural practitioners from various groups, including the Iban, Salako, Kadayan, Malay, and Penan. Data collection also included participant observation and direct documentation of rituals within these communities. The findings demonstrate that purity functions as a unifying motif across diverse ritual contexts, facilitating divine favor, reinforcing cultural identities, and alleviating social tensions. Specific rituals such as the Kadayan (Makan Tahun), Salako (Nyangahant), Penan (Pakan), Malay (Tepung Tawar), and Iban (Sabak Bebuah) illustrate how the emphasis on pure offerings underscores the belief that spiritual harmony depends on symbolic perfection. This research contributes to the development of a culturally grounded framework referred to as the theory of purity that explicates how rituals sustain cultural identity and promote social harmony. It underscores the importance of understanding symbolic systems, ritual performance, and indigenous practices within anthropological scholarship, especially in the context of cultural resilience amid modern challenges. The paper concludes with a call for further research into the impact of modernization on traditional rituals across Southeast Asia.

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