Abstrack:
This paper will present about the legend of Jaka Tarub which is orally transmitted from one generation to next generation. The transmission of the legend/myths is seen as preserving local values or local wisdom (Rolland Barthes). It will analyze how the legend is associated with a tree in the village of Taruban, Kulonprogo, Yogyakarta. It will specifically analyze how the relationship between villagers who perform rituals and the tree associated with the legend. Building upon the insights of scholars like Bird-David (1999) and Hallowell (1975), this paper will show that the villagers engage in ?inter-personal? relationship with the tree. The people recognize and perceive the tree as a person who has the ability to care, take and give. Their relation between trees and villagers of Taruban, Kulonprogo, following the villagers? perception, is mutually and equally beneficial and responsible. Based on such a perception, the villagers perform an annual ritual through which they give (or share) offering, and engage in protection and preservation of the tree. They prohibit cutting off the trees. There are four big trees (sites) associated to the legend: Wit Sambi (around the Jaka Tarub and Dewi Nawangwulan graves), Petilasan Baru Klinthing, Ki Bagus Kemis and Sendang Kamulyan. Those sites are respected and protected. In return, the villagers understand that water and fertile soil for plantations are gifts they deserve. This paper will finally argue that villagers of Taruban have committed to such a kind of environmental and ecological conservation based on their local wisdom (annual ritual).
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