Bonokeling is an ancestral figure who is respected by the indigenous people in the Banyumas and Cilacap regions, Central Java. He is known as a spiritual figure who has high spiritual knowledge and is considered the founder of the traditions and teachings that are passed down to his descendants.
According to several sources, Bonokeling is believed to be a prime minister of the Pasirluhur Kingdom who then chose to live a simple life in Pekuncen Village, Banyumas. He taught how to farm, raise livestock, and spread Islamic teachings by accommodating local cultural values. His traditions and teachings, such as the five principles of life symbolized by the five fingers, are still carried out by his followers today.
However, Bonokeling’s origins remain a mystery because there are no definite historical records about him. This secrecy is considered a way to maintain the sanctity and sustainability of tradition.
His traditions and teachings, such as the five principles of life symbolized by the five fingers, are still carried out by his followers today.
The sequence of the Ki Bonokeling Pilgrimage procession
The sequence of the uploading events in the Trah Bonokeling tradition usually involves several important stages that are carried out sequentially. The following is a general overview of the sequence:
- Preparation of Offerings: Participants prepare agricultural products such as rice, vegetables, fruits, and ubo rampe for offerings.
- Laku Lampah: A spiritual journey on foot to the tomb of Ki Bonokeling in Pekuncen Village, Banyumas.
- Tomb Pilgrimage: Participants pray together at the tombs of their ancestors as a form of respect.
- Unggahan Ritual: The main procession involving offerings, reading prayers, and respect for ancestors.
- Eating Together: Participants enjoy the dishes that have been prepared as a symbol of togetherness and gratitude.
Rikat Akhir: Cleaning the tomb as the closing ritual before returning to their respective homes.
This tradition reflects strong spiritual, social, and cultural values.
The main offering of the Bonokeling pilgrimage
In the pilgrimage tradition of the Bonokeling Tribe, the main offerings have a deep symbolic meaning. These offerings usually consist of agricultural products such as rice, vegetables and fruit. Apart from that, there is also ubo rampe, which includes various ingredients used in rituals, such as flowers, water, and incense1. All these offerings are offered as a form of respect for the ancestors and gratitude to God.
These offerings are not only part of the ritual, but also reflect the harmonious relationship between humans, nature and spirituality.
Traditional clothes of the Bonokeling Tribe
Traditional clothes of the Bonokeling Tribe have characteristics that reflect the values ​​of simplicity, sacredness, and respect for ancestral traditions. For men, traditional clothing usually consists of a black beskap, batik-patterned jarik, and a headband (a kind of blangkon). The black color of this clothing symbolizes humility, spirituality, and purity in carrying out traditional rituals.
Meanwhile, women wear batik kebaya with a white scarf that symbolizes purity and respect. This clothing is often used in various traditional ceremonies, such as Laku Lampah and buatgan (pilgrimage to ancestral graves).
Bonokeling Lineage Beliefs
In the Bonokeling lineage, their beliefs are centered on a direct relationship between humans and God without intermediaries. They worship God according to their respective beliefs, but with a very personal and spiritual approach. This principle is known as Manages Manunggaling Kawula Gusti, which means that human interaction with God is direct, reflecting the depth of their spirituality.
What is the Teaching and Beliefs of the Bonokeling Tribe
The Bonokeling Tribe has beliefs rooted in ancestral teachings and spiritual values ​​that have been passed down from generation to generation. Here are some of the main principles believed by this community:
- Monembah: Teaches the importance of worshiping and worshiping God according to each person’s beliefs, without intermediaries.
- Moguru: Emphasizes obedience to parents and respecting them as a source of wisdom.
- Mongabdi: Teaches the importance of mutual respect and establishing good relationships between fellow human beings.
- Makaryo: Emphasizes the importance of working hard to meet the needs of life and contribute to the community.
- Manages Manunggaling Kawula Gusti: Teaches a direct relationship between humans and God, without intermediaries, as a form of deep spirituality.
These beliefs are also reflected in their traditions, such as pilgrimages to ancestral graves and other traditional rituals, which strengthen spiritual and social relationships among community members
Symbols of the Bonokeling Lineage
The Bonokeling lineage has various symbols that are full of meaning, reflecting the spiritual, cultural, and social values ​​of its community. Here are some important symbols and their meanings:
- The Javanese Angsana Tree: This tree was planted by Kyai Bonokeling and is considered a symbol of eternity. Falling leaves signify the dry season, while blossoming leaves signify the rainy season. This tree also symbolizes the harmonious relationship between humans and nature.
- Five Fingers: Kyai Bonokeling passed down five teachings symbolized by the five fingers:
- Little Finger: Symbolizes the importance of prayer as a manifestation of God’s existence.
- Ring Finger: Symbolizes gratitude manifested through the slametan tradition.
- Middle Finger: Symbolizes knowledge as a guide in choosing good and bad.
- Index Finger: Symbolizes wisdom to be fair.
- Thumb: Signifies wisdom in controlling lust.
- All-Black Traditional Clothing: In rituals such as Laku Lampah, black clothing symbolizes simplicity, respect for ancestors, and the sacredness of tradition.
From various aspects of fashion, tradition has a deep meaning of the teachings of the Bonokeling ancestors, the peak of the Bonokeling lineage pilgrimage is the laku lampah procession and the ungguhan procession.
Laku Lampah of the Bonokeling Tribe
Laku Lampah is a unique tradition of the Bonokeling Tribe indigenous community that involves walking as part of a traditional ritual. This tradition is usually carried out before the month of Ramadan, where members of the community walk tens of kilometers to the tomb of their ancestor, Ki Bonokeling, in Pekuncen Village, Jatilawang District, Banyumas2.
This ritual is carried out by clans from various regions to the gathering point at the village border, but the residents of Pekuncen village are already waiting for the arrival of their relatives who are carrying out the laku lampah, then the belongings are carried by the Pekuncen residents to the tomb of Ki Bonokeling.
This journey has deep meanings, such as:
- Respect for ancestors: By walking, they show respect and devotion to their ancestors.
- Simplicity and togetherness: This tradition reflects the values ​​of mutual cooperation and simplicity, where all members of the community, regardless of age, participate.
- Connection with nature: Walking barefoot is also considered a way to be at one with nature and maintain spiritual balance.
After arriving at the tomb, they continue with a pilgrimage ritual and other traditional processions, such as “unggahan” or “nyadran,” which are the highlight of the event2. This tradition not only strengthens spiritual but also social ties among members of the community.rs of the community.
what is the laku lampah process like, I captured their moments during the journey with various angles, in the laku lampah procession there is one leader who is always in front to guide them of course is an elder figure in his group, every journey they will rest for a moment, then they will continue the journey, but every time the journey will start the leader will pray for a moment, then continue the journey by bringing offerings and agricultural products that will be used in the ungguhan procession. this procession is carried out by men while women do not carry burdens on their shoulders, this is a symbol of the strength and affection of a man towards a wife or woman, and carrying out the nature as it should be
In another place, the residents of Pekuncen village have gathered at the village border, they are waiting for their relatives who are carrying out the laku lampah, while waiting for the sungkem procession to the village elders as they report that the laku lampah ziarah lineage of Ki Bonokeling is taking place. The residents of Pekuncen are already dressed in traditional clothes complete with batik headbands, black clothes and batik scarves as a symbol of respect for tradition and the start of the ritual procession.
After the group they were waiting for arrived, they welcomed them warmly and gave them drinks and invited them to rest. Then their belongings were carried by the residents of Pekuncen village to continue the journey to Ki Bonokeling’s tomb.
after they arrived at the tomb area of ​​ki bonokeling they put their belongings and livestock in several places and at that time it was already evening approaching night, they would hold a private time, and only the clans were allowed to follow their procession.
but I was given a beautiful view in pakuncen village towards the evening, I was very happy to get the sunset moment in pekuncen village.
The atmosphere at night was very quiet, voices could be heard chatting, they were visiting each other, enjoying dinner and some were already resting.
Towards morning, activities began to bustle, all men were busy preparing food and carrying out the pilgrimage procession of Ki Bonokeling. Some men slaughtered livestock such as goats, chickens and cows, some cooked rice, cooked and other equipment. This procession still uses the traditional way using a stove made of banana stems, during this process the togetherness of mutual cooperation is still very well maintained.
Male leaders in the Bonokeling lineage
The Bonokeling lineage has traditions and local wisdom values ​​that are highly respected by its people. In this context, men in the Bonokeling lineage often play an important role as guardians of tradition, leaders in various traditional rituals, and protectors of their community. They are tasked with preserving ancestral values, such as mutual cooperation, respect for nature, and maintaining harmonious relationships between community members.
In addition, they also act as liaisons between the older and younger generations, ensuring that ancestral teachings continue to be passed down. This role shows how men are not only leaders physically, but also morally and spiritually.
Of course! In the context of the Bonokeling lineage, men often have special and important roles in various rituals. Here are some examples:
Ceremonial Event Leader: Men often act as leaders or ceremony leaders in traditional ceremonies, ensuring that each ritual follows the proper customs and guidelines that have been passed down from generation to generation.
Guardians of Sacred Objects: They may be responsible for safeguarding sacred objects used in rituals, such as heirlooms, symbolic tools, or offerings. This role is critical to maintaining the integrity and continuity of the ritual.
Spiritual Intermediaries: Some men act as intermediaries between the community and ancestral spirits, offering prayers or chants for blessings, guidance, or protection.
Communal Event Organizers: Men’s roles often include organizing the logistics of the ritual, such as preparing offerings, setting up the ceremony site, or coordinating with other participants.
Tradition Keepers: By embodying and carrying out specific roles during rituals, men help preserve the community’s cultural and spiritual heritage, passing it on to younger generations.
Why do men cook in rituals
In the Bonokeling Tribe tradition, men often take part in cooking as part of their responsibilities in traditional rituals. Cooking is not only a practical task, but also has a deep symbolic meaning. The cooking process is often seen as a form of devotion to ancestors and the community, as well as a way to show gratitude and togetherness.
In addition, men who cook in this context also reflect the values ​​of mutual cooperation and equality in the community. They work together to prepare food that will be used in ceremonies or eaten together, strengthening social bonds among community members.
The Role of Women in the Bonokeling Tribe
In the Bonokeling Tribe, women have very important and diverse roles, both in daily life and in carrying out traditional customs. Here are some of the main roles of women in this community:
- Tradition Preservers: Women are often the guardians of tradition, ensuring that ancestral values ​​and customs remain alive and are passed on to the next generation.
- Ritual Managers: In some traditional ceremonies, women are tasked with preparing offerings, organizing logistics, and ensuring the smooth running of ritual processes.
- Educators of the Young Generation: Women act as the primary educators in the family, teaching moral, spiritual, and cultural values ​​to their children.
- Social Connectors: They also play an important role in maintaining social harmony in the community, often acting as mediators in conflicts or liaisons between community members.
- Resource Managers: In daily life, women are responsible for managing household resources, such as food and family needs, which also reflects the values ​​of mutual cooperation and independence.
These roles show how important women’s contribution is in maintaining the balance and sustainability of the Bonokeling clan culture.
Unggahan / Nyadran
Unggahan is one of the important traditions in the Bonokeling lineage that is carried out before the month of Ramadan. This ritual involves a spiritual journey on foot to the tomb of the ancestor, Ki Bonokeling, in Pekuncen Village, Banyumas. This tradition is followed by hundreds to thousands of community members, both men and women, from various regions such as Cilacap and Banyumas.
In this ritual, participants bring agricultural products such as rice, vegetables, and fruits as a form of gratitude to God and respect for ancestors. Upload also reflects the values ​​of simplicity, togetherness, and harmonious relationships between humans and nature.
This tradition is not only a form of spiritual respect but also a means to strengthen social relations among community members.
Eating together has a very important meaning. Usually, this activity is carried out after a ritual procession such as upload or nyadran at the Ki Bonokeling tomb complex in Pekuncen Village, Banyumas. The food served comes from agricultural products brought by the participants, such as rice, vegetables, and side dishes, which are cooked together by the men of the community.
This communal meal symbolizes:
Togetherness: Strengthening social ties among community members.
Gratitude: As a form of gratitude to God and ancestors for the blessings given.
Simplicity: Reminding the importance of living simply and sharing with others.
This tradition is also a moment to strengthen relationships between community members, while maintaining the values ​​of mutual cooperation that are the core of the Bonokeling Tribe culture
Rikat Akhir
Rikat Akhir is part of the Trah Bonokeling tradition which is carried out after the peak ritual such as lupaan or nyadran. Rikat Akhir involves cleaning the grave of the ancestor, Ki Bonokeling, in Pekuncen Village, Banyumas. This ritual is usually carried out as a form of final respect before the participants return to their respective homes.
This activity not only has a physical meaning, namely maintaining the cleanliness of the grave, but also a symbolic one, such as showing devotion to ancestors and strengthening spiritual relationships. This tradition is the closing of a series of traditional rituals that last for several days.
