Uncovering the Uniqueness of Funeral Rituals in Les Village : Without Fire and Earth

Funeral at Banjar Adat Les

The funeral ritual in Les Village has its own uniqueness that distinguishes it from Balinese traditions in general. In this ritual, the process of handling the corpse is carried out in a way that differs from the usual practice among the Hindu community in Bali, where the corpse is usually buried in the ground or undergoes a cremation procession (ngaben). In Les Village, the body is neither buried nor burned, but instead placed inside a special structure that resembles a small house. These structures are made using materials such as bricks and cement, and are designed for each individual corpse.

This small house not only serves as a final resting place, but also reflects the Les Village community's philosophy of the relationship between humans and nature. The remains placed inside the small house will undergo a natural process where the body slowly decomposes over a period of about one to two years. This natural process is considered a symbol of the union of the spirit with nature, a belief that shows a deep respect for the cycle of life and harmony with the environment.

Each burial house built has specific rules that reflect strong kinship values. Only the remains of immediate family members are allowed to be placed inside the burial house. This tradition does not allow bodies from outside the family to be placed in one burial house, making this structure a symbol of exclusivity and family unity. Thus, each burial house serves not only as a physical place for the body, but also as a manifestation of respect for the family relationships, traditions, and spiritual beliefs of the people of Les Village.

Les Traditional Village Cemetery (Image Source: Editor Collection)

This tradition is not without reason. The people of Les Village believe that death is part of the cycle of life that must be passed in harmony with nature. By placing the body inside the small house, they honor the elements of nature as part of an interconnected universe. This tradition also shows the attitude of the people of Les Village who value simplicity and reject practices that are considered excessive.

Before the body is placed into the small house, the family and community will perform a simple ceremony. This ceremony usually involves prayers and offerings to the ancestral spirits and the guardian gods of the village. After that, the body, which has been wrapped in a white cloth as a symbol of purity, will be put into the small house that has been prepared.

Family members also do not wear fancy clothes or jewelry during this procession. Simplicity is one of the values emphasized in this ritual, signifying respect for those who have died without highlighting wealth or social status.

Pura Dalem Geremet of Les Traditional Village (Image Source : Editor Collection)

This funeral ritual is very different from the famous ngaben tradition in Bali. In the ngaben tradition, the burning of the body is considered an important process to help the spirit reach the next world. However, in Les Village, the funeral ritual is performed in a unique and different way. This tradition provides a new perspective on how the community honors those who have passed away, while showcasing the diversity of cultural practices in Bali.

The uniqueness of the funeral tradition in Les Village is inseparable from the challenges that must be faced. In the modern era, such practices are often considered unusual by some. External pressure, especially from those who do not understand the values contained in this tradition, is one of the obstacles faced by the Les Village community. Even so, the community still tries to maintain this tradition as part of their cultural identity.

In addition to facing social pressure, the Les Village community also has a responsibility to maintain the burial site properly. The cemetery must be maintained so that it remains in accordance with traditional values and does not have a negative impact on the surrounding environment. The importance of maintaining harmony between humans and nature is one of the main principles held by the local community, so they continue to strive for wise management.

Awareness of the importance of environmental conservation is one of the main challenges faced in this tradition. Good management is not only important to preserve the custom, but also to ensure that this tradition does not damage the balance of the ecosystem. With the spirit of gotong royong and local wisdom values, the people of Les Village continue to preserve this funeral tradition as a valuable heritage for future generations.

Pura Dalem Pingit of Les-Penuktukan Traditional Village (Image Source : Editor Collection)

In the midst of increasingly strong modernization and globalization, the people of Les Village face various challenges to preserve their unique funeral traditions. This tradition is a valuable heritage that has been preserved for generations as part of the cultural identity of the local community. With full awareness, they continue to preserve this ritual despite facing pressure from changing times and outside views that sometimes do not appreciate traditional values. The people of Les Village believe that preserving this tradition is not just about maintaining customs, but also protecting the essence of local wisdom that is the foundation of their lives. One of the steps taken to ensure the continuity of this tradition is through education to the younger generation. The next generation is taught to understand the history, values and philosophy behind this tradition so that they can appreciate and continue it with pride.

The funeral ritual in Les Village is a clear example of how local traditions have deep and universal values. This tradition teaches about honoring those who have passed away in a simple, yet meaningful way. With no fire or earth involved, the people of Les Village show a different way of dealing with the separation from their loved ones. This unique practice not only shows the diversity of cultures in Indonesia, but also conveys valuable lessons about harmony with nature and the value of simplicity in life. This ritual is not just a series of traditional processions, but also a reflection of a philosophy of life that reminds everyone to always honor the cycle of life in a thoughtful way.