Paddy cultivation rituals in South Acèh, Indonesia: An ethnographic study in West Labuhan Haji

Abstract

Paddy serves as a staple food that sometimes receives special, unique appreciation from its consumers and producers. This study discusses cultivation rituals practiced as adat in Blang Poroh and Kuta Ibôh villages in West Labuhan Haji, South Acèh district. In these villages, the farmers still feel an urge to treat paddy as instructed by the adat, which is now on the brink of extinction over unstoppable modernity. The data forms are paddy-related myths and all rituals held until harvest. The findings reveal that since farmers believe paddy is of the exact origin as humans, it is metaphorically regarded as a human child. The belief is based on the myth of the Prophet Adam sacrificing his daughter’s soul to gain the first paddy seeds. This belief has become a constituent part of Aneuk Jamee agrarians in the sites of this study. A series of rituals to boost harvest outputs can curb pest attacks. Some taboos have to be taken into account, from paddy planting to its storing in the granary to keep its seumangat (life spirit), thus making it full of beureukat (blessing) that can satisfy hunger and reduce consumption.