Traditions are usually neatly stored in several areas to always be celebrated and preserved. Sometimes, traditions also occur because of a mixture of obligations with the prevailing religion, one of which is the Sunatan tradition.

Nyunatan (Circumcision) is not only a traditional event, but also a religious event because in Islam, boys are required to be circumcised. In general, the Sasak tribe who embrace Islam, in their teachings, orders boys to be circumcised (Nyunatan). There are several things you must prepare before this tradition is carried out.

Approaching The Nyunatan Tradition

For the Sasak people, the Nyunatang ceremony is usually held on Thursday, at the peak of the Maulid event. This is because it is closely related to the birth of the Prophet Muhammad. It has a symbolic meaning indeed. From the arrangement, formation, to the initial phase of coaching to become a Muslim. That is why Nyunatang is combined with the final commemoration of the birth of the Prophet Muhammad.

The traditional circumcision ceremony for the Sasak tribe, therefore, the Sasak people usually hold a party for the circumcision event which in the Sasak language is called “begawe”. In this begawe procession, many events are carried out such as going to clean rice at the spring accompanied by the sounds of traditional gendang belek or gamelan music.

Circumcision Implementation

The next day, to make the child who is going to be circumcised happy, the child is paraded or put on a wooden horse which in the Sasak language is called “jaran kamput” or “Praja” then after that the child will be accompanied by the community in traditional clothes to go around the village accompanied by the sounds of traditional gendang belek or gambelan music.

After that the child who is going to be circumcised is taken to the circumcision place, after being circumcised immediately treated to reduce bleeding in the circumcision scar. Then, for the purposes of circumcision, a bali is made which is decorated as a place for invited guests to sit which symbolizes the official ceremony, where the child who is being circumcised sits on the lap of his family then the invited guests greet the child who usually here the child will be given a gift in the form of money or toys.

The educational value they get is certainly in addition to daring to appear in front of the public, the children enjoyably carry out their religious rules. The rule to purify oneself by cutting off the ends of the skin that always leave dirt and disease. So it is natural that this must be celebrated modestly.

Meaning and Values ​​in the Nyunatang Tradition

1. Symbol of Physical and Spiritual Cleansing

Nyunatang is interpreted as a process of self-purification, both physically and spiritually, for boys who are about to enter adulthood.

2. Social and Religious ResponsibilityThis tradition marks the transition of boys from childhood to responsibility as members of society and adherents of religion.

3. Cultural Preservation

Nyunatang is part of the cultural heritage of the Sasak Tribe which continues to be maintained and preserved, strengthening the identity and values ​​of togetherness in society.

4. Gratitude and Happiness

The Nyunatang event is also celebrated with joy, involving the extended family and the surrounding community, as an expression of gratitude for God’s gifts.

Traditions that have positive meanings are natural to be preserved. If the traditions in your area are positive, there is nothing wrong with preserving them for the next generation.