The Interpretation of the Omed-Omedan Tradition by the Community in Banjar Kaja, Traditional Village of Sesetan, Denpasar, Bali

Abstract

This research aims to describe the interpretation of the cultural tradition of omed-omedan by the community in Banjar Kaja. In order to understand the meaning of the tradition of omed-omedan, the symbolic interactionism theory approach was used. This research used qualitative research with the phenomenology approach. The data collecting technique used was through observation, interview, and documentation. The data analysis technique used was a modification of phenomenology analysis technique from Kaam. The tradition of omed-omedan or med-medan derived from the word omed which means to pull, so omed-omedan means pulling each other. There are always pros and cons of a tradition in a community. There is an image or impression that seems to accuse the omed-omedan tradition as a chance to kissing in public. Actually, the technique of omed-omedan is where the man embraces the woman, and their cheeks are touching to each other which give the impression as if they are kissing. The interpretation by informants related to the tradition of omed-omedan is the meaning of solidarity as a social creature, human cannot live without others and should help each other, the meaning of religion is as an expression of gratitude for the life given by the creator, the meaning of harmony or hospitality is to maintain balance and the integrity of the Banjar Kaja community.

Keywords: interpretation, omed-omedan tradition, community