Exploring the cultural, ritual, spiritual, and social significance of the Mebuug-Buugan tradition as a unique Balinese heritage practice

Journal of Language, Literature, Social, and Cultural Studies, Volume 3 Number 2 (Jul 2025), p. 142-157 e-ISSN: 2986-4461 DOI: https://doi.org/10.58881/jllscs.v2i2 https://ympn.co.id/index.php/JLLSCS Exploring the cultural, ritual, spiritual, and social significance of the Mebuug-Buugan tradition as a unique Balinese heritage practice Ni Wayan Sadiyani1, M. Agus Sutarso2, Ofordi Joy Amarachi3, A.M.M Mahmudul Hasan4 Politeknik Negeri Bali, INDONESIA1 Institut Pariwisata dan Bisnis Internasional, INDONESIA2 Kaduna State University, NIGERIA3 Khwaja Yunus Ali University, BANGLADESH4 1Email: Abstract - The existence of traditional arts today serves not only as a cultural identity of a region but also as a dynamic force that influences the life and values of the local community. Traditions that are rooted in a particular area emerge through a long historical and cultural journey, eventually becoming systems of belief and habitual practice. The shared perspectives and local mythologies that form the basis of these traditions often reflect the creativity and local genius of the community. One such revitalized tradition is Mebuug-Buugan in Adat Kedonganan Village, Kuta District, Badung Regency, Bali, which was reconstructed in 2014 after being absent for nearly 60 years. The aim of this study is to explore the philosophical and social meanings embedded within the Mebuug-Buugan tradition, and to assess how it embodies the principles of local wisdom, especially in relation to Tri Hita Karana, the Balinese philosophy of harmonious living. Using a qualitative descriptive method, this research relies on data gathered through observation, interviews, and document studies related to the tradition’s implementation, symbols, and community participation. The analysis reveals that Mebuug-Buugan, a mud-based ritual conducted in mangrove areas after the Nyepi celebration, is not merely a traditional game but a symbolic act of self-purification, environmental harmony, and social cohesion. The ritual’s reconstruction has strengthened the community’s cultural identity, revitalized environmental awareness, and reestablished social harmony rooted in ancestral values. In conclusion, MebuugBuugan is a valuable cultural expression that reflects deep spiritual and ecological meanings. Its revitalization affirms the resilience of Balinese traditions in the modern era and highlights the importance of preserving local wisdom through collective community action. Keywords: Mebuug-Buugan, tradition revitalization, Tri Hita Karana, local wisdom, cultural identity 1. Introduction This article is an open access article distributed under the terms and conditions of the Creative Commons Attribution (CC BY) license (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/) 142 Journal of Language, Literature, Social, and Cultural Studies, Volume 3 Number 2 (Jul 2025), p. 142-157 e-ISSN: 2986-4461 DOI: https://doi.org/10.58881/jllscs.v2i2 https://ympn.co.id/index.php/JLLSCS Traditions are the lifeblood of a community's cultural identity, serving as a bridge between past and present. In Bali, traditions are not merely rituals; they are embodiments of philosophical principles that guide daily life. One such principle is Tri Hita Karana, which emphasizes harmony among humans (pawongan), the divine (parhyangan), and nature (palemahan) . This philosophy is deeply ingrained in Balinese society, influencing various aspects of life, including architecture, agriculture, and social interactions. The Mebuug-Buugan tradition, practiced in Desa Adat Kedonganan, is a vivid manifestation of this philosophy. Held annually after the Nyepi holiday, this ritual involves participants smearing themselves with mud and later cleansing in the sea, symbolizing self-purification and the shedding of negative energies . Beyond its spiritual significance, Mebuug-Buugan fosters community cohesion and reinforces social bonds, making it a vital component of the village's cultural fabric (Sudarsana et al., 2021). In the face of globalization and rapid modernization, many traditional practices risk fading into obscurity. The younger generation, influenced by global cultures and digital media, may find it challenging to connect with age-old rituals that lack contemporary relevance. This disconnect threatens the continuity of traditions like Mebuug-Buugan, which rely on communal participation and intergenerational transmission. Moreover, the commodification of culture for tourism can dilute the authenticity of such rituals, transforming them into mere spectacles devoid of their original meaning . Therefore, there is an urgent need to document, analyse, and revitalize Mebuug-Buugan to ensure its preservation and relevance in modern society. Several studies have explored the Mebuug-Buugan tradition from various perspectives. Febriyantari et al,. (2024) conducted a phenomenological study highlighting the ritual's spiritual and social dimensions. They emphasized its role in reinforcing community solidarity and maintaining balance between humans and nature. Another study by Santi and Nerawat (2023) analysed the educational values embedded in MebuugBuugan, identifying aspects of social, religious, and aesthetic education. They argued that the ritual serves as a medium for imparting values such as cooperation, tolerance, and environmental awareness to younger generations. Furthermore, research by Wahyu Kusuma et al. (2021) examined the reconstruction of MebuugBuugan after a hiatus of approximately 60 years. They discussed the challenges and implications of revitalizing the tradition, including issues related to cultural identity, environmental concerns, and tourism modernization (Febriyantari et al,. 2024). The Mebuug-Buugan tradition in Kedonganan has garnered attention for its cultural, social, and environmental significance, as numerous studies have explored its role in preserving local wisdom and fostering community cohesion. The tradition is deeply rooted in the Balinese philosophy of Tri Hita Karana, which emphasizes the interconnectedness of spirituality, society, and nature, and continues to shape the community's way of life (Pitana, 2010). This tradition highlights how cultural practices can serve as a medium for spiritual purification, social unity, and environmental sustainability, reinforcing the holistic approach to well-being that is central to Balinese values (Ginaya, 2018). Cultural transmission, especially through traditional figures such as elders, plays a key role in ensuring the continuity of Mebuug-Buugan. The involvement of these figures, who serve as knowledge keepers, ensures that the deeper meanings of the tradition are passed down through generations. This is in line with Bourdieu's (1990) perspective on how cultural practices are maintained through active participation and the engagement of community leaders. The ritual’s significance is not just in its execution but in the knowledge that is shared through these practices, contri (...truncated)