Studies about Folklore

Folklore is a compound word which derived from two word folk and lore. Allan Dundes said that folk means a group of people who have physical identification characteristics, social and culture so that it can be distinguished from other social groups. The more important is that they have a tradition, that culture they have inherited from generation
to generation, which has been recognized by them as belonging together. The word lore is a tradition of folk, which is partly inherited culture orally or through an example of which is accompanied by body language or reminders tool. Thus, the definition of folklore is part of the culture that traditionally propagated and inherited, either verbally or examples are accompanied with body language or reminders tool. ( Habib, 2006:18)

One of the traditions that still remain in Temanggung is nyadran. Nyadran or Sadranan is a tradition carried out before the month of Ramadhan. This tradition is a symbol of the relationship between God, ancestors and each other. Nyadran tradition in my neighborhood just off of pilgrimage and clean up (nyekar) the ancestral tombs, but usually in the family cemetery. Then held a "bancaan", that is exchange of food between each family in the neighborhood. Whereas in the corners, this tradition is carried out, in addition to cleaning the graves of ancestors, also with a joint prayer at the tomb led by Pak Kaum of that village. Each family who attended the prayer is also bringing food which consists of snacks, rice, ingkung and other side dishes, crackers and fruit. After finished a prayer, followed by a meal with food exchange between families. This tradision transmitted orally from generation to generation. This tradition is meant to clean tourself from sins before entering the holy month of Ramadan. Another tradision which transmitted orally is song of child’s games. Parents usually teach any song of traditional games to their children. The song like jamuran, lir ilir, cublak cublak suweng, sluku-sluku bathok, kodhok ngorek, jaranan etc. They also teach how to play and when usually they play it. This is done to preserve the traditions of the ancestors through their generation. In addition, in each song also has a useful message and educate. In my hometown it is still done until now.

Reference:

Mustopo, Habib. 2006. Sejarah : SMA Kelas X. Jakarta Timur : Yudistira.