Perubahan Amalan Ritual Miring dalam Masyarakat Iban di Kanowit, Sibu, Sarawak
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UNIVERSITI MALAYSIA SARAWAK
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This study examines changes among the miring ritual practiced by Iban community who still believe and practice the traditional “adat” religion. The practice of miring is a form of religious ceremony that held in accordance to the “adat” belief to seek help from “Petara” to fulfil a particular wish by giving some offerings like food that are placed in plates (piring). The concept of changes in this study is examined from the context of ingredients used as offerings to “Petara” during the ritual as well as from the aspect of the role of community who practise it today, whether such belief is practiced by the Iban community who believe in “adat” religion or those who have converted themselves in Christianity. On top of that, discretion between the purpose and objectives for holding miring ritual in the past and present time are also fallen into the discussion on the concept of changing in practice of miring ritual from the past to present. The changes identified in this study could bring some impacts to the society today, particularly among the teenagers on their perspective towards “adat” religion and also traditional Iban belief in the past. Noting that the practice of miring ritual today is getting lesser, some practice which do not follow the traditional way in every detail of the ritual could actually lead to a change in view especially to people who wish to learn and know about the miring ritual and “adat” belief. Hence, in order to grasp a comprehensive understanding on these changes happened to miring ritual, researcher has carried out qualitative data collection via in-depth interview and observation at 21 Iban longhouses in Kanowit, Sibu. Tuai rumah (Headman) of each longhouse were interviewed on the view and experience regarding the practice of miring ritual. Information on the process of ritual carried out are documented vii in order to portrait a better understanding on changes that occurred in miring ritual among the Iban community Iban. Such changes on the practices of miring ritual could be influenced by the conversion of religion i.e. from “adat” religion to Christianity as well as the influence of modernization. Nonetheless, this study also found that there are a number of Iban community who are still believe in the “adat” religion, practicing miring ritual despite of their conversion into Christianity.