Dawuhan as a Form of Gratitude and Concern For The Preservation of Water Sources in The Senjoyo Spring : Ecocriticism Perspective

Abstract

Senjoyo is a well-spring located in Tegalwaton village, Tengaran sub-district, Semarang regency, Central Java. Enriched with local wisdom, evident in the enduring annual ritual called Dawuhan. This ritual serves as an expression of community gratitude and a concern to preserve the Senjoyo Spring until now. Recognizing the critical role of water as the most essential natural resource, the community has dedicated efforts to maintain and preserve it. This commitment significantly shapes their daily behavior, emphasizing the importance of Senjoyo Spring and its abundant natural resources, particularly water. The primary objective of this study is to investigate how the local wisdom embedded in the annual Dawuhan ritual contributes to fostering gratitude and preserving natural resources at Senjoyo Spring. To achieve this, the research employs ecocritical studies, a method recognized for assessing environmental issues, cultural aspects related to the environment, and attitudes toward nature. The data collection process utilizes two main methods: unstructured interviews and observations. Interviews were conducted with the caretaker of Senjoyo Spring, gaining insights into the function and purpose of the Dawuhan ritual. Additionally, observations of the annual Dawuhan Senjoyo ritual activities were carried out to understand the practices associated with the ritual. These methods aim to gather comprehensive data on the Dawuhan ritual's significance, as well as to assess the condition of the natural environment surrounding Senjoyo Spring and the various activities undertaken by the Senjoyo community. The study's findings suggest that the Senjoyo community has developed a profound awareness of the critical role of sustaining water sources as an integral part of their ongoing existence. This realization is attributed to the enduring Dawuhan ritual, passed down through generations, serving as an ancestral encouragement to express gratitude and engage in the preservation of nature. Based on the findings of the study, as the inspiration for the author to develop a narrative depicting the annual Dawuhan ritual and its associated activities, this story centers around a protagonist eager to delve into the Dawuhan ritual.