Saur Matua: Accepting the Unacceptable: A Five Stages of Grief-Based Short Story Writing Project

Abstract

This research explores the interplay between Batak traditions and the experience of loss within their communities. It examines how traditional practices are utilized to navigate and accept the process of loss, particularly in the context of death and ancestral rites. The research highlights how the Batak’s ritualistic approaches to mourning and remembrance serve not only as mechanisms for coping with grief but also as ways to affirm and preserve cultural identity amidst change. By analyzing both historical and contemporary practices, the study provides insight into the resilience of Batak traditions in the face of evolving societal dynamics and the profound ways in which these customs facilitate acceptance and continuity in the wake of loss. "Saur Matua: Accepting the Unacceptable" is a short story that examines the intersection of Batak cultural traditions and the personal experience of loss. The narrative follows Gabe, a young Batak man, as he confronts the grief of his mother’s passing and participates in the "Saur Matua" death ceremony. This traditional Batak rite, performed for individuals who have fulfilled all familial responsibilities, aims to provide solace and signify that the deceased has left no worldly burdens behind. The story is informed by an interview with a Batak individual who recently organized a "Saur Matua" ceremony, offering authentic insights into the rituals and preparations involved. Gabe’s emotional journey is explored through Elisabeth Kübler-Ross’s Five Stages of Grief—Denial, Anger, Bargaining, Depression, and Acceptance—illustrating how the "Saur Matua" ceremony helps him navigate and accept his profound loss. By weaving together cultural practices with personal grief, the narrative highlights the role of tradition in facilitating emotional acceptance and healing amidst sorrow.