Islam and Tradition Symbols in Kampung Naga: Study Analysis based on Hermeneutic Symbolic
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Abstract
The diversity of religions and cultures in Indonesia has given rise to various forms of religious expression, including religious rituals that continue to be practiced by indigenous communities to this day. Amidst the diversity of ethnicities and religions, the indigenous people of Kampung Naga are quite unique in the way they live their lives. With these symbols, indigenous peoples can easily convey certain meanings that they have agreed upon to communicate with each other and live their lives. Thus, researchers consider it necessary to explore the meanings of these symbols to understand the intentions behind them. This study aims to examine the forms of Islamic symbols and traditional symbols that exist in Kampung Naga and to understand the process of syncretism and their symbolic meanings in the lives of the community. This study uses a qualitative approach with descriptive-interpretative methods through a symbolic hermeneutic perspective to interpret the meanings of symbols that exist in the social space, rituals, and spatial layout of the community in Kampung Naga. The results of the study show that Islamic symbols in Kampung Naga are manifested in architectural aspects (mosques, mihrabs, qibla orientation), religious rituals (congregational prayers, tahlilan, Maulid Nabi celebrations), verbal symbols (the use of greetings and expressions of gratitude), and moral practices such as simplicity, honesty, and respect for elders. Meanwhile, traditional symbols are evident in the spatial system, traditional arts, social structure, and life cycle rituals such as marriage, circumcision, and death. All of these symbols are not merely words, but have deeper meanings. This study is expected to serve as a useful reference source for future literature reviews, particularly those covering the interaction between symbols, religion, and local wisdom. Future researchers are advised to expand their research methods by conducting field studies to gain a deeper understanding while maintaining originality. May the people of Kampung Naga continue to maintain harmony between Islamic values and customs as a distinctive cultural identity, especially for the Sundanese people in Indonesia.