The activities are mepatung and mebat. Both activities pose a reflection of sense of togetherness, mutual assistance and the familial relationship. Mepatung tradition is slaughtering pig activity where the flesh is then divided based on consultation and agreement of the group. This activity is adjusted to the affordability of group members. In other words, the group member is tailored to the size of pig that will be slaughtered.
If the pig is big enough, then the number of groups will be more. On the contrary, if the pig is small, then the number of group will be reduced. So the portion of pork obtained will be not too little. Each group member will get the same amount of pork, both types of meat as well as its weight. Each group member will get one portion. Meanwhile, a member who cannot afford it, he will divide again his portion with other member, so that he will get a half of the portion. The price will be adjusted to the prevailing market price.
Determination of the group member is usually done long before the arrival of Galungan. The idea can arise from the pig owner who will offer his pig to be slaughtered together, while another can also emerge from a person gathering his friends to be invited to join the activity. After obtaining an adequate number of group members, they later find out a pig pursuant to the number of group members.
Recently, a change occurred due to cultural influence, where the tradition of mepatung began to erode in keeping with the progress of time. Because of busyness, people sometimes do not have time to join in the procession. To get pork, they prefer to purchase in the market or in slaughter house. It is usually carried out by the urban community that has busyness.
According to Jero Mangku Ketut Arthana from Tengah hamlet, Marga, Tabanan, the mepatung tradition was carried out because each oblation should be filled with processed meat, namely meat that had been finely mixed with seasoning such as pepes, satay, sausage and timbungan. Such processed meat was presented to god. The place of its presentation was adapted to local tradition. “There are people presenting it in guardian shrine or penunggun karang,” said Jero Mangku Sekalan from Marga.
It was lying between trust and distrust, continued Jero Mangku Arthana, where the families who did not join the mepatung on Penampahan seemed lazy and listless. Unlike the case with those who joined the mepatung, their face looked happy. Their steps also appeared creative. Similar opinion was also revealed by former Chief of Ole Customary Village, Wayan Ranci. He said that mepatung could be carried out optionally, depending on the affordability of residents. Most importantly, when presenting the oblations, they had entirely contained processed meats.
For people who raised pigs, they would not join the mepatung group but undertake ninggungin (roast suckling pig) on the Penampahan day. In addition to the party, the meat could also be presented as the offerings of gratitude. (BTN/015)
