TRADISI RITUAL BEPAPAI SUKU BANJAR: MANDI TOLAK BALA CALON PENGANTIN SUKU BANJAR KUALA-TUNGKAL PROVINSI JAMBI, INDONESIA

The goals of this study is to learn more deeply and comprehensively about Bepapai. The Bepapai is a hereditary tradition that lasted until this modern era in Banjar Kuala Tungkal Tribe of Jambi Province, especially for the prospective bride before the wedding ceremony. This article uses the phenomenological qualitative research approach. The collecting data methods used the indept interviews, observation and documentation. The research found that the “Bepapai” tradition is one of the ceremonies to prevent problems for the people of the Banjar Kuala-Tungkal Tribe especially for the prospective bride and groom who are getting married. Bepapai is interpreted as a bridal bath which aims to be a means to protect oneself from psychological problems and disorders, both from outside and inside a person. In other words, the people of Banjar Kuala Tungkal Tribe of Jambi Province believe that the Bepapai tradition or bridal bathing is a means to ward off disease, both physical and mental illness, and as an antidote from evil deeds. In essence, the Bepapai ritual is a bridal shower ceremony to get rid of problems and calamities and is a symbol as a room for oneself, both physically and mentally