Cultural changes in the Hapo Ana ritual among the community of Waduwalla village, Sabu Liae district, Sabu Raijua regency

Abstract

This study examines cultural changes in the Hapo Ana ritual among the people of Waduwalla Village, Sabu Liae District, Sabu Raijua Regency. This traditional ritual serves as an expression of gratitude and a means of establishing cultural identity for newborns within the social structure of the Sabu community. Employing a qualitative method with an anthropological approach, data were collected through participant observation, in-depth interviews with traditional leaders and community figures, and the study of documentation. The findings indicate that modernization, the introduction of formal religious teachings, advancements in medical technology, and shifting values ​​among the younger generation have triggered significant transformations in the execution of the ritual. These changes are evident in the simplification of traditional processions, a reduction in the use of original ritual symbols, and the integration of modern religious elements. This phenomenon reflects the cultural adaptation dynamics of the Waduwalla community as they seek to balance ancestral traditions amidst the currents of global change.