THE "BEGEPEN" TRADITION AS A SYMBOL OF PEACE AND UNIVERSITY IN THE EFFORT OF STRENGTHENING THE NATION'S SELF IN THE TRADITIONAL SERVICES OF THE ODUNG BAORAJA TRIBE

Abstrak

The ritual of the peaceful banquet is one of the growing and still robust traditions, maintained in
almost all areas in Lembata. In the east of Atadei, the ritual of a peaceful banquet known as
'begepen'. Odung is one of the clans in Atadei that is still maintaining the begepen ritual. Begepen
is held in every ritual that involves all members of the clan. Begepen is a central ritual for family
members when entering the clan's house (una rayan). The ritual is held to gather all family
members and their forefathers. Begepen is a family's peaceful banquet based on a lovely sense and
strong presence among the family members. In addition, this concept contains values described as
similarity, brotherhood, openness and forgiveness. Begepen is a forefather heir tradition that
improves each mistake, unites, and tightens the brotherhood among the clan members with their
forefather. A form of brotherhood is once again an attempt to strengthen the identity of members
of the Odung clan, particularly Indonesians. It indicates that the people in Atadei are still very
strong in maintaining and performing the tradition that offers the values of courtesy as a national
glorious culture.