Papuan people still hold on to the traditions of their ancestors. They always preserve traditions that are full of moral values. One tradition still being carried out today is the Barapen stone burning tradition.
Hospitality through Barapen Stone Burning Tradition of Papua
The Papuan people hold the Barapen stone burning tradition as an expression of gratitude and peace between communities after the tribal war. Not only about winning the war; burning stones has a broad meaning.
Papuan people usually carry out this tradition on certain occasions. The Papuan doing the Barapen stone burning tradition when celebrating the birth of a child, commemorating the death, gathering soldiers for war, and reconciling media between disputing groups.
Until now, the Papuan people continue to hold Barapen in various traditional or significant events.
They also carry out this tradition when welcoming essential guests, celebrating Indonesian Independence Day, and welcoming the month of Ramadan. In addition, the tradition of the Barapen cooking method is also a symbol of tolerance.
History of the Barapen Stone Burning Tradition
In the stone burning ritual, people can see the high solidarity and togetherness of the Papuan people. This tradition also shows the hospitality of the Papuan people.
A husband and wife initially felt confused when they wanted to manage food ingredients because they did not have equipment. After thinking for a long time, the idea came up to use stones as a medium for managing food.
After using the stone, the taste of the food is more delicious. Finally, the Papuan people continue to use this method to this day.
Cooking using this method takes a long time, so people must be patient. All food materials for stone fuel are natural products and Papua’s forests.
The Barapen Stone Burning Tradition is Oldest Tradition
The Baripen stone burning tradition is the oldest tradition in Papua. This tradition has been going on for a long time, around hundreds of years ago. During the Baripen convention, Papuan people cook various menus, from meat to tubers.
Papuans are looking forward to the Barapen event. They are even willing to leave their activities to follow this tradition. They are also willing to spend large sums on the Barapen practice.
The stone-burning party in the traditional Barapen is also a gathering place for Papuans. The meaning of this party is an expression of mutual forgiveness between residents.
The Procedures of Barapen Stone Burning Tradition
In the Baripen stone burning tradition, the people of Papua in the early morning have made various preparations. But, first, the tribal chief wears traditional clothes and goes around to invite all the people to gather.
In the afternoon, they hunt animals such as pigs. According to tradition, people should be able to shoot animals well.
Therefore, if in one archery the animal dies, the traditional Barapen event will run smoothly; however, if there are obstacles when archery, this event will find a block.
During tradition of Barapen, people must use a strong stone, so it is not easily crushed. As a result, the length of time to burn the stone is two to five hours.
After all the food is ready, the Papuan people must eat together. The tribal chief started to eat, and then the residents also ate. After the food was ready, the residents held a dance event to accompany folk songs.
Although it looks like typical cooking and eating event, the Barapen stone burning tradition has deep meaning. From the practice of the cooking method, people realize that cooking is not just a matter of processing food ingredients, but a particular purpose is behind it.
