ETNOBOTANI PEMANFAATAN TUMBUHAN DALAM RITUAL ADAT NYELEPAT TAUN SUKU DAYAK DE’SA DI KECAMATAN SEPAUK KABUPATEN SINTANG

Abstract

This Study aims to investigate the species of plants, plant parts, plant usage, and their meanings in the traditional ritual of Nyelepat Taun. The research was conducted from April to August 2022 in Sepauk Subdistrict, Sintang Regency, using the qualitative descriptive method and snowball sampling technique. Participatory observation, structured interviews, and documentation were used for data collection. The findings revealed that the Nyelepat Taun ritual utilized 13 species of plants across 8 families, with leaves being the most frequently used part (31%) and the majority obtained from the yard (38%). The plants with the highest citation frequency were Manihot esculenta (cassava), Oryza sativa (paddy rice), Oryza glutinosa (glutinous rice), Areca cathechu (betel nut), Piper betle (betel leaf), and Vitex pinnata (West indian Lavender) (100%), whereas Imperata cylindrica (cogon grass) had the lowest citation frequency (69%). The most common usage method was direct consumption without processing (54%). The ritual's significance was to symbolize simplicity, long life expectancy, fertility of future lands, abundant blessings, peaceful hearts, prevention of misfortune, and hope for a bountiful crop.