Modern Relevance of the Mass Ruwatan Ritual in Kadilangu, Demak

Abstract

This study examines the Mass Ruwatan ritual held at the Notobratan Hall in Kadilangu, Demak Regency, focusing on its administration and its relevance to contemporary social conditions. A moderating approach is used, combining historical analysis with observations of present-day practices, incorporating both written and oral traditions. The research uses a qualitative method with an ethno-videographic approach, documenting the ritual from the beginning to the end of the activity to produce a documentary that can be distributed digitally. Traditions in the archipelago that have survived across the ages are evidence of cultural preservation efforts carried out across generations. While cultural practices evolve over time, these changes do not erase traditions but instead adapt them to contemporary contexts. The study highlights that maintaining past traditions through adjustments and modernization efforts is a crucial strategy for preserving cultural heritage in an increasingly globalized world.