Ritual, evil, and human fragility: the symbolic power of <i>Suroan</i> in Javanese culture

The Suroan ritual, rooted in Javanese tradition, represents a profound interplay between narrative, symbolism, natural world, and cultural resilience. This annual ceremony marks the Javanese New Year and incorporates diverse practices such as ruwatan (purification), tirakatan (reflection and prayer), and kenduri (communal feasting). The ritual addresses the existential tensions of human fragility in the face of natural disasters, symbolised as manifestations of evil. Grounded in mythological narratives involving figures like Sri, the goddess of fertility, and Batara Kala, the god of time and destruction, Suroan links cultural memory with spiritual practice. By emphasising harmony between humans and the natural world, the ritual transcends theological dogma, focusing instead on connections and shared cultural values. Through symbolic acts and storytelling, Suroan mitigates fears, restores order, and fosters collective identity and resilience. The integration of narrative and ritual transforms suffering into meaningful communal experiences, reaffirming the Javanese worldview of interconnectedness between the microcosm and macrocosm. This study highlights Suroan’s role in preserving cultural identity, mitigating existential threats, and offering a moral framework that bridges past traditions with contemporary challenges, illustrating its enduring relevance in navigating the complexities of life and the relationship with nature.