The Symbolic Meaning Of The Ruwat Sukerta Tradition In Gemekan Village, Sooko District, Mojokerto Regency

Uqtarina Husni Mu'awanah (Yogyakarta State University, Jalan Colombo No. 1, Karangmalang, Caturtunggal, Depok, Sleman, Special Region of Yogyakarta, 55281, Indonesia)
Suwardi Endraswara (Yogyakarta State University, Jalan Colombo No. 1, Karangmalang, Caturtunggal, Depok, Sleman, Special Region of Yogyakarta, 55281, Indonesia)
Doni Dwi Hartanto (Yogyakarta State University, Jalan Colombo No. 1, Karangmalang, Caturtunggal, Depok, Sleman, Special Region of Yogyakarta, 55281, Indonesia)

International Journal of Social Sciences and Humanities
Vol. 4 No. 2 (2026): International Journal of Social Sciences and Humanities

The Ruwat Sukerta tradition is a Javanese culture heritage maintained by the community of Gemekan Village, Mojokerto Regency as a ritual to ward off misfortune. Tis study describes the procession, analyzes the symbolic meaning of ubarampe and sesaji, and reveals the embedded cultural values. A descriptive qualitative method was employed through observation, in-depth interviews, and documentation. The procession consists of two stages; preparation and penjamasan. The ubarampe include kembang setaman, sajen sanggan, water from seven springs, jajanan polo pendem gumandul kesampar kesandung, tumpeng pepek, bubur panca warna, and jajanan pasar, each carrying denotative, connotative, and mythical meanings. Culture values identified include safety, life balance, mutual cooperation, respect for ancestors, and spirituality.