Arwin Ramli
Zainatul Shuhaida Abdull Rahman
College of Creative Arts, Universiti Teknologi MARA, Selangor
Abstract
The Vovasanggayu legend of Pasangkayu illustrates the intersection of folklore and ecology in preserving cultural identity. Folklore, as an essential medium for transmitting traditional beliefs and practices, helps maintain a community’s cultural heritage and fosters a deep connection with the natural environment. In Pasangkayu, the Vovasanggayu story, centered around the sacred mangrove trees, imparts ecological wisdom and emphasizes the importance of environmental stewardship. This narrative preserves cultural traditions and fosters collective responsibility for nature, aligning cultural identity with sustainable practices. By embedding ecological values in folklore, Pasangkayu exemplifies how cultural stories can contribute to environmental conservation. This research explores how folklore, such as Vovasanggayu, reinforces community values, strengthens identity, and promotes ecological awareness, ensuring the preservation of cultural heritage and natural resources for future generations.
Keywords: Folklore, Ecology, Cultural Identity, Environmental Stewardship, Pasangkayu.
Introduction
Folklore refers to a community’s traditional beliefs, customs, stories, songs, and practices passed through generations by word of mouth. It encompasses various cultural expressions, including myths, legends, folktales, and rituals (Hunter, 2020; Sultoni et al., 2022). Folklore serves as a medium for preserving cultural heritage and transmitting values, norms, and wisdom from generation to generation (Kumar, 2024; Sultoni et al., 2022). This role of folklore is essential for maintaining a community’s identity and passing on wisdom about life, nature, and the world. In many societies, folklore is not just entertainment but also a vital tool for education and social cohesion.
Ecology is the branch of biology that studies the interactions among organisms and their environment. It focuses on understanding the relationships between living beings, including humans, and their physical surroundings (Kumar, 2024; Sultoni et al., 2022). Ecology examines ecosystems, biodiversity, and the processes that sustain life, aiming to understand how natural systems function and how they are affected by human activities (Sultoni et al., 2022). The study of ecology helps in developing strategies for conservation and sustainability. In a world increasingly impacted by environmental degradation, understanding ecological systems through scientific and cultural lenses can lead to more effective solutions for preserving natural habitats.
Folklore connects cultural narratives with ecological elements, reflecting how communities perceive and interact with their environment (Hunter, 2020; Sultoni et al., 2022). Embedding ecological wisdom in stories and traditions helps preserve environmental values across generations (Kumar, 2024; Sultoni et al., 2022). Films promote awareness and sustainability by addressing ecological issues through folklore (Aziz et al., 2023). Additionally, folklore is central to ecocriticism, which explores how traditional narratives influence attitudes toward nature and encourage environmental stewardship (Sultoni et al., 2022). In the context of ecological activism, folklore can reflect both environmental values and a call to action, encouraging sustainable practices within communities. This connection between folklore and ecology underscores the need for incorporating traditional ecological knowledge into contemporary environmental efforts.
Cultural practices like those of the Minangkabau Muslim community show how folklore supports environmental preservation. Stories such as the Legend of Bujang Sembilan and the Lubuk Larangan Tradition reflect local wisdom about sustainability (Hilmiyatun et al., 2022). Folktales also promote conservation, like the legends of the Sewawar waterfall (Sultoni et al., 2022). In the Pakpak Dairi community, folklore emphasizes the connection between humans, nature, and spirituality. Similarly, the Mandalika story shows how folklore links environmental care with economic practices (Berutu & Hidayat, 2023). These examples demonstrate the broad impact of folklore in preserving cultural identity and shaping a collective environmental consciousness that balances cultural values with ecological needs.
Folklore in Pasangkayu plays a crucial role in preserving the community’s traditional beliefs, customs, and stories, which are integral to its cultural identity (Marlina et al., 2021). The Vova Sanggayu story, for instance, teaches younger generations about the importance of cultural heritage and environmental stewardship, reflecting the community’s deep connection with the natural environment. Through such folklore, the people of Pasangkayu pass down ecological wisdom, embedding values of respect and protection for nature in their cultural narratives. The Vova Sanggayu tree, a central symbol in this folklore, represents safety and the community’s reliance on nature, highlighting the intersection of ecological understanding and cultural identity. The name “Pasangkayu” itself derives from the words “Vova” and “Sanggayu,” which refer to a type of mangrove tree, reinforcing the deep ecological roots that shape the region’s identity (Marlina et al., 2021). This connection between folklore and ecology is critical to understanding how the community navigates modernity while maintaining its cultural heritage.
The Vova Sanggayu story is an educational tool and a symbol of ecological and cultural preservation in Pasangkayu. The community continues to preserve and pass down these stories despite the challenges posed by modernity. Elders play an essential role in ensuring that the next generation understands the significance of these tales. Folklore, such as Vova Sanggayu, serves as an important cultural marker, connecting ecological wisdom with the region’s daily life and fostering awareness about environmental conservation. As this folklore is documented and shared, it reinforces the values of environmental care and social responsibility, thus maintaining Pasangkayu’s unique cultural identity (Marlina et al., 2021). Efforts to adapt and reissue these stories for contemporary audiences further ensure their relevance in promoting ecological awareness and preserving cultural heritage for future generations.
Analysis: Folklore Vovasanggayu and Ecology in the Cultural Identity of Pasangkayu
Folklore as a Preserver of Cultural Identity
Folklore plays a crucial role in preserving cultural identity by acting as a repository for a community’s collective wisdom, values, and beliefs. Through transmitting stories, myths, and legends across generations, folklore ensures the continuity of cultural practices, allowing communities to maintain a sense of self in the face of changing times. As Bhatia et al. (2021) explain, folklore encapsulates societal norms and moral codes, reflecting the structures that govern social behavior. By embedding these principles in narratives, folklore reinforces them within the community, helping to sustain shared values. Folklore fosters group identity and solidarity, bringing people together through familiar stories, rituals, and traditions. This communal aspect strengthens social bonds and cultivates a collective consciousness, reminding members of their cultural heritage. Furthermore, in the modern era, folklore adapts to new forms of media, such as the Internet and social networks, ensuring its ongoing relevance and accessibility in contemporary society (Hilmiyatun et al., 2021). In this way, folklore becomes a living, dynamic force that shapes identity while preserving the cultural foundations of a community.
In the case of the Vovasanggayu legend, folklore serves as a vital tool for preserving the cultural identity of Pasangkayu. Naming the mangrove trees “Vova Sanggayu” connects the community to the natural environment and reinforces a deep sense of cultural pride. The name, meaning “trees that grow on their own,” emphasizes themes of resilience and autonomy, values central to the community’s identity (Marlina et al., 2021). This link between the environment and cultural traditions underscores how folklore reflects the community’s values and relationship with nature, shaping their collective identity. Using the local language in naming elements of nature highlights the significance of language as a cornerstone of cultural identity, ensuring that traditions and stories remain uniquely tied to their origins (Hermawan & Wulandari, 2021). By embedding cultural specificity into the narrative, the legend becomes a symbol of pride, helping to reinforce a shared sense of belonging. Moreover, the story’s timeless themes of unity, environmental respect, and shared responsibility are adaptable to modern contexts, making the folklore relevant even as the community changes. As the world modernizes, the core values of Folklore protection of nature, respect for tradition, and communal cooperation—can be integrated into contemporary educational and conservation efforts, ensuring the story’s legacy endures for future generations (Sultoni et al., 2022). Through this process, the folklore not only preserves the cultural identity of Pasangkayu but also fosters an enduring connection to its environmental and social heritage.
Ecology Embedded in Storytelling
Ecology embedded in storytelling refers to the integration of natural elements and environmental wisdom within traditional narratives, where human interactions with nature are often central themes. These stories help preserve and transmit the ecological knowledge communities have accumulated over generations, promoting a sense of responsibility toward the environment. Folktales with ecological themes often highlight the sustainable practices and values that enable communities to live harmoniously with their surroundings, teaching environmental stewardship and social responsibility. Such narratives are fundamental in preserving local biodiversity and ecological practices while maintaining cultural identity (Aziz et al., 2023; Bhatia et al., 2021; Gupta, 2022). By blending cultural traditions with ecological wisdom, storytelling is crucial in educating communities about the natural world and fostering a sustainable relationship with it (Sultoni et al., 2022; HL, 2021).
The legend of Vovasanggayu in Pasangkayu is a prime example of how ecology is embedded in storytelling. The folklore surrounding the mangrove trees connects the community’s cultural identity with their natural environment, emphasizing the importance of mangroves in maintaining coastal stability and supporting biodiversity. By framing nature as sacred and vital to the community’s well-being, the story instills a deep respect for the environment and emphasizes ecological values such as resilience and sustainability (Sultoni et al., 2022). In the context of mangroves, this narrative highlights their crucial role in maintaining the ecosystem and encouraging communities to protect these vital resources for future generations. The mangroves’ role in preventing erosion and providing habitats for marine life is underscored in the narrative, emphasizing these trees’ ecological and cultural significance (Bhatia et al., 2021; Amalia & Thohir, 2022). This combination of environmental and cultural elements within the folklore encourages the community to protect these ecosystems actively, ensuring the preservation of cultural heritage and ecological balance for future generations (Bhatia et al., 2021; HL, 2021).
Redemption and Collective Responsibility
Folktales often emphasize themes of redemption by showcasing cultural values and moral teachings. In the story of Ijo from Cape Babia, redemption is achieved through his determination and faith, with his grandmother’s prayers providing crucial support. His success in breaking cultural taboos and returning home safely reflects a journey of personal growth and societal reconciliation (Marlina et al., 2021). Similarly, the story of Nenek Tupu, who selflessly shares her harvest with neighbors, illustrates the importance of generosity and social solidarity, reinforcing collective well-being as a shared responsibility. These narratives demonstrate how redemption often emerges through individual transformation supported by community values, emphasizing the interdependence of personal and societal growth.
Beyond personal redemption, folktales often highlight the broader importance of collective responsibility. The reciprocal care exhibited by characters like Granny Tupu and her neighbor Jirana exemplifies how mutual aid strengthens community bonds during times of need (Marlina et al., 2021). Stories such as these illustrate that collective responsibility is a moral imperative and a practical approach to fostering community resilience. Furthermore, folktales integrate environmental ethics into their moral teachings.
Environmental stewardship is a recurring theme in these stories, often tied to redemption and collective responsibility. In the Vova Sanggayu tale, Puaq’s greed initially threatens communal resources, but Ijo’s intervention reframes the issue as one of shared ecological ownership. This moment, where Puaq recognizes the collective value of the mangroves, illustrates how community dialogue and shared values can resolve conflicts and foster environmental responsibility (Marlina et al., 2021). The villagers’ collective effort to protect the mangroves underscores the strength of unity in achieving shared goals. Together, these narratives demonstrate that redemption and collective responsibility are not just moral ideals but essential pillars for building resilient communities capable of addressing social and environmental challenges.
Critical Reflection on the Legend of Vovasanggayu
The legend of Vovasanggayu exemplifies how folklore serves as a vital bridge between culture and ecology, offering timeless lessons about resilience, unity, and respect for nature. This narrative functions as a repository of wisdom, emphasizing the connection between humans and the environment and highlighting the importance of maintaining harmony with nature. The narrative addresses contemporary challenges such as environmental degradation and cultural shifts, embedding these lessons within a culturally specific framework that ensures its relevance across generations (Kumar, S.C., 2024; Bhatia et al., 2021). By doing so, it not only preserves cultural identity but also promotes sustainability practices, making it a powerful tool for shaping Pasangkayu’s identity, reinforcing community values, and encouraging environmental stewardship (Hermawan & Wulandari, 2021). The folktale’s blend of tradition and ecological wisdom provides a roadmap for addressing cultural and environmental concerns in the modern age.
To maintain its significance, the community must actively integrate the legend into contemporary practices, ensuring its lessons resonate with future generations (Marlina et al., 2021). This requires careful adaptation, as the traditional essence of the story must be preserved while making it accessible and applicable to modern contexts. Incorporating the legend into education, environmental policies, and digital platforms can ensure its relevance. This process involves incorporating the tale into curricula that teach environmental science, cultural heritage, and moral values, thus ensuring that the next generation learns about the importance of ecological and cultural preservation (Hilmiyatun et al., 2021; Bhatia et al., 2021). Schools can play a pivotal role by introducing the legend into formal education systems, providing students with an understanding of environmental ethics and cultural pride from an early age.
Community events celebrating the legend through performances, rituals, or festivals can further reinforce its cultural significance, providing opportunities for people to engage with the story in an interactive and meaningful way. These participatory experiences enable the younger generation to connect dynamically with the folklore and its moral teachings (Hermawan & Wulandari, 2021). Additionally, technological tools such as documentaries or social media campaigns can expand the story’s reach to a broader audience, particularly younger generations, who are more likely to consume content through digital platforms (Marlina et al., 2021). By adapting the transmission of Vovasanggayu to modern methods, it can continue to serve as both a cultural treasure and a guide for sustainable living. The evolving nature of storytelling ensures that the legend continues to serve as a relevant source of wisdom, guiding communities to preserve their heritage while addressing the ecological and social challenges of the future (Sultoni et al., 2022; Kumar, S.C., 2024). Ultimately, the continued adaptation of this folktale will ensure that its core values of unity, environmental respect, and resilience remain central to the community’s collective consciousness.
Conclusion
The intersection of folklore and ecology in Pasangkayu is exemplified through the Vova Sanggayu story, which serves as a cultural and environmental beacon for the community. The folklore of Pasangkayu, particularly the Vova Sanggayu, helps preserve cultural identity by passing down traditional beliefs, customs, and values across generations. The Vova Sanggayu tree, symbolizing safety and ecological balance, reflects the community’s deep-rooted connection with nature. By integrating ecological wisdom into cultural narratives, this folklore reinforces the importance of environmental stewardship and promotes a sustainable relationship between the community and its surroundings. Through this connection, the story helps foster a collective sense of responsibility and unity, emphasizing the value of preserving cultural heritage and natural resources. Furthermore, this folklore’s ongoing preservation and adaptation ensure its continued relevance in a modern world, where environmental challenges and cultural shifts are prevalent. The Vova Sanggayu legend remains an essential tool for educating future generations about balancing tradition and ecological sustainability, ensuring that Pasangkayu’s cultural identity is in harmony with its natural environment.
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Biography
Arwin Ramli is an assistant researcher, social media specialist, and documentary filmmaker dedicated to cultural preservation. He holds a Bachelor’s degree in Broadcasting from Sekolah Tinggi Multi-Media in Yogyakarta and a Master’s degree in Cultural and Creative Industry from Universiti Teknologi MARA (UiTM). His work explores themes of tradition, modernization, and social issues. Arwin represented Indonesia in the 2021 Indonesia-Korea Youth Exchange Program and serves as Vice-Chairman of the Indonesian Tourist Guide Association in Pasangkayu, actively promoting cultural preservation through creative initiatives.
Dr. Zainatul Shuhaida Abdull Rahman is a creative writer, academic, and stage director specializing in media communication, intercultural studies, and creative writing. She holds a Ph.D. in Media Management (UUM), with degrees in Creative Writing (ASWARA) and Communication (UUM). She has published books, poems, and journal articles and presented at national and international conferences. A prolific artist, she directed over 40 stage productions and wrote award-winning scripts, including Kembali Kurnia. She also contributed to Herbs Magazine and pioneered digital storytelling projects featuring indigenous narratives like Lokman-Kensiu and Gua Puteri-Lanoh.