The Javanese Slametan as Practiced as Tradition and Identity
Nurdien H. Kistanto

Abstract
Tradition can be understood as the handing down of local knowledge, statements,practices, beliefs, legends, customs, information, from generation to generation, especially by word of mouth or by practice, or something that is handed down, a long-established or inherited way of thinking or acting. It is an inherited, established, or customary pattern of thought, action, or behavior, as a religious practice or a social custom. Meanwhile, identity may be described as “The state or fact of being the same one; the state or fact of remaining the same one, as under varying aspects or conditions; the condition of being oneself or itself, and not another; the condition or character that distinguishes a person or a thing.”In one society tradition and identity can be related one to each other since one major tradition could be considered as one prominent identity to this society. An endurable tradition may generate a meaningful identity to one society. It is believed that that tradition is a conscious model of past lifeways that people use in the construction of their identity.One example of tradition discussed here is the Javanese slametan, which is practiced from generation to generation whether by the Javanese who live in Java island or those who live in other areas, which include outer islands such as Bali, Madura, Sumatra, and Kalimantan as well as in the Netherlands Suriname.

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