"Puah Meto"

Battle Nut

​

​ Betel nut chewing is an ancestral heritage culture on the island of Timor.  The existence of betel nut chewing culture involves everyone from various groups of adults, young people and children. This is because the betel nut chewing program contains meanings that unite and foster mutual respect for one another. Togetherness in chewing betel nut makes them one big family because, they chew betel nut from the same place called in Dawan language 'uab meto' kabi or oko mama.

This betel nut chewing culture is a culture of brotherhood because they sit together while talking about life, talking about children's education, exchanging ideas in providing solutions to the problems of household life. This betel nut chewing culture also contains aspects of life that can bind the community together. In addition to these aspects betel nut also contains social values including: The value of brotherhood, the value of unification, the value of respect for guests and the value of respect for ancestors. In addition, betel nut chewing has many functions for life every day, among others: health function, social function, economic function, betel nut function in facilitating all ancestral customs, betel nut function as a cure for supernatural diseases, and a unifier for humans and ancestors who have passed away. besides that betel nut chewing for .... people, contains meanings that can bind together in everyday life including: Biological meaning, physical meaning, anthropological life meaning, and cultural life meaning. Betel nut chewing culture is still a daily habit of chewing. Betel nut is used in various tribal ceremonies for the Tunbab people such as marriage parties, grief ceremonies and other ceremonies. In addition, betel nut is an encouragement to work or sit and relax. Betel nut chewing can also unite family members who have disagreements and even quarrels. By sitting together and talking among themselves, a solution will be found so as to overcome the problems being faced in front of witnesses. The middle ground is taken by presenting betel nut between them to be chewed and reconciliation occurs. This is done so that there is peace and love between them. Therefore, chewing betel nut has a very deep meaning, namely uniting. Betel nut chewing also contains values of togetherness that are relevant to the life of the Tunbab community. Therefore, it is necessary to maintain this cultural heritage to be passed on from generation to generation to the younger generation and children (Siki, 2023).

​

Reference: 

​

SIKI, Y. (2023). Makna Kunyah Sirih Pinang Menurut Orang Tunbab Dan Relevansinya Bagi Kehidupan Bersama (Doctoral dissertation, IFTK Ledalero).​​