Unique Event of 'Dipatadongkon' Tradition in Mamasa, Where the Deceased Sits on a Chair Surrounded by Family

A unique event that the Mamasa people carry out when facing death is the Dipatadongkon tradition. This tradition was passed down from generation to generation by their ancestors and continues today with great solemnity and meaning. In the Dipatadongkon tradition, a clean and washed body sits on a wooden chair decorated with red, black and yellow cloth. The body was placed in the middle of the family, surrounding it with a strong atmosphere of sadness. In this tradition, the corpse is no longer seen as something alive, but as something pure and holy, preparing to leave the world. After sitting in the chair, the family and friends present offered prayers and words of respect to the body. The body is then given rations of foods such as white rice, side dishes, vegetables and fruits that are served on the table in front of it. They believe that the corpse still needs food as provisions for the next journey and as a sign of respect and love for the deceased. The Dipatadongkon tradition...