Lifecycle Rites

Tradition is a series of events or habits that are carried out continuously, passed down from generation to generation, and do not know renewal. Customs are seen as part of life, especially in traditional societies. Tradition are believed to have values ​​and are upheld and obeyed by the supporting community. These customs are born, grow and develop naturally from generation to generation in society so that they last a very long time.
Circumcision of women is a form of tradition that is carried out in several regions of Indonesia. Circumcision of women is only done in a few areas or communities. Circumcision is only performed on children aged under five or before entering adolescence. Usually these customs are accompanied by traditional and religious ceremonies or rituals. Overall, circumcision is carried out starting from simply touching the cutting tool or the symbol of the cutting tool above the vagina to the stage of completely cutting off the female clitoris.
Because it has been done for generations, circumcision is mandatory for some women. Sunat Perempuan is also believed to be a legal requirement for women as Muslims, as well as maintaining their chastity and controlling the needs of these women. Women who are not circumcised are often seen as 'flirty' women, who cannot respect themselves and their families. Meanwhile, in custom and culture, women are honored and glorified as a pillar of family honor. Thus, the community and family control the glory of women through their sexuality needs and feel bad if the local community gossips if the girl or herself (adult woman) is not circumcised. This is a social sanction for society if they don't do it. Therefore, even though they already know that circumcision is dangerous for their daughters and themselves, the strong social sanctions make women as mothers encourage their daughters to continue practicing circumcision.
Why are there different traditions of Sunat Perempuan in each region? So there is a practice of circumcision that is detrimental to women. The tradition of Sunat Perempuan is a symbol of women entering adulthood. Where women will experience changes physically and mentally. The practice of injuring the clitoris does not have a medical effect. There are even some practices that refer to violence. A tradition is carried out so that humans can interpret a certain event so that they get a peaceful life. But what if the tradition causes trauma and wounds? Is this tradition worthy of being passed down from generation to generation without any changes?