Magical Expression in the Wonge Ritual of Ternate Ethnic in North Maluku, Indonesia

Abstract

This article examines the aim and purpose of performing the wonge ritual, how to summon spirits and inheritance techniques. The form of the analysis is a form of magical expression in the wonge rituals of the indigenous people of Ternate and the cultural messages contained in these magical expressions. This study used an ethnographic approach, by looking at the cultural discourse side. The studies seen from the cultural discourse are almost the same as ethnolinguistic studies, anthropological linguistics and anthropolinguistics. This study was descriptive research. The primary data source was the indigenous people of Ternate, especially the traditional leaders and ritual actors. Method in collecting the data was observation, interviews and documentary studies. This method was carried out through recording, elicitation, and note-taking techniques. The data analysis procedure started with data collection, data reduction, interpretation, data presentation, data interpretation and conclusion drawing. The data were analyzed qualitatively using the inductive method. The results showed that the form of magical expressions in the Wonge ritual is in the form of local language verbal expressions such words form. The Wonge ritual is as the form of public offering to the spirit. The society communicates with the spirit through the Wonge ritual. The spirit is believed to be a source of supernatural power in the life of the indigenous people of Ternate as the protector, healer, savior and fortune-teller.